University of San Diego
Summer Debate Camps
Teaching public speaking, persuasion, presentation skills and confidence through the art of debate
The University of San Diego was started in 1949 by Bishop Charles Buddy and Mother Rosalie Hill. It began as two separate colleges, for men and women, but merged into a single liberal arts university in 1972. The school now includes six distinct divisions covering arts and sciences, law, business administration, education, and health sciences. The University of San Diego's beautiful campus is situated five miles inland, on the edge of a canyon overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It has been ranked among the Princeton Review's Top 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses. The University has become a nationally ranked Catholic institution, with an average freshman GPA of 3.89. Businessweek ranked the undergraduate program 4th in the west coast and 36th in the United States.
University of San Diego Summer Camp Video
Capitol Debate Summer Camps at University of San Diego
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Public Speaking and Debate Camp
June 14 to June 25, 2020Commuter Cost: 3,099 $2399 | Residential Cost: 3,599 $2899*
Register by January 30 and save $700 off the full price! -
Public Forum Debate Camp
June 14 to June 25, 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 »
The Public Forum Debate Camp for Middle & High School students teaches students the key processes of effective debate such as case construction, composing briefs, research, rebuttals, cross-fire, evidence analysis, and summary and final focus. Debate students leave the academic camp with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to excel in life. This curriculum is offered for students with at least 1 year minimum of competition experience within Public Forum Debate. 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.
University of San Diego Camp Reviews
OMG!!! I thought I would be worried about my daughter going to the camp for her first time sleeping away but I did not worry at all. The staff is amazing and took great care of my daughter. They build relationships with the students while teaching them so much.
Capitol Debate Parent
My debate and public speaking skills have increased so much over the course of twelve days, and even if I choose not to pursue debate in the near future, these basic fundamentals will still help out in my academic education.
Capitol Debate Student
The camp is run by very professional staff and seems carefully organized to provide teenagers with a perfect blend of fun and academic challenge, with long-lasting impact. Their peers were amazing kids and the counselors are truly dedicated.
Capitol Debate Parent
Capitol Debate made my summer way better than it's been. I loved learning debate with enthusiastic teachers and good friends. I will be back every year and maybe try different locations.
Capitol Debate Student
It's a great camp for kids to learn how to be independent and be responsible. My son had a great time at the debate camp, he not only learned a lot but also made a lot of friends! Kids can have both fun and learn how to debate at the same time.
Capitol Debate Parent
The advent of the debate experience reaches it's zenith only under a Capitol debate experience, making experienced learning, street smart instinct, and Debate brinkmanship achievable under capable leadership.
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
Capitol Debate has helped me to succeed in public speaking and debate skills in general. I have become more comfortable in front of a crowd
Capitol Debate Student
I had a blast this year at camp. I came in with very high standards because I had already been here last year and like I said before, these high standards were met and even exceeded. Thank you so much for this great life changing experience.
Capitol Debate Student
In a mere two weeks, Capitol Debate taught me skills that could be used for a lifetime. In addition, they improved my (nonexistent) speaking skills and boosted my confidence. I've never had so much fun in my life.
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 »
