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.
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
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.
Great introduction to public speaking, overcoming nerves, and gaining confidence. Our daughter amazed us at her final debate....her demeanor and confidence brought me to tears. She said everyone...instructors and students were all so nice. Just an awesome experience!
Capitol debate is like a triple layered cake. Every time you thought you've thought you have seen the best, you see something better.
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.
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 has helped me to succeed in public speaking and debate skills in general. I have become more comfortable in front of a crowd
I think that Capitol Debate has helped me be a better public speaker and learn more about PF debate. My favorite part was the gym nights and relay races because I got to know other people better. I am definitely coming back next year.
I went into this camp really apprehensive, and I came out really liking what I learned. This camp was my beginning step into the world of public forum, and it made me realize just how fun and challenging debate was.
Capitol debate builds the whole child : independent living, social skills development and academic strengthening
This camp made me a better speaker, better person, and a better student. I'm sure I will go into my next year of school better equipped to succeed. The camp also sparked in me the desire to improve my debate skills.
Capitol Debate is an amazing place to make new friends and have fun as well as developing new skills that really make an impact on the way you debate. This is definitely a place that I would want to come back to next year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.