By Succeed Debate
Camp Overview
The Civics Spark Camp is run from 9:30 A.M to 3:30 P.M. The camp is entirely run within the meeting room in the Struthers Library. This opportunity is completely free to attend with no hidden fees, and is open to any student grades 5-8.
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Please follow these guidelines to review what camp looks like:​
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Transportation: Parents/guardians are responsible for getting kids to and from camp.
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Registration: Registration is required, students cannot be accepted at the door. Register here!
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Drop-off and pick-up: There must be a parent or guardian present during pick-up or drop-off with a valid ID. The parent or gaurdian must be the parent/guardian who completed registration. If another parent/guardian wishes to sign a student in or out, we must be informed of this arrangement beforehand. You can contact us here, or inform one of our counselors of this arrangement in-person. If these requirements aren't met, a student cannot be signed in or out.
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Behavior policy: We have a zero tolerance policy regarding ​disrespect, violence, threats, racism, sexism, homophobia, and any and all other forms of harmful behavior from our students.
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Emergencies: Please communicate to camp administration and staff of anything we should know about your child before the first day of camp and during registration. Our first priority is the safety of our students, so please tell us about dietary restrictions (especially allergies), religious circumstances, prescription medication, etc.
Here's what we'll cover:
Monday, June 23rd
America's Foundation
We'll first cover America's roots, our Founding Father's visions, and how our government works. We'll focus on establishing a base understanding of American civics to discuss policy.
Tuesday, June 24th
Public Speaking
How do you give a speech? What are logos, ethos, and pathos? How do you engage an audience? These are all questions we'll answer, and skills we'll begin to implement on Day 2.
Wednesday, June 25th
Policy and Reform
The most important part of fixing a problem is creating a solution! On Day 3, we'll teach students how to create and advocate for innovative, practical, and novel solutions to everyday problems.
Thursday, June 26th
Debate
It's one thing to read a written-out speech, it's another to actively debate on your feet after being questioned. We'll cover how students can respectfully, yet effectively, question, answer, and refute in a civil debate.
Friday, June 27th
Presentations
Parents welcome!
On our last day, we'll put together everything we've learned to have a final debate on an issue. Students will give speeches, have opportunities to question each other, and debate a piece of legislation. Parents are welcome to watch their kids engage in this debate showcase!