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Florida Civics and Debate Initiative Hosts 2024 Summer Camp for Students



Students, mentors and leaders posing for a group photo.


Tallahassee, Fla. – This past summer, the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI)

successfully hosted their first annual Civics and Debate Summer Camp. More than 130

Florida debate students attended the enriching and adventurous five-day camp. Held

from June 24-28 in the Florida Panhandle, the Summer Camp was an immersive debate

opportunity for novice, as well as experienced, debate students. The camp combined

intensive debate instruction with fun recreational activities.


“Under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, Florida is leading in civics education to

foster a generation of engaged and informed citizens,” said Florida Commissioner of

Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “The FCDI Summer Camp and the initiative’s year-round programs equip students with critical thinking skills that empower them to actively

participate in our republic.”


FCDI’s Summer Camp was facilitated by seasoned debate coaches and mentors. The

Florida Debate Initiative, a partner of FCDI, also facilitated debate instruction and

competitions. Through coaching and debate sessions, students honed their research,

critical thinking, public speaking and technical debate skills.



Students participating in a lively debate session during the FCDI Summer Camp.

Over the five days, students participated in civics and debate courses, enhancing their

skills and knowledge in four areas of debate: Primary Document Sources and Speech

Topic Development, Congressional Debate, Extemporaneous Debate and Impromptu

Speaking.



In addition to the educational debate sessions, students enjoyed various recreational

and outdoor activities, including swimming, canoeing, paintball, archery and more. They

spent their evenings gathering around bonfires, roasting s’mores and playing games.

These activities offered a well-rounded camp experience that encouraged camaraderie,

team building and outdoor exploration.



Campers enjoying kayaking on the lake as part of the camp's recreational activities.

Students practicing archery.
A student jumping onto the “blob” in the lake at the camp.

Interested in being a part of next year's Summer Camp? Sign up here to join our e-mail list!


For more information about the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative, visit


ABOUT THE FLORIDA CIVICS AND DEBATE INITIATIVE

The Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI) is committed to enhancing civics

education and debate programs in Florida's schools. Established by the Florida

Department of Education and the Florida Education Foundation, FCDI uses debate as a

tool to enrich civics education, fostering critical thinking and public speaking skills

among students.

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