Camp Info & Schedules
DR. HESTER *PUBLIC FORUM* DEBATE SPECIAL 7 DAYS SUMMER CAMP FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS:
( IBA current debate teams JV and Varsity students ONLY )
PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE:
The Public Forum Debate Camp for High School students teaches students the key processes of effective debate such as case construction, composing briefs, research, rebuttals, cross-fire, evidence analysis, and summary and final focus. Debate students leave the academic camp with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to excel in upcoming tournament such as season opener University of Kentucky tournament , Yale University and Georgetown University tournament on September and October.
Public Forum Debate (PFD) is a team event that advocates or rejects a position posed by the monthly resolution topic (announced online at www.nflonline.org). The clash of ideas must be communicated in a manner persuasive to the non-specialist or “citizen judge”, i.e. a member of the American jury. The debate should:
- Display solid logic, lucid reasoning, and depth of analysis
- Utilize evidence without being driven by it
- Present a clash of ideas by countering/refuting arguments of the opposing team (rebuttal)
- Communicate ideas with clarity, organization, eloquence, and professional decorum
GRADES | TOPIC | SCHEDULE | LOCATIONS | TUITION |
9th to 12th
*Laptop Required | Public Forum Debate (*Special Session with Dr. Hester*) | July 22, Saturday - July 28, Friday (7 Days) 2023 1pm-5pm | F2F Johns Creek Campus | $600 |
INSTRUCTOR:

Dr. Michael Hester, Director of UWG Debate
(IBA Instructors Page)
Dr. Hester is renowned in the debating community for his achievements in coaching the very best debaters in the nation.
Chair Positions:
- Chair of District VI of National Debate Tournaments since 2009
- Chair of Cross Examination Debate Association Topic Committee
International Recognition:
- 2017 Ross K Smith National Coach of the Year
- 2017 George Ziegelmueller Outstanding Achievement Award for lifetime achievement
Debate Tournament Coaching Achievements:
- Three teams to national championships
- Two teams to national runner-up finishes
- Two teams to national semifinalist finishes
- Four teams to national quarterfinalist finishes
- High School teams to the Elite Eight of the International Public Policy Forum contest

Ivy Bridge Academy Academic Camps are offered at three convenient locations in Northeast & Northwest Atlanta, Ga.
Please check schedules for camp availability at each location.
Ivy Bridge Academy Administor: Susan Rhee, 404-519-7715
Johns Creek Campus (New Location!):
(Online Tour, Hours, Directions, & Contact Information)
10700 State Bridge Rd, Suite 7, Johns Creek, Georgia 30022
Cumming/Suwanee Campus (New Location!):
(Online Tour, Hours, Directions, & Contact Information)
5400 Laurel Springs Parkway, Suite 403, Suwanee, Georgia 30024
Marietta Campus:
(Online Tour, Hours, Directions, & Contact Information)
1511 Johnson Ferry Rd Suite 100, Marietta, GA 30062
Ivy Bridge Academy / IvyDebate.com Refund Policy
Our policy allows for tuition credit towards another IvyDebate.com camp program up to 2 weeks prior to the first day of camp. Registration and handling fees are non-refundable. Due to the need for prior planning to offer the best experience for our students, no credits will be granted after that date.
All credit requests must be submitted in writing.
Can I switch classes/camps?
If families find that they have a scheduling conflict and need to switch their class day or time or camp, please contact us o request this change. Students will not be moved from their assigned class or camps after the credit deadline. Please be aware that switching class is contingent upon space availability in the desired class.
Is there a chance that a class could be cancelled due to low enrollment?
Ivy Bridge Academy / IvyDebate.com reserves the right to cancel classes for which enrollment does not reach the necessary level to provide the best experience for our students. In this event, we will notify the families affected by a cancelled class with a choice of either a suitable replacement classes or full refunds.
Are classes cancelled due to inclement weather?
For the safety of our students and families, Ivy Bridge Academy / IvyDebate.com reserves the right to cancel classes due to inclement weather. Make-up days for cancelled classes may or may not be scheduled based on individual class schedules and circumstances.
Are make up classes available?
We strive to keep class sizes small and maintain an ideal teacher/student ratio. For these reasons, we are unable to offer make up classes.
Absences, late arrivals, and/or withdrawals:
Families are expected to bring students to class on time. Please contact us in advance of any necessary absences or late arrivals when possible. No refunds or make up classes will be offered for absences, late arrivals, and/or withdrawals.
Lost and Found:
Be sure to label everything. Lost items may be claimed at the front desk. Ivy Bridge Academy / IvyDebate.com is not responsible for any lost items.
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