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EVERY STUDENT SELECTS
TWO ELECTIVE TRACKS

Our specialized elective tracks allow students to customize their Capitol Debate experience. In addition to our core public speaking and debate curriculum, students select two tracks that align with their interests and goals - developing expertise in areas they're passionate about while building essential communication skills.

Is Your Child Lost in the Digital Wilderness?

They Are Not Alone. We Can Help.
74%
of teens feel anxious when separated from their phone
150+
times per day teens check their phones

Communication Electives:
The Antidote to Digital Isolation

  • Skills Tracks: Master the art of authentic face-to-face human connection
  • Career Tracks: Turn complex ideas into compelling in-person presentations
  • Competition Tracks: Build confidence through real-world speaking challenges

In a world where 9 of 10 employers cite communication as the skill most lacking in today's graduates, our electives provide the competitive advantage your child needs.

See How We Help
Students isolated by technology
The Problem
Isolation & Screen Dependency
VS
Confident student presenting
The Solution
Confidence & Connection

Transform Your Child's Digital Isolation Into Confident Communication

Schedule Your Communication Assessment Today

Our coaches will evaluate your child's communication abilities and create a plan to develop their confident, powerful voice

How Our Electives Program Works

A simple process designed for personalization and student success

1

Students Rank Their Preferences

One week before camp, students rank 4-6 elective preferences based on their interests and goals.

2

We Match Students to Electives

Our team ensures balanced class sizes while honoring student preferences. Most students receive their top choices.

3

Students Select Two Tracks

Each student participates in two elective tracks, with competitive tracks counting as both electives due to their intensity.

4

Focused Learning Experience

Students enjoy electives daily from 11am-12pm, developing specialized skills in a focused, engaging environment.

Sample Student Journeys

See how different students customize their Capitol Debate experience

Competition-Focused

Sam, 15

Goal: Advanced tournament preparation

Public Forum Debate

(Competitive Track - Counts as Both Electives)

"Public Forum gave me the confidence to debate complex topics with clarity. It's challenging but incredibly rewarding."

Career-Focused

Emma, 16

Goal: Pre-professional communication skills

STEM Communication

Week 1 Elective

+
Business Communication

Week 2 Elective

"These electives helped me express complex ideas clearly. I use these skills in my science fair presentations."

Skills-Focused

Alex, 14

Goal: Overcome anxiety & build confidence

Interpersonal Communication

Week 1 Elective

+
Improvisational Speaking

Week 2 Elective

"Before camp, I was terrified of speaking up in class. Now I participate confidently in group discussions!"

Mixed Approach

Jordan, 15

Goal: Blend practical skills with career path

Legal Communication

Week 1 Elective (Career Track)

+
Critical Thinking

Week 2 Elective (Skills Track)

"The combination of legal and critical thinking skills has been perfect for my pre-law interests."

A Day in the Life at Capitol Debate

See how electives integrate into our comprehensive program

All Electives Run from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Daily

This dedicated hour allows students to focus entirely on their specialized track in a distraction-free environment, maximizing skill development without disrupting the core debate curriculum.

96%

of parents report improved confidence in their child's communication abilities

8

hours of focused instruction in each elective track

1,000+

Students went onto successful competitive records after camp

Common Questions About Electives

What if my child's preferred elective is full?

While most students receive their top choices, we maintain small class sizes for quality instruction. We work closely with each student to ensure their alternative selections still align with their interests and goals.

Can my child change electives during camp?

We encourage commitment to chosen tracks once they begin. However, our staff can accommodate elective changes before a track starts if absolutely necessary and if space allows. Our goal is to ensure each student has the most rewarding experience possible while maintaining consistent group dynamics once instruction begins..

How much prior experience is needed?

All electives are designed to accommodate both beginners and advanced students. Our instructors differentiate instruction to ensure everyone is appropriately challenged and supported at their level.

Does choosing a competitive track mean more work?

Competitive tracks aren't more work - they're simply more focused and exploratory. They count as both elective choices because they provide a comprehensive deep-dive into a specific debate format that students find engaging and energizing.

Find the Perfect Electives for Your Child

Schedule Your Student Assessment

Our team will help identify which tracks best match your child's goals and interests

Career-Focused Tracks: The Future-Proof Advantage

In an AI-driven world, communication skills are the one human advantage that can't be automated

The Career Reality

93% of employers rank communication skills as the #1 factor in hiring decisions — above technical expertise

STEM
Communication

Where scientific genius meets compelling storytelling

The Career Challenge

In the age of AI, STEM professionals who can translate complex concepts for non-technical audiences will be irreplaceable. Those who can't will be replaced.

Students Learn To:

  • Convert technical jargon into compelling narratives
  • Create visual presentations of complex data
  • Pitch technical innovations to non-technical stakeholders
  • Communicate research findings for maximum impact

Future-Proofing For:

Engineering Medicine Research Technology Data Science
"I could build robots before, but now I can explain why my innovations matter. That's made all the difference in competitions."
— Aiden K., 16, Science Fair National Finalist

Business Communication

Transforming ideas into pitches that get funded

The Career Challenge

The next generation of entrepreneurs will compete in a global marketplace where the ability to pitch, persuade, and present determines success.

Students Learn To:

  • Craft compelling "Shark Tank" style pitches
  • Develop executive presence and confidence
  • Handle tough questions under pressure
  • Create persuasive business presentations

Future-Proofing For:

Entrepreneurship Marketing Management Consulting Finance
"My daughter went from being nervous about class presentations to confidently pitching her business idea at a youth entrepreneurship competition."
— Parent of Maya R., 15, Young Entrepreneurs Award Winner

Legal
Communication

Building the foundation for courtroom excellence

The Career Challenge

Even as AI transforms the legal profession, the ability to argue persuasively, think on your feet, and connect with judges and juries remains uniquely human.

Students Learn To:

  • Construct compelling legal arguments
  • Respond confidently to judicial questioning
  • Present evidence persuasively
  • Simplify complex legal concepts

Future-Proofing For:

Law Government Advocacy Public Policy Criminal Justice
"I always wanted to be a lawyer, but I was afraid of public speaking. Now I look forward to being questioned by the judge during our mock trials."
— James T., 16, Mock Trial Team Captain

Communication Skills: The Last Human Advantage

As AI continues to transform professional landscapes, the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas remains uniquely human

What AI Can Do

  • Generate technical reports
  • Analyze complex data
  • Write basic code
  • Create standard presentations

VS

What Humans Must Do

  • Build emotional connection with audiences
  • Persuade skeptical stakeholders
  • Adapt to unexpected questions
  • Communicate vision and purpose

What Research Reveals About Professional Success

Research shows: While technical qualifications secure interviews, communication abilities drive hiring decisions and career advancement.
Workplace Studies
Industry studies reveal that companies prioritize candidates with strong communication foundations, as technical skills can be taught on the job.
Talent Acquisition Research
According to workplace trends analysis, as AI handles more technical tasks, human communication skills become increasingly valuable.
Future of Work Research

The Career Communication Journey

1

Foundation

Core skills developed at Capitol Debate

2

Application

Academic success in high school & college

3

Advancement

Career opportunities & leadership roles

Prepare Your Child for Tomorrow's Career Landscape Today

Schedule Your Career-Path Assessment

Our specialists will help identify which career elective track aligns with your child's strengths and aspirations

Skills-Focused Electives: The Human Connection

In a world of increasing digital isolation, these are the irreplaceable human skills that screens cannot teach

The Communication Reality

Today's teens spend an average of 7+ hours on screens daily—but only 17 minutes in meaningful face-to-face conversation.

Students engaging in meaningful communication

What's Being Lost

  • Deep listening abilities
  • Spontaneous thinking
  • Reading facial cues
  • Navigating disagreement
  • Persuasive expression

What We Develop

  • Active, empathetic listening
  • Quick, adaptable thinking
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Productive conflict resolution
  • Compelling communication

Critical Thinking

The Challenge:

In an era of widespread misinformation, students who can't distinguish fact from fiction risk forming beliefs that undermine their decision-making for life.

What Students Learn:

  • Spot logical fallacies and manipulation
  • Verify credible sources in online and offline environments
  • Systematically analyze conflicting information
  • Form evidence-based conclusions
Starting Point:

Believing everything read online without much thought.

Outcome:

Confidently sifting through contradictory info and making well-researched decisions.

Group Communication

The Challenge:

Digital tools can isolate kids into solo operators, leaving them unprepared to collaborate effectively in team-based environments.

What Students Learn:

  • Facilitate group discussions and get everyone involved
  • Balance speaking & listening for synergy
  • Find common ground among diverse opinions
  • Navigate group dynamics with confidence
Starting Point:

Finding group projects stressful and struggling to keep teams on track.

Outcome:

Becoming the teammate others rely on to unite ideas and keep groups moving forward.

Improvisational Speaking

The Challenge:

Over-rehearsed digital interactions can erode spontaneity, leaving students unable to think on their feet in real conversation.

What Students Learn:

  • Think quickly under pressure
  • Handle unexpected questions with poise
  • Connect ideas on the fly
  • Adapt to shifting discussion dynamics
Starting Point:

Freezing when called on without prepared scripts.

Outcome:

Speaking up confidently, regardless of how sudden or challenging the topic.

Interpersonal Communication

The Challenge:

As screen time replaces face-to-face interaction, teens risk losing the ability to form genuine connections.

What Students Learn:

  • Read nonverbal cues for deeper understanding
  • Practice empathetic listening to build trust
  • Develop genuine rapport beyond surface-level texting
  • Engage emotional intelligence in every interaction
Starting Point:

Comfortable with texting, but finding in-person conversations awkward.

Outcome:

Truly listening and connecting, leading to deeper friendships and family relationships.

Conflict Resolution

The Challenge:

In a polarized world, many teens avoid conflict or get stuck in heated arguments instead of reaching understanding.

What Students Learn:

  • Transform disagreements into collaborative discussions
  • Identify common ground amid opposing views
  • Navigate tough emotions during heated moments
  • Resolve conflicts while preserving relationships
Starting Point:

Avoiding confrontations or ending up in unproductive arguments.

Outcome:

Handling disagreements in ways that strengthen respect and understanding.

Persuasive Speaking

The Challenge:

Great ideas can be overlooked if a teen cannot stand out in our noisy information landscape.

What Students Learn:

  • Craft compelling messages targeted to the audience
  • Structure arguments for maximum impact
  • Use evidence & storytelling effectively
  • Deliver with authenticity and confidence
Starting Point:

Having good ideas but struggling to get others to listen.

Outcome:

Gaining attention and motivating others to take action.

Ready for Your Child to Develop These Essential Skills?

Let's Get Started

Our specialists will guide you on the best elective tracks for your child’s goals.

The Science Behind Our Approach

Neurological Development

Adolescence (ages 12–17) represents a critical window for building communication neural pathways that last into adulthood. This developmental stage offers unique opportunities for forming lasting skills.

Academic Impact

Students with strong communication skills are consistently more likely to be identified as leaders by teachers and excel in complex group projects. Effective communication correlates strongly with classroom leadership.

Future Success

Long-term educational research indicates that communication skill development in the teen years serves as a significant predictor of professional success—often ranking above grades and technical skills in importance.

What Parents Are Saying

"I feel so lucky that we discovered Capitol Debate camp! Max loves debate and although he did not have a lot of experience he quickly got up to speed at debate camp thanks to the patient and amazing debate coaches. Max learned a lot about debate, got a lot of practice in a safe and supportive environment, and made a lot of friends--who were smart, nice, and just as interested in debate!"

Laura Lewin

Parent of Max

"Capitol Debate has changed my daughter's life. Her confidence has blossomed. She has a keen awareness of current events and constitutional rights. Additionally, she has new friends throughout the country."

Shelby Moody

Parent

"Debate camp has much to offer the students. The structured program allows the kids to experience a multitude of positive reinforcements on leadership development. The students develop or expound on self confidence, independence and the ability to see both sides of the coin."

Michelle Lastrapes

Parent

Beyond the Classroom: Real-World Impact

Students applying communication skills

School Success

Greater class participation, stronger leadership in group projects, and more effective teacher relationships.

Family Dynamics

More meaningful family conversations, fewer household conflicts, and healthier emotional expression at home.

Social Life

Deeper friendships, comfort in new social settings, and leadership among peers.

Future Readiness

Stronger college interviews, stand-out application essays, and an edge in competitive environments.

Give Your Child the Connection Skills That Screens Can't Teach

Schedule Your Communication Assessment

Our specialists will evaluate your child's communication strengths and recommend the right skill-building tracks.

Competition Tracks: The Winning Difference

Beyond format knowledge to championship performance

The Capitol Debate Edge

While other programs teach debate rules, we develop the persuasive abilities that actually win rounds. Judges respond to compelling speakers who control rounds, create memorable arguments, and deliver with confidence.

Students in Public Forum debate

Public Forum Debate

Master persuasive debate that wins over judges

Strategic Case Construction

  • ★ Build compelling narratives
  • ★ Create unique argument
  • ★ Integrate evidence persuasively
  • ★ Structure cases for maximum impact

Cross-Fire Excellence

  • ★ Control questioning exchanges/li>
  • ★ Set up key voting issues
  • ★ Extract strategic concessions
  • ★ Maintain professional presence

Final Focus Mastery

  • ★ Write the winning ballot
  • ★ Frame key voters clearly
  • ★ Handle theory debates
  • ★ Close with authority
Student presenting Lincoln Douglas case

Lincoln Douglas Debate

Excel in value debate through superior communication

Philosophical Frameworks

  • ★ Present complex philosophy clearly
  • ★ Link values to real impacts
  • ★ Control criterion debate
  • ★ Build compelling value hierarchies

Strategic Cross-Examination

  • ★ Expose value contradictions
  • ★ Set up framework attacks
  • ★ Control abstract discussions
  • ★ Extract key concessions

Advanced Theory

  • ★ Handle theory debates effectively
  • ★ Control framework discussio
  • ★ Present complex positions clearly
  • ★ Close on philosophy persuasively
Students in Parliamentary debate setting

Parliamentary Debate

Dominate limited prep through superior communication

Quick Analysis

  • ★ Generate compelling cases quickly
  • ★ Analyze motions effectively
  • ★ Develop strategic positions
  • ★ Adapt to any topic

POI Management

  • ★ Control interruptions effectively
  • ★ Deploy strategic questions
  • ★ Maintain speech momentum
  • ★ Turn interventions to advantage

Impromptu Excellence

  • ★ Structure speeches powerfully
  • ★ Generate evidence from knowledge
  • ★ Adapt to shifting debate dynamics
  • ★ Close rounds decisively
Explore All Formats

Introduction to Competitive Speech and Debate

Available at All Locations

This comprehensive 8-day elective is designed for students considering joining their school debate team. Each day explores a different competitive format, giving students exposure to a wide variety of speech and debate events before committing to a specialized track.

Events Explored Day by Day

Public Forum Debate
Day 1
Lincoln Douglas Debate
Day 2
Parliamentary Debate
Day 3
Congressional Debate
Day 4
Model United Nations
Day 5
Mock Trial
Day 6
Original Oratory
Day 7
Extemporaneous Speaking
Day 8

Events covered may vary slightly based on instructor expertise and student interest at each camp location.

Why Choose This Track:

Low-pressure introduction to competitive speaking
Discover which format best matches your natural abilities
Learn fundamental skills that apply across all competitive events
Build confidence through incremental challenges

Championship Results

84%
Higher average speaker points than the national average
73%
Of our students advance to elimination rounds
14
National & State championships won by our students

Learn From Champions

Our competitive track coaches are former champions and collegiate debaters who understand what it takes to win tournaments at every level. They don't just teach theory—they share the practical techniques that actually convinced judges to vote for them.

"I made it to the finals of my division and it was all possible because my instructor was so helpful and he was a great teacher. He gave my partner and I so much information on not only the topic, but how to be a good debater too."

Shivani Varia Student at Loyola Baltimore

Turn Your Competitive Potential into Tournament Success

Schedule Your Competitive Assessment

Our team will evaluate your debate experience and recommend the competitive track that best matches your tournament goals.

Transform Your Child's Future at Capitol Debate

A comprehensive approach to communication excellence through our specialized elective tracks

Why Our Elective Approach Makes the Difference

Personalization at Scale

Unlike one-size-fits-all programs, our electives system allows each student to develop a customized skill set while still benefiting from our comprehensive curriculum.

Intrinsic Motivation

When students choose their focus areas, engagement skyrockets. Our electives transform "have to" into "want to," creating enthusiastic learners.

Multiple Entry Points

Whether drawn to competition, career preparation, or social skills development, our electives create diverse doorways to the same core communication excellence.

The Results Speak for Themselves

98%
of parents report improved confidence in their child's communication
94%
of students return for another season of Capitol Debate
8.7×
increase in classroom participation reported by teachers

Give Your Child the Future-Ready Skills They Need

Schedule Your Student Assessment Register Now

Space is limited. Secure your child's spot today and start their journey to communication excellence.

Choose Your Perfect Campus Location

Select from our prestigious universities nationwide

Start Planning Your Summer Experience

Ivy League
Yale University Campus

Yale University

New Haven, CT

July 15 - July 26, 2025

Explore our elite university locations to prepare for your upcoming summer. With many locations filling quickly each year, identifying your top choices early will help us tailor the perfect Capitol Debate program for your child's transformative journey.

15
Elite Campus Locations
19
Years Transforming Young Speakers
4.9★
Parent Satisfaction
Explore by Region

Northeast Campuses

Experience debate in New England and the Northeast

Yale University Campus
Ivy League

Yale University

New Haven, CT

July 15 - July 26, 2025
Learn More Register
Babson College Campus
Top Entrepreneurship College

Babson College

Boston, MA

July 13 - July 24, 2025
Learn More Register
Dana Hall School
Top Prep School

Dana Hall

Boston, MA

July 27 - August 7, 2025
Learn More Register
Drew University Campus
Liberal Arts Excellence

Drew University

Madison, NJ

July 13 - July 24, 2025
Learn More Register
The Hun School Of Princeton Campus
Princeton Prep Legacy

The Hun School Of Princeton

Princeton, NJ

June 15 to June 26, 2025
Learn More Register
The Lawrenceville School Campus
Top-Tier Prep School

The Lawrenceville School

Lawrenceville, NJ

July 13 to July 24, 2025
Learn More Register
Rider University Campus
Leading Liberal Arts College

Rider University

Lawrenceville, NJ

July 27 - August 07, 2025
Learn More Register

Mid-Atlantic Campuses

Debate at prestigious institutions in Pennsylvania and Washington D.C.

Villanova University Campus
Top Business University

Villanova University

Villanova, PA

June 29 - July 10, 2025
Learn More Register
American University Campus
Nation's Capital

American University

Washington, DC

July 27 - August 07, 2025
Learn More Register

Southeast Campuses

Develop your debate skills in the Southeast United States

University Of North Carolina Campus
Public Ivy

University Of North Carolina

Chapel Hill, NC

June 15 - June 26, 2025
Learn More Register

West Coast Campuses

Develop your debate skills at premier West Coast institutions

UC Berkeley Campus
Elite Research University

UC Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

July 13 to July 24, 2025
Learn More Register
UCLA Campus
Top Public University

UCLA

Los Angeles, CA

June 29 - July 10, 2025
Learn More Register
University of San Diego Campus
Coastal Excellence

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA

June 15 to July 24, 2025
Learn More Register
University of Washington Campus
Top Research & Tech University

University of Washington

Seattle, WA

July 27 - August 07, 2025
Learn More Register
Virtual Programs

Virtual Excellence

Can't attend in person? Join our exceptional debate programs from anywhere in the world. Our virtual debate camps deliver the same quality instruction, interactive workshops, and engaging experiences that make Capitol Debate the leader in debate education.

Learn About Virtual Programs Register Now

Limited Availability: Early Bird Registration Closing Soon

Your assessment is the first step to securing your child's spot in our summer debate program. With over 75% of our camps filling up before April each year, we recommend completing your registration soon after your assessment to ensure your child gets their preferred location and program.

Early Bird Pricing Ends In:
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Current Registration Status

Yale University
85% Full
UCLA
78% Full
American University
72% Full
UNC Chapel Hill
68% Full
Complete Registration & Save