We're committed to enriching student's lives, today and every day.

Our robust online learning experiences have been extended right now and throughout the summer. We're committed to adapting to provide programming that can get your students on the road to success today.

Virtual Public Speaking & Debate Camps
Peace-of-Mind Policy

Marymount University

Arlington, VA
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*Cost covers tuition, room, and board;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.

Marymount University is a beautiful campus nestled right outside of our nation's capitol. The campus was located on the former estate of Admiral Presley Marion Rixey, Naval Surgeon General and personal physician to Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William McKinley. In October 2010, Marymount celebrated its 60th anniversary with the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for Caruthers Hall, an academic facility focused on the sciences and health sciences, and Rose Bente Lee Ostapenko Hall, a residence hall providing apartment-style housing for 239 students.

In past summers, Residential Campers lived in Gerard Phelan Hall , which is named after the founder of the campus, Mother Gerard Phelan, and is located in the same building as the Main Dining Hall. Gerard Phelan Hall is a traditional style dorm room with 2 students sharing a room. For our off campus activity, Marymount University campers will be visiting nation's Capitol touring museums and sites. 2020 dorms are still to be determined.

We are excited to host our summer camps each year at Marymount University and look forward to an amazing summer with all of our campers.

Complete Attendee Info
Marymount University Summer Camp Video
 
 
 

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.

 
 
 

Marymount University Camp Reviews

At Capitol Debate Seton Hall, I was included and I wasn't left out. So many people there were kind and they took chances on strangers. It taught me to take a chance on strangers, to befriend as many people as I can, even if I'm in a competitive environment. It taught me to never let my negative judgements decide who I should befriend and who I should ignore.

Audrey Sun
Capitol Debate Student

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.

Alexandra Li
Capitol Debate Student

This camp is educational and also fun. Kids learn/train skills by professionals. My son is more confident in speaking publicly.

Jia Zhou
Capitol Debate Parent

This debate camp will give your kid the skill set to advocate for themselves for the rest of their life. They will also make close friends. Meg loved everything she learned but mostly she loved feeling apart of something bigger than herself. She loved the instructors and friends.

April Moran
Capitol Debate Parent

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.

Rahul Agarwal
Capitol Debate Student

Thank you for making this such a great experience. I was nervous at first but I knew I made the right decision to come here. Everyone made it so special.

Ariel Sheinberg
Capitol Debate Student

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

Monique DeMonaco
Capitol Debate Parent

I don't think about people judging me anymore, I feel like I've become more open. For example I don't mind going up and signing horribly for a crowd anymore. Who cares what they think as long as I'm having fun. I understand that now.

Valeriya Mesquita
Capitol Debate Student

I became much more independent and mature in these two weeks than what I normally would have in two months. You have so much fun in the dorms that you don't have time to miss your family. Camp is an awesome and epic experience!!

Gordon Li
Capitol Debate Student

For the past 2 weeks, I've felt at home. Not only have I learned how to express my opinions without hurting others, but I have gained so many friends through so many great experiences at this camp. I will definitely remember summer 2016 for the rest of my life, it's been great!

Allison Fu
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 »

  • Dan Wadley

    Camp Director

    • Dan Wadley has been teaching Biblical Ethics at The McCallie School for the past thirteen years. He has a total of 39 years teaching at two different schools. During his current time at McCallie, he h…  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 »

  • Savon Ayodeji

    Camp Instructor

    • Savon Ayodeji debated for 3 years with Capitol Debate as a student in high school, advancing to elimination rounds at many nationally ranked tournaments before debating for 4 years at Liberty Universi…  Read More »

  • Oliver Parker

    Camp Instructor

    • Oliver is a teacher and a debate coach at Spain Park High School in Birmingham, Alabama. His teams have reached late rounds at major tournaments and qualified multiple times for the Tournament of Cham…  Read More »

  • Olivia Sailors

    Camp Counselor

    • 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 »

  • Lindsay Kent

    Camp Counselor

    • Lindsay Kent is from Austin, Texas where she is finishing her senior year of high school. During this time, she developed a passion for advocacy, both written and spoken. She is a Scholastic Writing A…  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 »

  • Will Tidwell

    Camp Counselor

    • Will Tidwell is from Birmingham, Alabama and will be graduating from Spain Park High School in May 2020. He is an avid soccer player and plays for his high school team as well as club. He will continu…  Read More »

  • David Dejesa

    Assistant Camp Director

    • David Dejesa is the advisor and debate coach of record for the Riverside Speech and Debate Team in Greer, SC. He has twice served as the South Carolina Speech Coaches' Association President and is…  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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