American University
Summer Debate Camps
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
July 26 to August 6, 2020Commuter Cost: 3,099 $2399 | Residential Cost: 3,599 $2899*
Register by January 30 and save $700 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
It is a really fun summer camp, kids can learn some interesting topics that school education does not offer. Very good experience!
Capitol Debate Parent
I have improved so much from the beginning of this camp to the end of this camp. As I was talking to my parents on the phone, they too noticed a massive difference. In one of our conversations they asked, "who are you? Its like you're a new person!" This was because after this camp, I was eager to research and learn about many topics.
Capitol Debate Student
The students that are adamant in coming, will find themselves empowered when they learn what they can do with their voice.
Capitol Debate Parent
My daughter had a blast! She loves debate, so having an opportunity to have a ton of fun while learning more about debate was a perfect combination. Staying on campus was a great experience for her. She matured even more in those 2 weeks. She seemed like a true college student when we picked her up.
Capitol Debate Parent
I found myself enjoying Capitol Debate a lot more than I thought I would. The people there were great and I'd love to see them again, and I felt that I really grew as a debater and a speaker. I definitely think that I improved with this camp, and I think that anyone who attends it will improve as well.
Capitol Debate Student
I've improved on being a better debater, and being more patient with peers. This is a camp that would be recommended to anyone, because it fits all levels of debate!
Capitol Debate Student
This debate camp has made me confident, and helped me hone on my debate skills. I effectively learned how to structure a persuasive piece of writing and deliver it eloquently.
Capitol Debate Student
My time at capitol debate was incredible, and the quality of teaching and fun was the reason I came back.
Capitol Debate Student
We have two boys who attended camp for several years and have not only had a blast but come home each time as better men. They are growing up before our eyes and have gained confidence, independence, communication & writing skills and a love for debating. They work hard & play hard. They have lots of freedom in a safe environment and have maintained several friendships outside of camp. The various extracurricular activities (sports, movies and field trips) make for a nice balance & provided them with the break they needed.
Capitol Debate Parent
Camp has provided me with a basic debate foundation to build off of in my potential later debate experiences. Not only were the games and activities enjoyable, but the classes and lectures were as well. I have had an incredible camp experience and am so grateful for the opportunity to attend.
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 »
