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 - Call for Availability
June 16 to 28, 2019Commuter Cost: $2899 | Residential Cost: $3499*
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Public Forum Debate Camp - Call for Availability
June 16 to 28, 2019Commuter Cost: $2899 | Residential Cost: $3499*
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
This camp was a really good experience. If your wondering if you should sign up or not, you’ll wonder why you questioned signing up after camp is over. These 2 weeks here helped me learn a lot and was overall an excellent camp to go to.
Capitol Debate Student
They bring their communication and research skills from the camp back to their classroom and school. The debate program has transformed their leadership skills that they are able to step into leadership roles at their schools with confidence. They lead the swim team and debate group and help other students at their high schools. I am very satisfied. I continue to send them back to the debate camp year after year and will also send two more of my children when they are old enough. I highly recommend this program to parents who are considering sending their kids in the future.
Capitol Debate Parent
I don't do very well away from home. I was very skeptical about coming to camp, yet I am a returning camper. This camp is just amazing. I learned so so much. My instructor this year, Doug Miller, was so amazing. I have been debating for three years, yet I learned new things that I had never even heard of. I can tell you that I improved by a lot at the end of this camp experience and what I learned will definitely stick with me forever. All my worries about debating in a high school debate league have definitely been reduced. But it wasn't only class that changed me. This camp is just filled with such amazing people that you can go to at any time. The instructors also teach us so much. Finally, Victor is just amazing. He cares about all of his staff and students and wants the best for us. He basically never sleeps to answer calls from parents and help students. He loves his job and it is definitely reflected in the way that he will stay up all night if you need help and if you are having a problem, he actually acts on it and fixes it. This camp was amazing and I definitely recommend it.
Capitol Debate Student
We would say that the camp combines learning, working on speaking skills, camaraderie and fun very well. I would say highly organized and impactful two weeks.
Capitol Debate Parent
The environment at camp is welcoming and you will certainly feel at home here in Capitol Debate.
Capitol Debate Student
The best camp you could ever ask for, ranging from education to fun, you will NOT want to go home!
Capitol Debate Student
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
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!
Capitol Debate Student
CD is an amazing international learning experience.
Capitol Debate Staff
This camp was a blast. I want to go back again next year, and also do a residential camp later on. This camp was a fun and educational camp. I had loads of fun. It taught me positive things. And the number one thing that will always be left with me is one song. "Scoreboard" by Apollos Hester. He was very inspirational. I really want to come back, and will definitely tell people about this wonderful camp.
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 »
