American University

Washington, DC

*Cost covers tuition, room, and board. Commuter option does not include breakfast. Cost excludes $75 fee for safety regulations, local and federal governmental compliance.

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American University is a private research university in Washington, D.C., United States. The university was chartered by an Act of Congress on February 24, 1893 as 'The American University' when the bill was approved by President Benjamin Harrison. The university is currently ranked 8th in the world for its graduate programs and 9th in the world for its undergraduate program in International Affairs by Foreign Policy, and the Washington College of Law. Like Capitol Debate, American University strives to create meaningful change in the world, and the students who attend our Debate and Public Speaking Camp at American University can expect a fantastic educational experience and will leave with the life skills needed to effect change in their futures.

American University Summer Camp Video
 
 
Our Camp Parents Have Spoken!

Here's what they said about Capitol Debate's Summer Camps.
data from 2017 parent survey

Students had Fun
Students Learned a Lot
Want Students to Return
Recommend camp to their friends

See for Yourself the Impact of Our Summer Camps!

Not only will Capitol Debate students learn new skills through our programs; they will feel an increase in self-worth, learn critical thinking skills and improve public speaking and communication skills with their peers. Two weeks at camp will result in lifelong friendships and memories that will resonate with our students throughout their academic, personal and professional careers. Campers return to our program year after year because of how life-changing our Summer Debate Camps prove to be. Our parents will tell you themselves that they proudly stand by their investment in Capitol Debate because of the impact it has had on their families.

 
 
 

American University Camp Reviews

My daughter enjoyed the camp as it provided instructions and activities during the day to build a strong foundation for debate and had tons of fun activities in the evening!!

Kirti Garg
Capitol Debate Parent

Communication skills are the most important skill necessary for success. Capitol Debate curriculum is focused on the whole student speaker and not JUST competitive debate It is a very good mix of public speaking and debating.

Jane Boyd
Capitol Debate Staff

Capitol Debate makes learning engaging and fun, which is the best of both worlds!

Monique DeMonaco
Capitol Debate Parent

Allowing your child to attend this camp is life changing in a very good way!

Vanessa Davis
Capitol Debate Parent

It is not the subject of the camp, but the people who make it up. It is not how we change the camp that makes it better, but how the camp changes us. It is not one side, but a symbiosis of student and staff that is optimally shown at Capitol Debate. Thank you, Rider 2017, for how you changed me.

Jack Fan
Capitol Debate Student

Capitol Debate was only the second time I had ever been away from home and I was very apprehensive at first. However I immediately felt at home as soon as I stepped through my dorm room and that feeling continued throughout my entire two week stay. From four square to water parks I had so much fun and I made many great friends. I learned so much and not only did I improve as a student and debater, I became a better person. Capitol Debate has really worked hard to provide a great experience to campers and it reflected in everything we did. I am so glad I attended this camp and I am looking forward to many more times!!

Irene Kwon
Capitol Debate Student

Capitol Debate is not just a camp. It is a life changing experience that helps improve your debate skills while making a ton of new friends.

David Portnoy
Capitol Debate Student

Capitol Debate offers kids just the right amount of fun and academics at camp! My daughter Natalie Gonzalez, loved everything about the camp.

Sara Alvarado
Capitol Debate 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. They learn to defend a position even if it may not be popular and use excellent methods to research material. The educated coaches are supportive and have their own personal experiences to share with the students.

Michelle Lastrapes
Capitol Debate Parent

Capitol Debate helped me since last year, and this year. I have learned so much, learning how to speak well, learning how to write cases well, and learning to be a team. I want to have a shoutout to Victor, as he is the greatest person!

Andrew Juan
Capitol Debate Student

Activities & Schedule

Capitol Debate is the nation's leading expert in teaching communication skills to middle school and high school students. Our nationally recognized staff has hundreds of years of pedagogical experience in helping youth find their voice. Thousands of shy students have walked through our doors in our nearly 20 years of summer camps to become confident young adults and leaders in their community.

Typical daily Schedule

  • 7:30 a.m. - Rise and shine!
  • 8:00 a.m. - Breakfast
  • 8:30 a.m. - Commuter check in
  • 8:45 a.m. - Morning announcements
  • 9:00 a.m. - Leadership exercise
  • 9:30 a.m. - Morning lesson
  • 10:30 a.m. - Small group exercises
  • 11:30 a.m. - Get up and speak
  • 12:00 p.m. - Lunch
  • 1:00 p.m. - Hands-on class time
  • 2:30 p.m. - Team building exercises
  • 3:30 p.m. - Practice
  • 5:00 p.m. - Dinner
  • 6:00 p.m. - Study Hall
  • 7:00 p.m. - Commuter check out
  • 7:00 p.m. - Recreational activities
  • 9:00 p.m. - Residential unwind hour
  • 10:00 p.m. - Room check and curfew

Activities outside of the classroom include:

  • Field trip
  • Talent show
  • Spa night
  • Movie night
  • Field Day
  • Karaoke night
  • Leadership Activities
  • Team building exercises

The Capitol Advantage

Expert Staff

We have a group of accomplished educators who have taught and competed for years. Our instructors are on the leading edge of debating & public speaking. Click here to view our full staff listing.

Top of the Line Curriculum

Our programs draw students from around the world because we focus on our resources year round to ensure that we can bring the best information to our students. Our curriculum focuses on theory and application to provide results that you will be able to see as they become better, more confident speakers.

Convenient Locations

Capitol Debate’s academic summer camps are spread across the United States, from East to West as well as internationally. With such a large number of location available you're bound to find the perfect camp location for you.

  • Low faculty to student ratio – Capitol Debate firmly believes in individualized instruction, which can only happen with small class sizes.
  • Personalized Instruction – Capitol Debate instructors give students hands-on instruction with researching, writing, speaking and organizing. After practice debates, instructors give students lengthy feedback to help them improve their skills.
  • Senior faculty oversee all classes – Unlike other debate camps, Capitol Debate’s instructors have an average of 15 to 30 years of pedagogical experience in the classroom. Many have coached national champions!
  • Practice, Practice, Practice – We make sure students are not just sitting in lectures, but instead are getting up and speaking every day and applying the lessons learned in a small group setting.

Expert Staff

  • Terri Robinson

    Camp Director

    • Terri Robinson has been with Capitol Debate for 3 years, since 2016. She formally taught at East View High School in Georgetown, Texas where she has been actively involved in the speech & debate commu…  Read More »

  • Josie Banks

    Camp Life and Wellness Coordinator

    • Though Josie Banks competed in Public Forum Debate, her background is primarily on the public speaking side of the activity. She participated in multiple Modern Woodman Speech contests throughout her …  Read More »

  • Olivia Sailors

    Camp Instructor

    • Olivia Sailors competed in Policy Debate and Forensics for three years in high school in Kansas. Her greatest accomplishments are qualifying for state all 3 years in debate and forensics and qualifyin…  Read More »

  • Ryley Hartwig

    Camp Instructor

    • Ryley Hartwig is finishing his second year at Florida State University, majoring in Political Science. When in high school, Ryley competed for American Heritage School for 3 years in Public Forum Deba…  Read More »

  • Debby Haren

    Camp Instructor

    • Debby Haren is an experienced teacher and debate coach. She loves working at summer debate camps because it gives her a chance to do what inspires her most: work with students who have a sincere desir…  Read More »

  • Josh Schulster

    Camp Instructor

    • Josh Schulster spent four years debating with Boca High and quickly developed a passion for Public Forum debate. As a sophomore, Josh was the captain of the Public Forum division and has mentored youn…  Read More »

  • Calli Pesina

    Camp Counselor

    • Calli Pesina is a current senior at a high school in Texas and will be graduating in June of 2019. Throughout her high school years she competed on multiple different circuits and placing at numerous …  Read More »

  • Sal Sandoval

    Camp Counselor

    • Sal Sandoval competed in Public Forum for four years at Cypress Woods High School in Houston, Texas. While at CWHS, Sal served as an officer on his team both his junior and senior year and was also th…  Read More »

  • Amelia Peck

    Administrative Camp Counselor

    • Amelia Peck is currently an instructor for Capitol Debate's Club League. She has competitively debated for six years was a part of Capitol Debate's Public Forum travel team for three years. Du…  Read More »

  • Kendall Reid

    Camp Facilitator

    • Kendall Reid graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Behavior. She has a passion for helping children and teenagers grow and become the bes…  Read More »

Please note that all payments are nonrefundable. Should cancellation be necessary, full credit will be provided up to 1 year from the date of the event, if written notice of cancellation is provided prior to May 1st for camps and at least two weeks for other programs. Any add-ons, tournament or fees paid cannot be refunded and are non-transferrable. Summer camp cancellations received after May 1st or programs cancellations after two weeks prior to program starting must also be made in writing and will follow the cancellation credit timetables. For more details please visit our Terms, Policies, and Conditions page.

About Capitol Debate

Our Summer Camp and Year-round programs have helped build students’ communication and critical thinking skills, thus leading to better academic performance at school. The curricula of Capitol Debate debate camps is aimed to equip children with the ability to structure arguments, prepare debate cases, research evidence, write rebuttal briefs, deliver speeches and refute opponents. Students become prepared to give outstanding speeches in class, perform in a school debate or join their high school debate teams, Model United Nations teams or speech teams. Learn more »

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