Who should apply?

EXL is not a large omnibus camp designed for every type of student. We’re a small, focused lab dedicated to particular needs. We’re mostly aimed at intermediate to advanced competitors who already have familiarity with extemp.

Students should have at least a year of Extemp or a similar event under their belt. They should already understand how to structure an extemp speech, and be able to deliver a passable speech given normal 30 minutes of prep time, before coming to EXL. Students unable to do this coming into camp will not get a lot out of our program; they should instead take a look at the Extemp Program at the National Speakers’ Forum in Ft Lauderdale.

The last requirement, which is more loose, is that students should come to camp with an open mind. EXL teaches novel methods and techniques, and will challenge speakers to try approaches and methods that they’ve never heard of before. If a student isn’t at least willing to try something new, but wants to stick to a formula, EXL is not the right choice.

We also will teach and encourage students to become self motivated learners after camp.  We strongly believe that there are no instant results in extemp; anyone who claims to deliver a complete extemp education in only two weeks is selling snake oil.  Instead, we’re focused on giving students the tools to advance how they learn in the long term; we teach them how to learn, how to read books, and how to get themselves into a sharp anaytic framework and speaking style that suits them individually.

Thus the camp is different every year, depending on the students who come; students should be ready to participate and be engaged in that process.

If you have any questions, please contact Chris Palmer at palmer@summitdebate.com

Application Information & Tuition

Apply online now!
Your coach should send a recommendation to Summit Debate. We’d like an evaluation of your strengths, weaknesses and goals as a speaker.  We’re particularly interested in hearing about what you need to improve on the most as a speaker; after all if you were perfect, you shouldn’t come to camp in the first place!  If your coach is a Summit staffer, a recommendation isn’t necessary; we’ll talk to the coach directly.  Otherwise, please have your coach email the evaluation to palmer@summitdebate.com.

A $40 application fee is due with each application for consideration; you can pay this by check or online through the online application system.

Admissions are competitive. If you are admitted, a tuition deposit of $500 will be due to secure your spot. The balance of tuition is due by May 15th, 2009.

Tuition

  • Residential program: $1895
  • Commuter program: $1095