Rider University
Summer Debate Camps
Teaching public speaking, persuasion, presentation skills and confidence through the art of debate
Capitol Debate is pleased to offer our one of our most popular debate camps in New Jersey, located at the beautiful 280 acre enclosed Rider University at Lawrenceville Township, just outside of Princeton, New Jersey. Rider University provides students with over 70 choices of undergraduate majors and over 40 graduate-level degree programs in business administration, education, liberal arts, sciences, music, fine and performing arts, counseling, as well as human services and leadership.
Rider University Summer Camp Video
Capitol Debate Summer Camps at Rider 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.
Rider University Camp Reviews
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! He had an incredible experience and can't wait to go back next summer!
Capitol Debate Parent
From the point of view of a parent I would strongly suggest Capitol Debate as a definite option.
Capitol Debate Parent
This is a wonderful program that introduces the fundamentals of debate and an excellent camp for younger students to get the away from home experience. Program is well run and the staff is super!
Capitol Debate Parent
I came back to this camp again and this time it was just as good or better than last year. Also, my lab leader was extremely inspirational and made learning fun and enjoyable. I'll be walking away with lots of information and inside jokes. CRUSH THEIR DREAMS!!!
Capitol Debate Student
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.
Capitol Debate Staff
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
Attending this camp was valuable for my son not only for the debate experience but it has also helped him in his school classes such as English and Social Studies. Doing research on the debate topic was so beneficial.
Capitol Debate Parent
I think Capitol Debate has helped me gain the skills and experience that I need to be a successful teacher in the future. It has allowed me to teach children something I am passionate about and see that passion passed on to the next generation.
Capitol Debate Staff
Capitol Debate offers exceptionally smart staff members that will change your perspective about debate.
Capitol Debate Student
Capitol Debate was my first debate experience and I think it provided a great gateway to my future debate career. The activities were great, the community was great, the material was great, the residential provisions were great, everything was solid in general. 10/10 would go again.
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 »
