SPEECH & DEBATE CANADA FOUNDATION
Issued on 17 Feb 2026 by
Huron At Western University
Issuer
Huron At Western University
Digital.badges@huron.uwo.ca
Huron at Western University is a Liberal Arts University that offers elite, yet accessible education where personalized learning experiences position students for professional success, while also developing their character. The result? Students who are formidable Leaders with Heart who care about the people and world around them.
Criteria
This badge recognizes completion of the Speech & Debate Canada Foundation Bootcamp delivered in partnership with Huron University.
Earning Criteria
Learners earn this badge by completing a 16-hour, in-person intensive bootcamp and demonstrating active engagement throughout the experience.
Participants
- Attended all workshop sessions and live debate activities
- Participated in speaking drills, structured debates, and adjudication exercises
- Engaged respectfully with peers in collaborative learning activities
- Demonstrated development across key competencies:
- Understanding debate principles and formats
- Constructing logical, evidence-based arguments
- Adapting communication for diverse audiences
- Listening and responding constructively
- Critically engaging with opposing viewpoints
The Bootcamp Combines
- Facilitated instruction on debate structure, reasoning, and persuasion
- Practice debates and real-time feedback from coaches
- Peer collaboration and adjudication sessions
- Reflection on civic issues related to nation-building in Canada
The experience emphasizes applied communication, ethical advocacy, and respectful dialogue in complex discussions. This badge represents structured experiential learning with formative performance evaluation.
Evaluation
- Observed participation in debates and drills
- Demonstrated professionalism and teamwork
- Evidence of improvement in reasoning, listening, and persuasion
- Instructor feedback during adjudication and discussions
Assessment is performance-informed rather than exam-based. It reflects demonstrated capability in live communication contexts.
Learning Effort
16 hours over 3 days, including workshops, debates, practice sessions, and feedback activities.
Value of This Badge
This credential signals that the earner has developed applied competencies aligned with employability frameworks such as those promoted by the Conference Board of Canada, including communication, critical thinking, and collaboration.
The badge provides verified evidence of experiential leadership development and readiness for civic, academic, and professional engagement.
