Summer Academic Enrichment Eligible Programs

Goals

In 2014, we put our debate model in the hands of Spanish teachers and our students’ family members. From that seed sprouted the concept for the Spanish Debate League. Spanish Debate League is designed to be a place where Spanish speaking students have an academic space where speaking in Spanish and having your culture celebrated and affirmed is primary.

Our Spanish Debate Summer Camp is an extension of this work. Marni Ginther, Spanish Debate League coach at Edison High School, explains: “This kind of debate gives academic prestige and importance to students’ culture and home language, therefore validating both parts of these students’ identities. It shows kids that their home language is worthy of academic study and discussion.”

By extending this programming into the summer months, students can build upon the knowledge they learned in spring competitions. They can also maintain relationships with debate friends over the summer and build new friendships with other Spanish-speaking students from the Twin Cities.

Our primary goals for Spanish Debate camp include:

- Improve Spanish fluency through debate methods: research, case-writing, public presentation, cross examination, and refutation. - Gain advanced Spanish vocabulary through reading non-fiction sources about contemporary issues. - Help students create bonds with other members of the Spanish-speaking community in the Twin Cities. - Provide opportunities for students to see Augsburg University’s campus and learn about the full-tuition Augsburg Promise Scholarship.

Because students will learn fundamental debate skills (including public speaking, argumentation, and case-building) as well as improve their Spanish language skills, this camp supports multiple academic outcomes. Naturally, Spanish language skill-building will be useful in World Language coursework. Students will also use argumentation and public speaking skills within their English, Social Studies, and Advanced Placement/IB co

Activities

After hosting the nation’s largest Spanish Debate League since 2014, we have expanded to offer summer programming for Spanish speakers. In Summer 2022, MNUDL will offer Spanish Debate Summer Camp for the first time.

Spanish-speaking students will build community, improve their fluency, and learn argumentation skills at this fun, challenging, and exciting day camp. They’ll also create and strengthen their bonds with other Spanish speakers in the Twin Cities.

Debate camp won’t be all work and no play. Each fundamental debate skill will be taught through fun and engaging debate games, instructed by caring and energetic Spanish-fluent camp staff members. Students will also have the opportunity to blow off steam and enjoy the summer weather during breaks and outdoor games at Murphy Square on Augsburg University’s campus.

Students will have the opportunity to construct speeches about the topics that they are most passionate about. Our overarching debate topic will be developed with input from Spanish Debate League coaches and students.

Throughout camp, parents and members of our volunteer group from our Spanish Debate League will be invited to share their expertise and serve as debate judges. As judges, volunteers listen to students, provide feedback for improvement, and choose a winner for each debate. Judges are trained to carefully examine students’ arguments and provide constructive criticism. These volunteers come from groups including Normandale Community College’s LUNA Club, Spanish language graduate students at the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association, the Consulado de México en Saint Paul, and more.

On the final day of camp- Saturday, July 9th- the event will end with an exciting family celebration. Students can invite parents, family members, and friends to their final debate showcase, where we will provide a meal, cupcakes, and trophies for a special award ceremony.

Program Dates

Camp will be held 07/05/2022 - 07/09/2022 from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

Can students reside on campus? No

Can students commute to campus? Yes

Can students take online classes? No