August 30, 2021 | By Sara Gill
Ever wonder how it is that so many debaters start each season with a wealth of knowledge on a nuanced and complex, yet also brand new debate topic? Or how first-time coaches who may not have even seen a policy debate before get ready to coach their students all the way to City Champs?
It’s all about camp. Every year, the BDL hosts a summer debate camp for middle and high school students. This year’s debate camp was a joyful, rich experience for debaters, especially as it was our first time back in-person! Together, we did everything from learning about this year’s topic, to tie-dying, to debating, to having a field day. See highlights from Week 1 and Week 2.
In 2021, Kim Willingham was named Executive Director – the first woman and first Black leader – of the Boston Debate League. Before being named ED, Kim served as the BDL’s Director of Culture and Engagement and prior to that as an Instructional Coach on the Debate-Inspired Classrooms team. Throughout her 20+ years in education, Kim has held multiple leadership positions. She began her career as a Teach for America Corps Member in the Crescent City – New Orleans, LA – where she taught 6th grade ELA and Social Studies. Kim earned an EdM from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a BS from Eastern Michigan University. Her experience also includes several years in school leadership and education consulting. Originally from the Motor City, she now resides in Dorchester with her two children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time in nature. Kim is grateful for the joy she gets to experience daily working with the students, teachers, volunteers, and staff of the BDL community.