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 15th Annual Speech & Debate Competition

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

Tournament Dates: January 14-17, 2026

Registration OPENS: Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 08:00 am PST
Registration CLOSES: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 11:59 pm PST

EVENTS
* January 14-15: Parliamentary, Lincoln Douglas Value, and Team Policy Debate Events
* January 16-17: All Stoa NITOC Speech Events and Junior Events

This is a qualifying Stoa Speech & Debate Tournament. Participants must be members of Stoa and follow StoaUSA rules for Events, Eligibility, and Dress Code. Space is limited — please complete your registration and payment promptly to secure your spot.

LOCATION: Champion Life Church | 79733 Country Club Drive | Bermuda Dunes, CA

Please Note: The tournament schedule is subject to change based on registration. Speech patterns may also be adjusted depending on the number of competitors in each event. We encourage you to check back after registration closes for any updates. Additionally, some pages are temporarily hidden and will appear as tournament details are finalized.

💎 Parent Judges

EACH registered family is required to have a parent present and actively judging each day of the tournament, judging every other round/pattern. 

• Students must have their judge physically with them at check-in and throughout the tournament.
• Please plan on judging every other round and checking with the Ballot Push table 45–30 minutes before each round to confirm judging needs. The Ballot Push Team will be happy to see you!

Thank you for your assistance to keep The Desert Gem running on time. 

💎 5 Reasons You’ll Love Competing at The Desert Gem

1. Experience the Beauty of the Desert - You’ll enjoy sunshine, clear skies, and warm hospitality in one of the most beautiful times of year to visit the desert. It’s the perfect setting to compete, connect, and create memories with your family.

2. More Chances to Shine - With three speech patterns, competitors can enter ALL speech events, maximizing their growth as communicators and chances to earn qualifying checks. Combined with six preliminary debate rounds and finals for all debate events, every student will enjoy a full and rewarding competition.

3. A Schedule That Respects Your Time - We know how valuable your time is. That’s why our schedule avoids super early mornings and ends early enough for you to relax, spend time with other STOA families, or explore the area.

4. Exceptional Community Judges - Thanks to our incredible community of volunteer judges, we’re generally able to provide three judges for speech events — creating a well-rounded experience for every competitor.

5. Judge Hospitality You’ll Appreciate - If you're judging, you'll be treated to delicious food and snacks — a small way we say “thank you” for making this tournament possible.

So come join us and experience the warmth, excellence, and community that make The Desert Gem a standout tournament destination.

💎 Things You Can Expect 

Student Area & Weather: The student area is located outdoors, and January’s mild desert weather is perfect for the event. There is no outside seating, so bring camping chairs or pop-up tents—but please do not leave anything out overnight. Mornings can be cool, so a sweatshirt or jacket is recommended.

Student Meals & Drinks: Pre-purchased student meals are available for pickup in the Student Area. Only water is allowed in competition rooms and hallways. Crockpots are not permitted.

Judges & Parent Judges: The Judges’ Lounge offers delicious food, coffee, tea, and water all day. Please note that competitors must have their Parent Judge on-site throughout the tournament.

We’re so excited to welcome you to The Desert Gem!  Thank you for being part of this event and helping make it a success!

With much appreciation,
Shawnine Franco, Tournament Director