When should we arrive and depart?

Arrival: Students can check in between 3 PM and 7 PM on Saturday June 17th. If earlier arrival is necessary, we will have a common room for students to gather until 3 PM.  We strongly encourage students to arrive before 7 PM so they have time to settle into the dorm before our opening events which begin at 7:30 PM.  If a later travel time is unavoidable, we can make specific arrangements to accommodate it.

Departure: Ideally, students will depart after breakfast on July 29th.  There are no workshop-related events on July 29th, so the camp is officially finished that morning, other than final transportation for departing students.  If you are picking up your child, 9 AM-10:30 AM is an appropriate pick-up window.  For those that need to be picked up later, the students may stay in our squad room..

Do you offer shuttle services?

We strongly encourage everyone flying to land at the Greensboro airport.  We have arranged a shuttle for $40 (round-trip).  Flights out of Charlotte and Raleigh will require private shuttles and/or use of Amtrak.  We will send out a final arrival questionnaire in late May.  We can promise that the driver and vehicle are insured and licensed by appropriate state and University entities.  

Shuttles from the Greensboro train station are also possible at $40, simply sign up using the shuttle service payment icon.  We can pick up students from the Winston-Salem downtown bus station at no charge. 

How does the evidence packet work?

The evidence packet will be delivered in late May or early June.  It will contain a few affirmatives, a few CP's, some K's, a T file, DA's.  Enough to sustain debates for the Junior and Senior Labs.  

Can I request a roommate or partner?

Yes, you can.  Both may be entered through your application.  Both roommate and partner requests will be honored where mutual.  This means both parties must make the request. Workshop staff will confirm partnership and roommate arrangements before June 1. Contact information will be supplied so you can coordinate with your partner and roommate before arrival at the workshop.

If you don't know who you want to room or partner with, don't worry.  Most students don't, so we make partner pairings and roommate assignments for them.  We base these decisions on experience, skill level, and age in an attempt to find a fit that produces the best educational opportunities for each student. Part of the fun of debate workshop is meeting new people, and it is also an important life skill.

How safe is the Wake Forest campus?

The Wake Forest campus is very secure.  Entrance to campus is permitted through three gates, each of which requires authorized entry after hours.  The dorms use key-card access, so only those staying in that specific dorm can gain entry at any time. The Wake Forest Police are friendly and competent, and regularly patrol the campus day and night.  For more information about campus safety provisions, you can access the WFU Police website.

During workshop events, judges, RAs, and the Workshop Director will supervise the students. Given the nature of the workshop, there will be one staff member for every four students.  Each day is divided up into debates, so if a student oversleeps or forgets where they are supposed to be, it will be noticed.

What will we eat during the workshop?

Other than breakfast and a couple special evening meals, students will eat in the Wake Forest cafeterias, which are quite good.  Students will have a swipe card that allows them access to a wide variety of healthy food choices.  The main dining hall, which Wake students affectionately refer to as “The Pit”, is included in the workshop tuition and has everything from pizza to an excellent salad bar.

There are also a variety of other options on campus, including Subway, Moe’s, Chick-Fil-A, Starbucks, and several convenience stores. These are not included in the meal plan, however, and will have to be purchased by the students with their spending money.

If you have special dietary needs, please communicate those to us via e-mail once you have received your welcome packet.  Accommodations can be made through the dining hall, and we are happy to assist.

What should I bring?

We recommend you bring the following items to Wake Forest for the workshop.  Since the dorms are designed for college students, there are outlets, internet access, and desk space, so students can bring other items if they like.

-Laptop (highly recommended, internet access provided)
-Cell Phone
-Linens (twin long size – not as rare as it sounds)
-Pillow
-Clothes (all casual)
-Outside/Semi-Athletic Clothes (for Frisbee, etc.)
-Pens / Paper / Flow Pads
-Toiletries
-Towels
-Spending Money
-Evidence Packet (electronic or printed, or money to print on campus)

For those with space limitations dictated by travel, linen service is available for $40 through your website account.  This includes sheets, pillows, and a blanket.  If you choose to purchase linen service, it will be waiting for you when you arrive.

Will I need spending money?

Tuition covers room, meals, and instruction. There are a variety of places on campus where students will use spending money, from the bookstore to the Starbucks.  We encourage students to bring an appropriate amount of spending money to the workshop to cover drinks, snacks, etc. Many students bring a pre-paid debit card to use at campus facilities, but a small amount of cash will probably be useful. There is also an ATM on campus where students can withdraw cash.

Are there laundry facilities?

Yes, there are.  Wake Forest even has an app that will tell the students on their phone when their laundry is done!

When are final payments due?

Final payments are due at the start of the workshop.  Deposit and due dates will be sent out at the time of acceptance.

What paperwork do I need to fill out?

Other than the online application process, we'll need you to fill out a medical form (which will include your doctor sending your vaccination records) and a risk release form.  These will be sent out with the welcome packet beginning in late April/early May.

Is there financial aid?

There is very little financial aid available.  Anyone wishing to apply should fill out this form by February 1st.