Frequently Asked Questions
Please Note: The 2022 RKS will be held online and in person.
When should we arrive and depart?
Arrival: Students can check in between 3 PM and 7 PM on Sunday of the arrival date. 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. The first night we will offer pizza for those who are here at dinner time.
Departure: Ideally, students will depart after breakfast on Saturday of the last day. There are no workshop-related events on the last day, 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. By noon our staff will have left the dorms and can no longer watch students.
Transportation to Campus
We will not run Workshop shuttles to and from any of the airports. Uber, Lyft, and numerous taxi services both operate out of all of the major airports and bus stations in North Carolina and can bring students to campus. The cost for an Uber/Lyft is approximately $40, a taxi is $50 from GSO. If a formal car service is desired, Wake Forest Recommends Black Tie Transportation. They can be reached at 336-758-4265.
If Flying, we strongly recommend students fly into Greensboro (GSO) about 35 minutes from campus. Charlotte (CLT) is about 1hr 45 minutes and Raleigh Durham (RDU) is approximately 2hrs and 15 minutes away.
If by train, the Greensboro station is the closest. If by bus, we recommend trying to book your ticket to Winston Salem. We can pick up anyone arriving in Winston Salem by bus.
How does the evidence packet work?
The evidence packet will be delivered in late May or early June. It will contain enough material to sustain good debates for the first week utilizing critical and policy strategies on the aff and neg.
I don’t do policy debate. Is this a good camp for me?
It might be! Instruction and practice at the RKS is in the Policy (Cross-Examination) debate format. That said, there is a great deal of stylistic flexibility represented at the RKS. We have had numerous TOC-level LD debaters attend the RKS, and we have had numerous LD and PF debaters who were not yet TOC-level attend. Which session you should attend would depend on what your goals are. Contact debate@wfu.edu if you have questions about which session is right for you.
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 believe in thorough communication with debate staff whenever possible. 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?
Students will typically 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. Occasionally the workshop will provide special meals.
There are also a variety of other options on campus, including Subway, Moe’s, Chick-Fil-A, Starbucks, and several convenience stores. The campus is also serviced by Uber Eats and other delivery options. 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, swimwear (for Frisbee, etc.)
-Pens / Paper / Flow Pads
-Debate stand, timer etc. (optional, but encouraged)
-Toiletries
-Towels
-Quarters for laundry
-Spending Money
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! We recommend that you bring a roll of quarters. Quarters can also be purchased from the R.A.s and paid for through this website under the payments section.
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 limited financial aid available. Those attending the workshop for less than 4 weeks are not eligible for financial aid. Anyone wishing to apply should fill out this form by March 1.
Additional Forms
The WELCOME PACKET HERE
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE form HERE
Obtain the MEDICAL FORMS HERE
The LIABILITY WAIVER HERE