Summer Academic Enrichment Eligible Programs

Goals

Students will:

• Become an effective and confident public speaker through basic training on vocalics like pace, diction, vocal tone, volume, etc.

• Build their confidence and skill set

• Learn the art of single-script and program oral interpretation

• Learn the fundamentals of oral interpretation, including: selecting literature, cutting pieces, identifying themes, and writing introductions

• Understand acting fundamentals such as characterization (internalization/externalization), blocking, use of tech (miming), and scene building

• Develop a minimum of one piece (either single-script or program oral interpretation) to be 'tournament ready' by the showcase date.

These skills and content knowledge provided at this camp directly translate to classroom work. Speech writing, structure, and interpretation of literature help prepare students for success in their English coursework. Students are asked to consider multiple perspectives in crafting the content of their persuasive and informative speeches. Participants gradually gain confidence in public speaking through repeated, low-stakes exposure to an audience. This skill becomes useful in all aspects of life, and in any courses where students are required to do public presentations. Middle school students can also bring these skills to later high school speech competitions and other oratorical contests.

As students move from distance learning to in-person learning, it is particularly important to re-engage their voices and face-to-face interaction. Students will also learn techniques to mitigate public speaking anxiety and ways to cope when overwhelmed during in-person presentations.

Activities

We make learning engaging, fun, and competitive.

Students learn to think on their feet and speak during games and practice rounds, improving moment to moment. We offer a low-stakes environment where students can build the skills they need to thrive at high-pressure tournaments during the season.

Our knowledgeable, caring, and experienced staff love forensics and they want to share the activity with you! We hire experienced university instructors, classroom teachers, and speech and debate coaches who have a proven track record of coaching champion speakers from many backgrounds.

It's not all work and no play. Frequent breaks and a free lunch period are important for our camp model. We make time for rest and opportunities to connect with fellow campers. Whether students like outdoor fun, board games, or arts and crafts, they'll enjoy the 'traditional camp activities' we try to integrate where we can!

Each camp's programming increases in difficulty and complexity day-by-day, allowing shy students to become accustomed to speaking in public bit by bit before they reach the camp's cumulative event, a showcase or tournament. At Oral Interpretation Camp, students will perform the pieces they have developed in a showcase attended by parents and family members.

Program Dates

The oral interpretation camp will take place on the following dates:

06/17/2024 – 06/22/2024 M – TU, TH – SA

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO PROGRAMMING WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19TH FOR THE JUNETEENTH FEDERAL/STATE HOLIDAY.

Can students reside on campus? No

Can students commute to campus? Yes

Can students take online classes? No