The Great Debaters

I got home not too long ago from one of the most amazing weeks of my life...

Yes, folks! None other than an entire week of being an absolute nerd at debate camp!!!

As most of you probably know, I am an avid debater and I truly don’t know where my life would be without it. The communication skills I have developed over the past year are such a blessing and will come in handy once I reach the real business world someday and especially ministering for Christ!

Debate camp can basically be defined as a group of over 200 homeschooled kids, coming together to

a) Praise and worship God

b) Listen to five or six 1½ hour lectures per day

c) Practice debate

d) Socialize

e) Play Frisbee

f) Live and breathe debate theory for an entire week

It’s really that much fun!

Last Sunday afternoon, I arrived at the Concordia University campus in Irvine, CA. Taryn, Valentine Hoffman, and I got settled into our dorm (so college-ish!). The next day, the real fun began. After worship and small group time, we headed to our first lecture. The amount of notes I took from all the lectures that week could probably fill a book, and I think my brain is about to explode. But it’s all cool! Just more tactics, strategies, and theory…exactly what I need. (hee hee)

Fellowship time with hundreds of kids who share a love for Christ and are like-minded in debate is one of the most incredible things ever to be experienced. These kids make my life, and I would do anything for each and every one of them. Building knowledge together is such a special gift, and having deep discussions about what we’ve learned is even better!

Aside from all the theoretical business, we must exercise so we all don't cramp from sitting so long ;)

If you’re a debater, you know what our number one sport/activity is –

Ultimate Frisbee.

One of the most amazing games ever to be played on the face of this planet. To tell you the truth, I rarely get the chance to catch or throw, but I’m always looking for a chance to knock the Frisbee out of the sky. That is when the fun begins.

The comradery is also very special. High-fives and congratulations are heard all around when one team makes a goal. The fellowship is amazing, but we can also get pretty competitive. ;)

Here are a few pictures from the week:

About to leave for camp!

Eating Taryn's homemade blueberry pie with the Hoffmans --- a camp tradition. :)

Me and my lovely girls, Thea and Savy

Smile at the elevator ceiling!!!

Thea, Savy, Andrew, Valentine, Jon, and Soren...these kids make my life.

Valentine and Grace!!! My extraordinary roomies

This is only a GLIMPSE of the amazing-ness that ensues during a game of frisbee. ;)

A handful of the incredible people I know...

Waiting for another lecture to start!

This is the perfect descriptive personality picture...Thea and Taylor with milkshakes, and Savy in the middle with a Monster...

Rachel, Valentine, and me!

Thea and I switched shoes for a day...we felt like twinsies! ;)

THIS girl...is the most beautiful, amazing girl I know. I love you, Valentine! <3

The three amigos...Taryn, Isaak, and Matteo. At camp, they were all pretty much inseparable.

Ellyse, Savy, Tay, Thea, Jordan, and Jon!

With the Hoffman family! Taryn, Valentine, me, Soren, and Isaak.

 

"A friend is someone who reaches for your hand, but touches your heart." -Kathleen Grove

Love,
Ryan