Thetford Academy and Hanover High School have teamed up to offer the new Upper Valley Speech and Debate Camp (UVSDC). Open to students rising to grades 7-12, Upper Valley Speech and Debate Camp has something for all skill levels. Join us on Thetford Academy’s beautiful campus this summer and get immersed in the rhetorical joys of persuasive argumentation!
The Upper Valley Speech and Debate Camp (UVSDC) is a week-long day program designed to help students build confidence, sharpen their public speaking, and develop strong critical thinking and argumentation skills – all in a fun and welcoming environment.
While the camp is geared toward beginning debaters, the engaging workshops, team activities, and hands-on practice offer something valuable for every skill level.
Led by passionate, experienced high school debaters and coaches from Thetford Academy and Hanover High School, UVSDC gives students the tools to analyze information, craft persuasive arguments, and speak with clarity and conviction.
UVSDC will run from August 4-8, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m at Thetford Academy. Registration is $200. For more information, contact [email protected].
By the end of the week, UVSDC participants will:
- Gain confidence in public speaking
- Learn the structure and strategy behind Public Forum Debate
- Practice impromptu speaking and constructive argumentation
- Receive feedback from experienced debaters and coaches
- Participate in a fun, low-pressure final tournament
Corin Benedict is the debate coach at Hanover High School where she works as a math teacher and department coordinator. Her favorite thing about debate is digging into the research about a new topic.
Kristen Downey is the debate coach at Thetford Academy where she works as an English teacher and Teaching & Learning Coordinator. Her favorite thing about coaching debate is the surprising ways students tackle an argument.
Oliver Benedict is a rising senior at Hanover High School and a leader of the school debate team. This summer, he’s a returning staff member at a residential debate camp on the coast. When he’s not debating, he’s playing soccer or helping his crew team on the water. His favorite speech is still what he calls the “bread and butter” rebuttal speech.
Daniel Mann is a rising senior at Thetford Academy and a leader of the school debate team. Raised in Tucson, AZ, he learned the impact of strong delivery playing in a mariachi band — an experience that now shapes his approach to debate.
