American University
Waitlisted Camp
Teaching public speaking, persuasion, presentation skills and confidence through the art of debate
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
Capitol Debate Summer Camps at American University
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Public Speaking and Debate Camp - Waitlisted
July 28 to August 9, 2019Commuter Cost: 3,899 $3499 | Residential Cost: 4,299 $3899*
Register by July 1 and save $400 off the full price!
At our Public Speaking and Debate Camp level, middle school and high school students will learn the fundamentals of public speaking and argumentation, enabling them to develop core presentation and debating skills that boost confidence and self-esteem. Students at the Public Speaking and Debate Camp level will work on effective public speaking and argumentation, allowing them to further advance their presentation and debate skills to prepare them for the real world. The camp offers students the chance to improve their communication skills in a safe and secure environment while having fun! Complete description »
*Cost covers tuition, room, and board;however, the commuter option does not include breakfast. Additionally, the cost excludes $75 charge assessed for safety regulations, local and federal governmental compliance. Please note that all program prices are subject to change without notice.
Group rates available for community, church, international and school groups. Contact us at (800) 450-5012 for more information.
Here's what they said about Capitol Debate's Summer Camps.
data from 2017 parent survey
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
Before Capitol Debate I didn't have many chances for public speaking, but during it, I was able to work on the flaws I had, like swaying and hand gestures, and improved a lot on my speaking. I now feel much better at talking in front of others confidently and am excited to participate in many activities in high school that require it!
Capitol Debate Student
I made a lot of friends and learned how to debate! I never felt uncomfortable and everyone was really welcoming! I can't wait for next summer!!
Capitol Debate Student
Capitol Debate is not only an engaging, educational program, but it also is an amazingly fun camp. All the staff and campers were fun to be around, and we had a lot of time to bond with one another. I felt more confident as camp went on with myself as a public speaker or debater. I loved my experience at Capitol Debate, and there are memories from this camp that I never will forget.
Capitol Debate Student
I didn't realize how much I would miss this camp until I left on the last day. Truly amazing. Everything. I learned so much from this camp, and not just about debate. The instructors were dedicated and fun. I made so, so many friends here. I learned how to work with others, to communicate effectively, and so much more. This camp was a valuable experience.
Capitol Debate Student
This camp teaches our kids the valuable skills of debate fostering critical thinking and self-confidence and within a supportive and fun group of peers.
Capitol Debate Parent
It has given me new insights into debating and has set a base for my debating career.
Capitol Debate Student
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!!
Capitol Debate Parent
This camp improved my argumentation and speaking technique significantly and had a great impact on me as a developing debater. This was the best debate camp experience of my life compared to others. I definitely found my voice!
Capitol Debate Student
We would say that the camp combines learning, working on speaking skills, camaraderie and fun very well. I would say highly organized and impactful two weeks.
Capitol Debate Parent
Camp was really fun and the instructors taught us a lot about debate and how we can be more persuasive!
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
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.
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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 »
