Advanced Programs
Take debate to the next level
What are the Advanced Programs?
A special program within our summer offerings designed to help debaters sharpen their debate knowledge and skills. Students split their time between a high-level seminar on an important and relevant issue or topic and debating with an expert instructor in preparation for the transition to debate in college.
Who are the Advanced Programs for?
Designed for high school students who are hungry for an intensive, fast-paced learning experience. Students will be working with peers of a similar debate experience level (see track descriptions below), but all programs are academically challenging and assume an ability to engage with high-level thinking.
That is why all students must apply to participate in the Advanced Programs.
Week 1: Empires, Mandates, and Memory: The Making and Unmaking of the Modern Middle East
How did the modern Middle East come to be and why does it remain the epicenter of so many global conflicts today? This seminar helps students trace the deep historical forces that shaped the region, from the collapse of empires and colonial mandates to the drawing of borders that continue to define the region. The first half of the session explores the historical construction of the Middle East: the Ottoman legacy, European interventions, and the emergence of modern states. The second half transitions to contemporary geopolitics, unpacking key conflicts, alliances, and the evolving role of foreign powers.
This course is designed for students to understand the region and know how to debate about it, as well as improving their critical thinking skills regarding international relations as a whole.
Week 2: Liberty and the Law: The Bill of Rights in the 21st Century
The rule of law and the Bill of Rights are foundational to American democracy, promising individual liberty and constraining government power. Yet in recent decades, these principles have faced severe tests—from the Bush administration’s use of torture and the Obama-era drone strike against a U.S. citizen, to unprecedented challenges to democratic norms under the Trump administration. This course examines the enduring ideals behind the Bill of Rights and explores how they are being upheld, stretched, or undermined in the modern era. Through constitutional analysis, historical context, and contemporary case studies, students will grapple with urgent questions: What happens when national security conflicts with civil liberties? Can the rule of law withstand partisan pressure? What role do citizens, courts, and the Constitution play in defending democracy today?
Small, collegiate-level seminars led by expert instructors focusing on a particularly relevant global issue. Students immerse themselves in learning and discussion around their chosen subject.
Tracks
Students are placed in the appropriate group based on their application
Intensive debate technique instruction, designed for groups of students with similar levels of debate experience.
Transition to Collegiate Debate
An exciting opportunity for debaters looking to transition to collegiate debating or to bring their skills and knowledge base to that level. Taught by a highly experienced and successful debate coach.
Appropriate for highly experienced older debaters (rising juniors, seniors and college freshmen) who has achieved regular success at regional, national and international competitions.
Advanced Intermediate
Group designed for high school debaters who want to really focus on improving their competitive game.
Appropriate for experienced high school debaters of any age. Experienced rising 9th graders will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Advanced Topic/Intensive Beginner
Combination of Advanced Topics Seminar and accelerated debate instruction
Appropriate for new debaters or those with minimal experience who are interested in the Advanced Topics Seminars subjects and are willing learning debate at an accelerated pace
Teachers
Manuel Machorro - Week 1
Manuel is originally from Mexico City and a recent graduate of Bates College, where he double majored in Politics and Philosophy. He has been actively involved in the debate world since 2015—as a speaker, judge, convener, and coach.
Manuel’s competitive achievements are exceptional. Manuel was a member of Team Mexico WSDC from 2017-2021. While there, he broke at the World Schools Debating Championships three times and earned top 10 speaker rankings at prestigious competitions such as Harvard World Schools and Oxford World Schools.
Manuel continued his success at the university level. Most recently, Manuel was a Grand Finalist at the World Universities Debating Championships (WUDC) in Panama. He also reached the Grand Final of the Oxford IV, one of the most prestigious university tournaments in the world, and advanced to the championship rounds of both the Glasgow European Universities Debating Tournament and the U.S. Universities Debating Championship. Manuel has consistently earned top speaker awards in college, including 2nd place at the Yale IV and 4th at Cambridge.
In addition to competing, Manuel has judged the Grand Finals of WSDC and has served as Head Coach of Team Mexico since 2023, mentoring the next generation of world-class debaters.
Outside of debate, Manuel is passionate about the arts—he enjoys reading, theater, and singing, and was a member of an a cappella group at Bates. He has recently taken up running and is currently training for his second half marathon.
Patrick Henderson - Week 2
Patrick Henderson is a political science major at Middlebury College and an accomplished debater with deep roots in both Westfield and the debate community. He began his journey at Westfield Academy at just five years old and has been a dedicated member of the program ever since. In high school, Patrick achieved extraordinary success. He won 14 debate tournaments and earned 43 individual awards. With his partner, he was ranked the top parliamentary debate team on the East Coast and the second-ranked team in the United States. He twice qualified to represent the U.S. at the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships, competing in Australia and South Africa. Patrick was also a leading member of the Westfield team that won the World Championship title in the International Public Policy Forum (IPPF)—a prestigious nine-month global competition that combines written and oral debate. He and his team chose to donate their $10,000 prize to fund scholarships for students from underserved communities to access debate education. Patrick also won the McGill British Parliamentary Debate Tournament—becoming part of the first American team ever to do so. His other notable victories include championships at the Yale Invitational, the Vassar Invitational, the Loomis Varsity Debate Tournament, the Ridge Tournament, the Hackley Tournament, and the Northfield Mount Hermon Speaking Tournament. Beyond debate, Patrick was an active Model UN participant, winning 20 awards at Model UN conferences, including six “Best Delegate” honors—one at Yale MUN, the highest recognition given. At Middlebury College, Patrick has continued his success, serving twice as captain of the debate team. He has taught and tutored debate for over eight years through Westfield Academy and at Middlebury. He also organized and led a volunteer initiative providing weekly mentorship in debate and public speaking to Rohingya students who had fled the genocide in Myanmar.
Outside of academics and debate, Patrick enjoys hiking with his dog, writing for Middlebury’s satirical newspaper The Local Noodle, and spending time with friends.
Advanced Programs Fee: $150
Fee is in addition to regular summer program tuition. You will be not be charged the fee unless your student gets in to our advanced programs.
How to Apply:
First click on this link to register and pay the general fee for our summer program. Let us know you are interested in applying for this program by selecting the Program ‘Debate Program with Application for Advanced’ when registering for High School Debate. No additional cost will be added at this point.
Only after registering for the general camp, the camper should apply here for the advanced programs
You will be notified if you have been accepted to the program and, if so, you will be asked to log back into your registration account and pay the additional advanced programs fee of $150.
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