Lux Debate Camp

Lux is the Latin word for light. In our current culture, debates about religion or politics too often produce heat, but no light. We want to train students to shine light, without unnecessary heat, on difficult subjects.

Our Philosophy

• Debate - has a long and noble history in Western Civilization, going all the way back to ancient Greece. One of the core values of traditional Western Civilization is that ideas matter, and the best ideas should have preeminence in society.

• Public Speaking - In just about any career field, the ability to stand up before an audience and speak well and communicate effectively is an asset of incalculable value. Critical Thinking – Critical thinking has almost become a lost art in our current culture. This has dire implications for our society - if we don't turn it around. We must turn it around.

• Critical Thinking - Critical thinking has almost become a lost art in our current culture. This has dire implications for our society - if we don't turn it around. We must turn it around.

Our Program

• Debate - Probably there is no better single skill to prepare middle school and high school students for academic success in college, as well as professional success in life, than debate. Studying debate develops and accelerates myriad skills in students, such as critical thinking, research skills, oral & written communication skills, public speaking and teamwork. And if done properly, it also tends to develop intellectual curiosity and a love of learning in the student.

• Public Speaking - Many people have a great fear of public speaking. And probably all of us - even the best and most experienced public speakers - still feel some nervousness and an adrenaline rush when we stand up to speak in front of a large crowd. But those who are able to overcome their fears and master the art of public speaking will enjoy many benefits and rewards in life.

• Critical Thinking - In a 2016 research report by PayScale, 60% of managers of new college graduates cited "critical thinking / problem solving" as the skill most lacking in new college graduates. In light of this alarming finding, we view debate not just as a "nice to have" extracurricular activity, but rather as an essential part of academic training that every student should receive.