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

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA
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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.

The University of San Diego was started in 1949 and 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. Businessweek ranked the undergraduate program 4th in the west coast and 36th in the United States.

Dorms: Students will live in Maher Hall. Each room contains a bathroom with shower, toilet and sink, which is shared among the residents of that room. Each resident is provided with an extra-long (80") twin bed, chest of drawers, desk, and desk chair. In addition, each room has wireless internet and basic cable TV access. Most residence rooms are entered from the outside balconies and some rooms have splendid views of Mission Bay, Tecolote Canyon, or the fountain in front of Maher.

Complete Attendee Info
University of San Diego 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.

 
 
 

University of San Diego Camp Reviews

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

It has given me new insights into debating and has set a base for my debating career.

Matteo Kimura
Capitol Debate Student

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

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.

Benjamin Fang
Capitol Debate Student

The focus on debate and presentation skills was great. Found program to be well-run and the staff readily available if we had any questions. Was also very happy with the friends our son made at camp.

Robert Chen
Capitol Debate Parent

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

It is a big investment, but with sure return. Because our son thrives on learning, and this camp gives him that. It is a great program - your kids get to learn the gist of debate and how to approach it. Expressing your opinion is one of the most important skills to survive this society, and this program gives the opportunity to hone the skill.

Takako Chen
Capitol Debate Parent

This camp really helped me improve my debate experience. I feel like I walked out of this camp as a more confident, knowledgable and all together better person

Katy Cheng
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.

Cathy Zhuang
Capitol Debate Student

Capitol Debate offers kids just the right amount of fun and academics at camp! My daughter Natalie Gonzalez, loved everything about the camp.

Sara Alvarado
Capitol Debate Parent

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

  • Victor Gazio

    Headquarter Staff

    • For over 15 years, Victor Gazio has utilized his passion by working with youth organizations. Victor has been involved with Capitol Debate since its inception. Prior to working full-time with Capitol …  Read More »

  • Brad Hicks

    Camp Director

    • Bradley T. Hicks has been a teacher for 20 years and currently teaches Government and Economics in Williston, Florida. He holds a B.A. from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. Inspired by those se…  Read More »

  • Omar Moore

    Camp Instructor

    • Omar Moore served as Debate Captain & President of the Advanced Technologies Academy Debate Team in Las Vegas, NV. Throughout his four years of high school, he primarily competed in Public Forum and L…  Read More »

  • Gabbi Gruver

    Camp Instructor

    • After graduating high school, Gabbi attended and competed for College of DuPage, where she found her love for speech and debate. Shortly after transferring to North Central College, Gabbi was named a …  Read More »

  • Michael Perry

    Camp Instructor

    • As a member of the Instructional Team at Capitol Debate, Michael Perry is passionate in his desire to help students develop important life skills that will have a positive impact on their educational …  Read More »

  • Boka Golubovic

    Camp Instructor

    • Bojana Golubović is a teacher of logic, philosophy, and TOK at Gimnazija “Svetozar Marković” Niš and instructor of debate at The City of Nis Debate Club, Serbia. During the school year, she is …  Read More »

  • Sal Sandoval

    Camp Instructor

    • 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 »

  • Ryan Rigda

    Camp Instructor

    • Dr. Ryan Rigda has been with Capitol Debate for 4 years working as a Camp Director and Instructor. He currently works as a Lecturer of Communication at Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan. In …  Read More »

  • Ryley Hartwig

    Camp Counselor

    • Ryley Hartwig is finishing his second year at Florida State University, majoring in Political Science. When in high school, Ryley competed for American Heritage School for 3 years in Public Forum Deba…  Read More »

  • Kevin Cushman

    Camp Counselor

    • Kevin has a strong background in Debate and Public Speaking, as well as Theater, Drama, Music, and Literature. He attended Capitol Debate for six summers as a camper and also spent a semester on the …  Read More »

  • Selma Tabakovic

    Camp Counselor

    • Selma Tabakovic competed in Public Forum for 3 years at Lakeland High School in Westchester, New York. Selma debated at the United States Congress in March 2016 regarding the unfair surveillance of 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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