Tempus Debate is a 100% free nonprofit camp run by experienced high school debaters from Alabama that will take place July 31 - August 4. We offer instruction for students of any experience level, whether you regularly compete at national tournaments or are entirely new to the activity. Because camps can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, they often reinforce barriers to competition and decrease accessibility. Our mission is to increase accessibility and inclusivity in speech and debate by offering free resources and continued support.
Although Tempus is taught with the AL speech and debate circuit in mind, we welcome anyone from any state to attend. We recognize the need for accessible education in forensics, so please register if you'd benefit! A lot of circuits are similar to Alabama's (very lay), we are going to be accepting talent from other states but will lean on the more traditional styles of debating.
Given the cost and complexities that come with in-person camps, Tempus Debate will be held online this year! Debaters will meet over Google Meets, joining small groups with instructors called labs, where they’ll either learn the basics or cover more advanced topics. Additionally, instructors will give lectures, host camp-wide discussions, and offer one-on-one office hours on specific skills. Because staying glued to a computer for long periods of time can be tiring, we are dedicated to fostering engagement in a variety of activities and lessons and will keep instruction time to as little as possible.
Tempus is looking for PF and LD instructors for this summer. If you're interested in applying, fill out this form, and we'll get back to you soon!
Patton Hahn - codirector
I’m Patton Hahn (he/him)! I’ve been involved in speech and debate since 7th grade at Mountain Brook, where I’m a current rising senior. During this past year, I’ve (co)championed Saint James, Prattville, and Alabama State, as well as reached late outrounds at some other tournaments. Outside of competing, I’m also super passionate about making speech and debate a more inclusive and accessible place and am super happy to work with everyone this summer!
Eddy Pang - codirector
Hey everyone! I'm Eddy Pang (he/him), and I've been debating since I was a sophomore at Vestavia Hills, where I am a current rising senior. During this past year, I've competed mostly on the national circuit, where I've reached outrounds at many
tournaments. In Alabama, I've competed in Lincoln-Douglas at the state tournament and also championed Varsity Senate. In my freetime, I like to play soccer and basketball. Looking forward to seeing everyone this summer!
Elizabeth Thurow - PF Chair
Hey guys! My name is Elizabeth (she/her) and I’m going into my senior year at Auburn High School. I started debate in the tenth grade and have since discovered my love and passion for the activity. Last year, I served as PF captain at Auburn and broke at every Alabama tournament I attended, ending the season as a finalist in JV Public Forum. I believe that speech and debate can serve as a powerful tool for self-expression, critical thinking, and advocacy, and I can’t wait to share these experiences with others!
Fatima Malik - IE Chair
Hello everyone! I am Fatima Malik and I have been involved in Individual Events since my sophomore year. Since then I have competed in various different events and consistently reached final rounds. This past year, I earned State Champion title in Poetry, State Runner-Up in Duo, qualified to nationals in Program Oral Interpretation, and won top three placements in local tournaments. I hope to show everyone what speech is all about and everything it has to offer. I have always loved helping my teammates and can't wait to use my experience to help all of you!
Rhea Rastogi - LD Chair
I’m Rhea Rastogi (she/her)! I am a rising senior that has competed in Lincoln-Douglas Debate since freshman year at LAMP. While I started my debate career on the local AL circuit, I now compete mostly on the national circuit and have reached outrounds of several tournaments including Yale, Meadows, Holy Cross, and Durham Academy. I am also a two-time State Champion in Novice and JV LD, and this past year, I got my first career bid to the TOC! Outside of competing, I love reading philosophy (Kant is a favorite) and mentoring other students in Speech & Debate. I am super excited to serve as your LD Chair and cannot wait to work with everyone this summer!