2025 The Desert Gem

"But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:5-8

WELCOME to The Desert Gem's 14th Annual Competition

Hosted by Set Apart and the willing hands from many other clubs - working together to serve the Stoa community.

Tournament Dates: January 15-18, 2025

Registration OPENS: Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 08:00 am PST
Registration CLOSES: Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 11:59 pm PST

EVENTS
* January 15: Parliamentary Debate
* January 16: Lincoln Douglas Value and Team Policy Debate events
* January 17 - 18: All Stoa NITOC speech events and Junior Event

This is a qualifying Stoa Speech & Debate Tournament. Participants must be members of Stoa. 

Space is limited. We are requiring payment at the time of registration. Please make sure that you fully complete your registration with a confirmation that you are paid, or your registration may be deleted from the system.

LOCATION: The Champion Life Church, 79733 Country Club Dr, Bermuda Dunes, CA

Parent Judges

EACH registered family needs to have a parent judging for them every day of the tournament, judging every other round/pattern. Students will need to have their judge physically with them at check-in.

Thank you for your assistance to keep our tournament running on time. Please plan on judging every other round, and check with the ballot push table 45-30 minutes before each round to see what the judging needs are for the upcoming round. The Ballot Push Team will be happy to see you!

What will the experience be like this year?

Student Area: Outside. The mild January weather is great in the desert! There is no outside seating, so consider bringing camping chairs. Please do not leave anything out overnight.

Weather: Mornings are cool in the desert. Consider bringing a sweatshirt or jacket.

Student meals: Pre-purchased student meals will be picked up in the Student Area.

Only water is allowed in the competition rooms and hallways.

Personal crockpots: can not be used at this facility.

There will be food served in the judge's lounge. Coffee, water and tea will be available in the judges' lounge all day.

Competitors must have a Parent Judge with them AT the tournament.

We look forward to seeing you at The Desert Gem!

Many Blessings,
Michelle Richardson
Tournament Director