Ridge Forensics Speech & Debate Institute Summer Camp

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Ridge Forensics, the state championship interscholastic speech and debate team for Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, is excited to announce their 2023 Summer Institute in Speech and Debate is returning this July. The institute serves as a fundraiser to help the team's travel and tournament expenses during the academic year.

In-person offerings will occur during the weeks of July 10 - 14 and July 17-21. Both will be taught by the Ridge High School and William Annin Middle School (WAMS) coaching staff, along with members of the Ridge High School state championship team.

Both weeks will offer classes in Speech and Debate, along with elective classes including STEM, literature, broadcasting, writing, and more. The workshop will continue its 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. schedule and is open to students from all school districts.

"We’re thrilled to be back for our eighth year! Particularly with digital communication dominating student culture, we believe it’s imperative for young people to find their voice and become confident communicators in not just school, but their daily lives as well. We are so impressed by how much our attendees grow during the week," said RHS Forensics Team director David Yastremski.

Students who will be entering grades 5 through 9 are invited to attend either or both weeks. The institute will feature lectures, workshops, and coaching sessions that will help students practice and polish their skills in all three genres of forensic speaking: debate, public address, and interpretation.

Loren Raye, alumna and institute staff member, says: "we are proud to be laying a foundation that students will be able to build upon for the rest of their lives."

There will also be time for independent and group social activities that allow scholars to put their newfound skills into practice.

Stephanie Fletcher, assistant coach of the high school team and WAMS drama teacher, adds,
"As a parent, I want my children to have social and engaging activities which will help them
as they return to the school year in the fall. Whether our students become competitive
speakers or not, all students will have an opportunity to develop their skills and interact
with others in a fun, safe, exciting environment!"

"Pre-teen and teen students are navigating an incredibly challenging communication
landscape. Our institute will help young people gain confidence when communicating with
everyone from friends and family, to teachers, coaches and beyond. We don’t simply focus
on speech and debate competition; we’re helping students work though this always-
changing world to become strong communicators and critical thinkers," says Yastremski.

The Ridge Speech and Debate Team competes at the local, regional, and national levels.

They were awarded their 21st consecutive New Jersey State Championship team title this
past March. They will compete at the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National
tournament during Memorial Day weekend and the National Speech and Debate
Association National Championship in June.

Details and registration information can be accessed at ridgeforensics.com.

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