Public Forum Camps, Policy Debate Camps, Mock Trial Camps, and Youth Leadership Camps Across the World
Learn Logic, Persuasive Speaking, and Ethics at Capitol Debate
We understand that debate should not be divorced from its foundational principles. Logic, persuasive speaking, and ethics lay the groundwork for successful, robust debate. Our debate camps are structured with these three areas in mind. Critical thinking and refined public speaking are emphasized in class, while ethics permeate every subject we address.
Supporting courses in writing, leadership, and broadcast journalism further strengthen what is taught in our debate camps.
Our introductory debate camps instill in students the rudimentary elements of argument, giving them the skills necessary for competent debate. As they progress into more advanced levels, such as policy debate and public forum debate, they learn to plan, prepare, and defend their own cases, while they analyze, critique, and refute their opponents’ cases. Current issues, foreign and domestic, are studied and debated. Policy theories are dissected and defended. Students examine the topics that will affect them in the future. Specific techniques are taught to help them think clearly, speak compellingly, and win debates.
After theory is taught, students put it into practice. Our instructors are all highly experienced debaters, speakers, leaders, and teachers. Many are championship coaches. They provide detailed instruction to students, monitor and moderate as opponents go head-to-head, and give in-depth feedback to each participant.
The goal in all this is to equip our students with skills in logic, leadership, cooperation, and communication as they prepare for college and their careers.
Overnight & Commuter Camps
We offer overnight camps and commuter camps to provide access to as many students as possible.
Our Flexible Programs Provide Options for Students Across the Country
Overnight and commuter camps are full immersion. Students stay on campus or drive in early each day. Either way, they remain from morning until evening, and participate in the full extent of our programs and activities. All meals are included for overnight campers; lunch and dinner are provided for commuting campers.
Here is a sample schedule for our overnight and commuter camps:
- 4:30 p.m. – Free time
- 10:00 a.m. – Small group exercise: Practice crossfires
- 5:30 p.m. – Dinner
- 6:30 p.m. – Guest lecturer: Foreign policy expert from think tank
- 7:30 p.m. – Practice Debates
- 9:00 p.m. – Activities in dorm, ice cream socials, movies
- 8:45 a.m. – Morning Announcements
- 9:00 a.m. – Lecture: Effective crossfire
- 10:00 a.m. – Small group exercise: Practice crossfires
- 11:00 a.m. – Topic Analysis
- 12:00 p.m. – Lunch
- 1:00 p.m. – Lab: Research pro cases
- 3:00 pm. – Lab : Writing pro cases
We offer sibling discounts for overnight camps and commuter camps to provide access to as many students as possible. Every additional sibling receives 5% off the total tuition.
Day Camps
Day camps are more flexible and less intense. Students arrive in the morning and leave in the mid-afternoon, after participating in a full schedule of academic exercises. Campers will need to bring lunch.
Here is a sample schedule for our academic day camps:
- 2:00 pm. – Small group exercise applying the lesson plan
- 2:45 p.m. – Final project preparation
- 3:45 p.m. – Interactive educational games
- 4:30 p.m. – Sign-out; extended hours begins
- 5:30 p.m. – Extended hours sign-out
- 8:30 a.m. – Early extended hours begin
- 9:30 a.m. – Sign-in
- 9:45 a.m. – Lesson plan
- 10:30 a.m. – Small group exercise applying the lesson plan
- 11:45 am. – Interactive educational games
- 12:15 p.m. – Lunch
- 1:15 p.m. – Lesson plan
We offer sibling discounts for day camps as well. Every additional sibling attending for one week will receive a $25 discount; those attending for two weeks will receive a $50 discount.