Attending the Behes Boot Camp was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. I went in thinking it was just going to be about learning how to debate, but it turned out to be so much more.
It helped me find my voice, think outside the box, and step out of my comfort zone. The camp provided an incredible introduction to school debates, setting a solid foundation for anyone looking to excel in public speaking.
The camp started with debate theory, and I’ll admit, it felt a bit overwhelming at first. I had no idea what terms like “POI” or “rebuttal” even meant! But as soon as we started the practical sessions, everything began to make sense. We didn’t just learn about debating—we practiced it. Every day, we got to try out different motions, work on our speeches, and get feedback that helped us improve round after round. These exercises helped me understand what it takes to be part of the best debate teams.
We also did writing exercises, which were super helpful. They taught me how to structure my thoughts clearly and argue persuasively. This didn’t just help me in debates—it even made writing school essays easier! And then, there were the theatre activities, which were honestly so much fun. I never expected acting to help with debating, but it did! It taught me how to speak confidently, use body language, and keep my audience’s attention—all essential skills for public speaking.
But what really made the boot camp special were the people. I made some amazing friends—people from different schools and backgrounds who shared the same passion for debate. We laughed, learned, and grew together. By the end of the camp, we weren’t just classmates; we were friends for life.
Looking back, the Behes Boot Camp didn’t just make me a better debater—it made me a more confident person. It showed me that I can handle new challenges, speak my mind, and stand up for what I believe in. It was more than just a camp; it was a life-changing experience that I’ll always remember. If you're interested in school debates or want to become part of the best school debate teams, I highly recommend attending a Behes Boot Camp.