Samford University’s nationally recognized debate team hosted its 50th annual Summer Debate Institute, July 1-6.

“It is an opportunity for students to experience the collegiate lifestyle, explore Samford’s campus and surround them with Samford debaters,” said debate director Lee Quinn.

Since 1974, Samford debaters have mentored middle and high school students through this summer program. Acting as lab leaders, Samford’s team delivers lectures, judges debates and assists with research.

“This summer camp for middle and high schoolers provides an opportunity for high school debaters to develop their skills,” Quinn said. “It is a hands-on experience that trains debaters how to win at the highest levels.”

For students lacking debate programs at their schools, this summer program equips them with tools to start their own.

“As someone who did not have a coach in high school, attending debate camp was the only way to access debate resources,” Quinn said. “As the old saying goes: ‘Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach them to fish and you feed them for a lifetime.’ That is the mission statement of our camp.”

The mentorship by lab leaders often continues beyond camp, with many students reaching out for additional advice throughout the debate season.

Samford’s debate team closed the 2024 season ranked third nationally—its second top-five finish in three years.