The Basics
Who:
Students from any school district who will be entering 5th-9th grade in fall 2026.
What:
Find your voice! Work with our nationally-acclaimed speech & debate high school team and coaches to develop lifelong skills and confidence.
When:
Week 1: July 13th - July 17th
Week 2: July 20th - 24th
9:00a - 2:15p
Students are welcome one or both weeks.
Where:
Ridge High School
268 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920
Cost:
$500/student/week
Pro tip: Book early and SAVE up to $60/week! See details below.
Students from any school district who will be entering 5th-9th grade in fall 2026.
What:
Find your voice! Work with our nationally-acclaimed speech & debate high school team and coaches to develop lifelong skills and confidence.
When:
Week 1: July 13th - July 17th
Week 2: July 20th - 24th
9:00a - 2:15p
Students are welcome one or both weeks.
Where:
Ridge High School
268 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920
Cost:
$500/student/week
Pro tip: Book early and SAVE up to $60/week! See details below.
ElectivesIn addition to traditional speech & debate offerings, we're bringing back some of your favorite electives and peppering in some new ones!
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SocializationWe offer a perfect blend of academics and fun, with unique class offerings and time to socialize during lunch and recess/craft time.
Note: lunch not provided. |
KeepsakesStudents receive a T-shirt and swag bag. Additionally, each family will receive a professionally-produced video of their week's showcase.
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Tuition: Book Early & SAVE!!
Book between now and 4/20/26: $440/student/week
Book between 4/21/26 and 5/31/26: $460/student/week
Book between 6/1/26 and 6/12/26: $480/student/week
Book between 6/13/26 and 7/5/26: $500/student/week (note: online sales ONLY)
Bonus: choose "Pay Later" during checkout to pay by check and skip online processing fees!
After choosing "Pay Later," it might still look like you will get charged for the processing fees. We promise, you won't! Once you receive your invoice via email, open the PDF and you will see that the online processing fees have not be added.
Checks payable to "RHS Student Activities" and mailed to:
Ridge High School
Attn: Dr. Thorpe - RFSDI
268 S. Finley Avenue,
Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920
You are not fully registered until we've received your payment.
Checks must be postmarked by 11:59p Friday, 6/12/26 in order to receive discounted rate. If you've mailed your check and it's getting close to 6/12/26 and you still haven't seen that it's been deposited, please reach out to us to ensure it has not gotten lost in the mail. This ensures you still have time to drop it off in person if need be. Any registrations between 6/13/26 and 7/5/26 must be made online and will incur a processing fee.
Cancellation Policy
If you paid online, transaction fees will not be refunded to you.
Cancel by May 15, 2026: Tuition refund minus $25
Cancel from May 16, 2026 - June 12, 2026: Tuition refund minus $35
Cancel from June 13, 2026 - July 12, 206: Tuition refund minus $50
If you paid online, transaction fees will not be refunded to you.
Cancel by May 15, 2026: Tuition refund minus $25
Cancel from May 16, 2026 - June 12, 2026: Tuition refund minus $35
Cancel from June 13, 2026 - July 12, 206: Tuition refund minus $50
Curriculum & Electives Information
WEEK ONE: July 13-17
Students entering grades 5-6 will all take “Speech and Debate” - a comprehensive approach to competitive speech & debate (public speaking, dramatic interpretation, and debate).
Students entering grades 7-9 will choose three electives (of which two will be assigned).
WEEK TWO: July 2-24
Students entering Grades 7-9 MAY take “Competitive Speech and Debate” where they will be introduced to all three competition activities on the first day and choose one to focus on for the entire week.
Students entering grades 5-6, and any student in grade 7-9 who does not want to take the competitive course, will choose three elective courses (of which two will be assigned). 5th and 6th graders who took "Speech and Debate" during week one may be allowed to participate in the "Competitive Speech and Debate" course pending teacher approval and space availability. If students would like to take the same elective twice, that is permissible.
Reminder: students may attend one or both weeks.
Students entering grades 5-6 will all take “Speech and Debate” - a comprehensive approach to competitive speech & debate (public speaking, dramatic interpretation, and debate).
Students entering grades 7-9 will choose three electives (of which two will be assigned).
WEEK TWO: July 2-24
Students entering Grades 7-9 MAY take “Competitive Speech and Debate” where they will be introduced to all three competition activities on the first day and choose one to focus on for the entire week.
Students entering grades 5-6, and any student in grade 7-9 who does not want to take the competitive course, will choose three elective courses (of which two will be assigned). 5th and 6th graders who took "Speech and Debate" during week one may be allowed to participate in the "Competitive Speech and Debate" course pending teacher approval and space availability. If students would like to take the same elective twice, that is permissible.
Reminder: students may attend one or both weeks.
ELECTIVES DESCRIPTIONS
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FAQ
How many intake forms do I need to fill out?
You will be required to fill out one form per student per week.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
No, but we offer discounts for early registration! You can save up to $60/student per week.
Please see "Tution" above.
If I choose to pay by check (by clicking "Pay Later,") am I fully registered?
NOT YET!
We cannot guarantee your spot until we receive payment.
Who should checks be made out to?
"RHS Student Activities" and mailed to:
Ridge High School
Attn: Dr. Thorpe - RFSDI
268 S. Finley Avenue,
Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920
How soon should I mail my check?
ASAP. Again, we cannot guarantee your spot until we receive payment.
I don't see my child's name on my invoice. Does that mean they aren't registered?
Nope, they're in our system - and so is the information you filled out on the form(s).
Is week one a pre-requisite for week two?
No. Students may attend one or both weeks.
What electives should I choose?
Whichever you believe will benefit and interest your child the most. All electives are age-appropriate.
I chose "Pay Later" to save processing fees, but it looks like I will still get charged for them. Why?
You won't, we promise! Once you receive your invoice via email, you can open the PDF and you'll see that the online processing fees are NOT added.
I need to cancel. Will I receive a refund?
If you paid online, transaction fees will not be refunded to you.
Cancel by May 15, 2026: Tuition refund minus $25
Cancel from May 16, 2026 - June 12, 2026: Tuition refund minus $35
Cancel from June 13, 2026 - July 12, 206: Tuition refund minus $50
Will there be a nurse on-site?
You bet.
What time can I drop my student off?
8:45a. Camp begins at 9:00a and ends at 2:15p.
Note that any students who are dropped off before 8:45a will not be under the supervision of RFSDI staff.
How does lunch/recess work?
Students must bring their own lunches and water bottles. There will be a recess period where students can play outside (weather-permitting) or participate in organized activities inside.
I have more questions. Who should I email?
[email protected]
We will do everything we can to get back to you in a timely manner; we appreciate your patience.
Institute Staff
Dr. David YastremskiDr. Yastremski began the Ridge Forensics program in the fall of 1997 and has led the team to state and national recognition. Mr. Yastremski has served as a Language Arts teacher at Ridge High School since 1996. He is a National Board Certified Teacher, a member of the National Speech and Debate Association Hall of Fame, and a five-diamond coach.
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Stephanie FletcherMrs. Fletcher had been a professional actress after graduating with a BA in theatre. While receiving her M.Ed. She started coaching the Ridge Forensics team in late 90s. She returned in 2011 and just received her second diamond award from the National Speech and Debate Association.
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Daniel NorrisMr. Norris is a teacher in the Social Studies department at Ridge High School where he serves as the advisor to the school newspaper and teacher of AP Government, AP European History, and Global Studies. He is an assistant coach of debate events for the Ridge Forensics team and has coached and judged students in Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, Congressional Debate, and Parliamentary Debate.
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