6 Debate Kits For Academic Summer Programs That Coaches Recommend

Your child comes home buzzing with excitement about the academic summer debate program they just signed up for. You’re thrilled they’ve found a passion, but then the email arrives with a list of recommended "debate kits" and resources. Suddenly, you’re navigating a new world of acronyms and publishers, trying to figure out the difference between a starter brief and a full curriculum, and wondering what your child actually needs to succeed without breaking the bank.

Choosing the Right Kit for Your Debater’s Goals

Before you click "add to cart," take a moment to consider your child’s specific situation. Is this their very first exposure to formal debate, or are they a rising JV star looking to get a varsity edge? The goal for a curious 12-year-old is to build confidence and learn the basics of making a claim, not to master advanced political philosophy. Their kit should match that.

Think of it like buying a musical instrument. You wouldn’t purchase a professional-grade violin for a child just starting group lessons. You’d get a reliable, well-made student model that allows them to learn the fundamentals. The same principle applies here. The best kit is the one that meets your debater where they are right now.

A key factor is the format their summer program will focus on. Lincoln-Douglas (LD) is a one-on-one debate about competing values, while Public Forum (PF) is a two-on-two debate about current events. A kit focused on LD philosophy won’t be much help in a PF camp centered on policy research. Check the program’s syllabus or ask the coach for their specific recommendation to ensure you’re investing in the right tools for the job.

NSDA Starter Kit for Foundational Skills

If your child is a true beginner in middle school or early high school, the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Starter Kit is often the safest and most effective starting point. Coaches recommend it because it’s designed to do one thing very well: build a solid foundation. It avoids overwhelming students with complex theory and instead focuses on the absolute essentials.

This kit typically includes workbooks and guides on core skills like case construction, flowing (the specialized note-taking used in debate rounds), and refutation. It teaches the universal language of debate that applies across most formats. This is the "how-to" manual that gives a new debater the confidence to stand up and speak, knowing they understand the basic rules of the game. It’s a low-risk, high-reward investment in core competency.

Monument Publishing for Lincoln-Douglas Debaters

You hear your high schooler talking about "value criterion" and "framework," and you realize they’ve chosen their event: Lincoln-Douglas debate. This is where a more specialized resource becomes crucial. Monument Publishing is a long-standing favorite among LD coaches because their materials are tailored specifically to the unique demands of this format.

Instead of a general overview, Monument provides topic-specific briefs, evidence packets, and philosophical guides directly related to the current NSDA resolution. This is the next step up from a foundational kit. It’s for the student who already knows how to debate and now needs the specific "what"—the evidence and arguments to compete effectively on a given topic. Purchasing one of their sourcebooks is a great way to support a debater who is ready to move from learning the structure to mastering the content.

The Critical Thinking Co. for Logic Essentials

Perhaps your debater is younger, or maybe their coach noted they need to strengthen the "why" behind their arguments. This is where resources from The Critical Thinking Co. shine. These materials aren’t debate kits in the traditional sense; they are workbooks and software designed to build the underlying skills of logic, reasoning, and critical thinking that make a debater truly formidable.

Coaches often suggest these for middle schoolers or as supplemental work for high schoolers because they teach transferable skills. A book like The Fallacy Detective helps a student spot flawed reasoning in an opponent’s case and in their own. This isn’t just about winning a round; it’s about building a more analytical mind for school and life. It’s an investment in the intellectual engine that powers any good argument.

Ethos Debate for Comprehensive Curriculum

For the family with a highly committed high school debater who lives and breathes the activity, Ethos Debate offers a comprehensive solution. Think of this less as a single kit and more as a full "program-in-a-box." Their materials are often structured as a complete curriculum, covering multiple debate formats and providing drills, lectures, and evidence for an entire competitive season.

This is a significant investment, and it’s not for the casual participant. Coaches recommend Ethos for students who are aiming for the top of their varsity squad or competing on the national circuit. It’s designed to function like a private coaching resource, providing structure and depth that goes far beyond what a single summer camp can offer. Consider this option only when your child has demonstrated a sustained, serious commitment to the activity.

The Great Courses for Video-Based Learning

Does your child learn best by watching and listening? For some students, especially those who find dense debate briefs intimidating, a video-based approach can be a fantastic gateway. The Great Courses (available through platforms like Wondrium) offers college-level lecture series on topics like "Argumentation: The Study of Effective Reasoning" that are incredibly valuable for debaters.

While not a "kit" with evidence, these courses teach the art of persuasion and logical structure in an engaging, accessible format. A coach might suggest this for a student who needs to build confidence in their presentation style or deepen their understanding of rhetorical strategy. It’s an excellent supplement that can help core concepts click for auditory and visual learners, making them more effective when they apply those skills in a round.

ProCon.org & Gale for Research-Focused Prep

In today’s debate world, the ability to conduct effective research is just as important as the ability to speak. For the self-motivated student or the family on a budget, learning to leverage high-quality, free resources is a game-changer. Coaches champion this approach because it builds skills for a lifetime.

Websites like ProCon.org provide excellent, non-partisan overviews of controversial topics, making them a perfect starting point for research. Furthermore, most local libraries provide free access to powerful academic databases like Gale. Teaching your child how to use the library’s online portal to find peer-reviewed studies and expert analysis is like giving them the keys to the kingdom. This "kit" costs nothing but time, and it develops the research independence required for success in college and beyond.

Matching the Kit to Program & Skill Level

Ultimately, the right choice comes down to a simple diagnosis of your child’s current needs. Don’t buy for the debater you hope they’ll be in three years; buy for the debater they are this summer. A mismatched kit can lead to frustration and overwhelm, while the right one can unlock a new level of confidence and skill.

Here’s a simple framework to guide your decision:

• True Beginner (Middle/Early High School): Start with the NSDA Starter Kit to build a strong, all-purpose foundation. Supplement with The Critical Thinking Co. to sharpen underlying logic.
• Format-Specific Debater (High School): If they are committed to LD, Monument Publishing is a targeted and effective choice.
• The Serious Competitor: For the student all-in on a competitive career, Ethos Debate offers a curriculum-level resource.
• Alternative Learning Styles & Budgets: Use The Great Courses for visual/auditory learners and teach research independence with ProCon.org & Gale for a powerful, low-cost approach.

Trust the process and your child’s current level of enthusiasm. The goal is to fuel their interest, not to force it. The perfect kit will feel like a helpful tool, not a heavy burden.

Remember, these kits are just tools to support your child’s journey. The most important investment you can make is in their effort and the excitement they feel for learning. By choosing a resource that matches their current stage, you’re giving them the best possible chance to grow their skills, build their confidence, and have a fantastic experience this summer.