Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you charging so much money?
We understand that debate camp is expensive: and PFBC is no exception to this rule. It costs quite a bit of money to secure classroom space, dorm space, and to feed all attendees of the camp. We also want to make sure that our amazing debate coaches are compensated in a way that reflects their ability.
Moreover, PFBC takes a curricular approach that is unique to other camps: while we have fewer full days of scheduled instruction at camp, 100% of that instruction is active time spent preparing for debates or debating. Other camps spend valuable time (often, 3-5 full days of camp) on large group lectures or unstructured time for “drills” or “lab”. We think that’s unproductive. We offer more actual debate rounds at our camp in less time than anywhere else.
Despite this, PFBC’s cost is comparable to other camps: without including the pre-camp content to be delivered electronically. More on that later. Including our pre-camp content, we’re the cheapest. See a breakdown here.
I’m not sure if I can afford that. Is there a way I can get a scholarship or a discount?
We don’t want the cost of camp to be a barrier to anybody who wants to attend. If your family’s financial situation merits a discount or a scholarship, please follow these instructions:
Indicate your intent to apply for a scholarship on your application for camp this summer.
Email info@publicforumboot.camp with information related to your financial situation. Include the amount that you are in a position to pay for camp, or the alternative arrangement that you are proposing.
Please include a document or documents to clarify your present financial situation (e.g., on scholarship at school, free and reduced lunch, et cetera) in your email. If you have questions about what to include, please let us know.
To date, not a single student who has needed financial aid for PFBC has been turned away from camp.
Christian and Bryce will review applications and approve scholarships and payment plans on a rolling basis.
How do I pay for camp?
You may write a check to “Hephaestus LLC” and mail it to us, use a credit or debit card to pay through our online store, or use PayPal. You will receive payment information once your application is reviewed and accepted.
Okay, I’m interested. What do we actually do at camp?
As the camp philosophy implies, you will primarily do research, rounds, and redos here at camp. The goal is for you to spend as much time debating as possible. There will also be scheduled time for you to take meal breaks, ask questions of our camp staff during office hours, and prepare for debates within your teams of 12 students and 3 instructors. For a more complete breakdown of what you’ll be doing at camp, check out our daily schedule here.
Oh, also, the camp tournament, where you will be able to challenge anybody at the camp to a round rather than having us tell you who you’ll debate. It’ll be fun.
Wait: I looked at the schedule, and this camp doesn’t have lectures?
When you are physically at camp, you are correct: you will not have a single lecture. However, we will be offering a full set of lectures that you would receive at any other camp for you to listen to, if you choose, before you come to camp. These will generally be broken into two categories: lectures about the mechanics of the round and the role of each speech, and lectures about more effectively making decisions both before and during each round. Each lecture will be around 15 minutes long, so that you can easily digest it in one setting, rather than taking over an hour, like at other camps.
We will release these lectures closer to camp.
How do I know if I’m admitted?
We will email acceptances on a rolling basis. The priority deadline for camp is January 31. The second deadline for camp is March 30. After that point, applications will only be accepted on a rolling basis, as space permits.
What else do we need to do before camp?
Besides listening to any content lectures that you would like, there are a few lectures that we will expect every student to have watched before arriving at camp. These include instructions on Verbatim and cutting cards, our expectations for behavior at camp, and round setup and logistics, such as setting up an email chain.
Because you will have a practice round on the first full day of camp, we would also recommend that you begin reading about the topic and formulating a strategy before your first lab session. At the least, you should begin to outline your cases.
Do you need to travel to camp with an adult or guardian?
Short answer: no. So long as you are following your airline’s guidelines regarding travel as an unaccompanied minor, we will meet you at baggage claim when you land and transport you to camp straight from there. If you are traveling locally, your parent or guardian does not need to come in with you to check in (though they are, of course, welcome to!). The U of M also has parking garages available if you would like to drive yourself to and from camp - but, these are public garages that charge a daily rate. PFBC is not responsible for your vehicle while it is parked at camp.
I’m flying to camp. When should I book flights? How will I get to and from the airport?
PFBC will provide a shuttle and have staff members available to meet you at baggage claim when you land. More information on the shuttle timings and assignments will be provided in advance of camp, based on when students schedule flights. You should plan to arrive in the morning on the first day of camp, July 7, and depart in the morning on July 17, the last day of camp. All students must be out of their dorm by 12 pm on July 17.
Can we choose our partner at camp?
Of course! Please indicate who you are planning to partner with when you apply for camp. If you partnership preference changes, you are welcome to email us and let us know before June 15. After that point, we will fully close registration and finalize partnerships and lab assignments.
What should I pack?
Anything you would want with you for an 11-day stay doing debate at the University of Minnesota, including toiletries, hygiene products, shower shoes, sufficient clothing, your laptop, charger, pens, paper, a water bottle, etc. This is not a comprehensive list. Bedding and towels are provided, but you might want to bring your own so that you are more comfortable, if possible for you. You do not need to bring formal clothes. There is a paid laundry room available in the dorms. Please dress comfortably. Minneapolis summers generally reach highs in the 80s to low 90s, and temperatures in the morning generally range in the 60s to 70s.
What are the living arrangements at camp like?
Students will share a room with one other person. We will generally keep same-sex partnerships together in the same room. When you apply for camp, you are welcome to express a preference for who you would like to room with. Each student in the dorms will share a dorm bathroom with private shower stalls. For the past couple of years, we have been housed in Frontier Hall, and we anticipate that will continue into the future.
What should we do if we have dietary restrictions?
There are ample dining options available on or near the University of Minnesota’s campus, including options for any potential dietary restrictions you may have. The cost of camp for you includes a $300 pre-paid gift card for food for the week. This is a more economical (and more delicious) option for students than eating at an on-campus dining hall. If you have severe allergies or other special circumstances, please contact camp administration at info@publicforumboot.camp to work out a solution.
How does PFBC ensure all students at camp are safe?
Students will be accompanied by staff at all times while on campus - to and from lab, during lunch and dinner, and in the dorms. Students will have nightly room checks. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each practice round and lab session to ensure that students are not missing. For more information or if you have a specific concern, please contact us.