Villanova University, PA

Villanova, PA

*Cost covers tuition, room, and board. Commuter option does not include breakfast. Cost excludes $75 fee for safety regulations, local and federal governmental compliance.

Camp
Experience
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Reviews
Activity
Schedule
Capitol
Advantage
Expert
Faculty

Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in history or enjoy local arts and culture, can you can find both near Villanova University. Villanova University is a Roman Catholic school founded in 1842 by the Order of Saint Augustine. Villanova provides a comprehensive education rooted in the liberal arts; a shared commitment to the Augustinian ideals of truth, unity and love; and a community dedicated to service to others. Villanova's 260-acre campus is situated 12 miles west of Philadelphia, the fifth largest city in the United States and the second largest city on the East Coast. The birthplace of the first Continental Congress and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia is home to numerous historical sites, a vibrant arts and culture scene and more!

Villanova University Summer Camp Video
 
 
Our Camp Parents Have Spoken!

Here's what they said about Capitol Debate's Summer Camps.
data from 2017 parent survey

Students had Fun
Students Learned a Lot
Want Students to Return
Recommend camp to their friends

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.

 
 
 

Villanova University Camp Reviews

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

Capitol Debate has taught me a lot, and gave me the voice to make a difference in my life, other individuals lives, and my family's life. Thank you for giving me the tools to make an impact to all those around me.

Anika Koul
Capitol Debate Student

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

Devin Wu
Capitol Debate Student

It was an amazing experience that I haven't had before coming to this camp and I am grateful that I came and wish (hope) that I come again to maybe pickup new things or just learn to be better.

Addison Sutton
Capitol Debate Student

The best camp you could ever ask for, ranging from education to fun, you will NOT want to go home!

Saffion Chung
Capitol Debate Student

My daughter enjoyed the camp as it provided instructions and activities during the day to build a strong foundation for debate and had tons of fun activities in the evening!!

Kirti Garg
Capitol Debate Parent

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.

Allena Allen
Capitol Debate Parent

I don't think about people judging me anymore, I feel like I've become more open. For example I don't mind going up and signing horribly for a crowd anymore. Who cares what they think as long as I'm having fun. I understand that now.

Valeriya Mesquita
Capitol Debate Student

As a teacher in a public school, you get to teach a wide variety of students with varying interests and various intelligence. Unfortunately, being “smart” is not “cool” which is short-sighted and naive. At Capitol, it’s embraced and encouraged by the campers and the staff. We need more intelligent, educated young people

Chuck McCarthy
Capitol Debate Staff

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.

Jane Boyd
Capitol Debate Staff

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

  • Stan Banks

    Camp Director

    • Stan Banks is committed to giving back to the debate community that provided him with a transformational experience as a student. He believes debate doesn't just teach valuable communication and a…  Read More »

  • Colette Dorsey

    Camp Instructor

    • Colette Dorsey lives in Aberdeen, Maryland. She is proud to be involved in secondary education for 28 years. Colette sponsors the Speech and Debate Club at Patterson Mill High School. She also spends …  Read More »

  • Ryley Hartwig

    Camp Instructor

    • 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 »

  • Krista Lang

    Camp Instructor

    • Krista Lang is a high school English II teacher in Orlando, FL, where she strives to find ways for her students to create real life connections to the classroom, to build meaningful relationships, and…  Read More »

  • Mackenzie Jackson

    Camp Counselor

    • Mackenzie Jackson has been apart of the West Orange High School debate team for 3 years, serving as Public Forum Captain while competing in Public Forum debate. She has reached quarter finals in the F…  Read More »

  • Josie Banks

    Camp Counselor

    • Though Josie Banks competed in Public Forum Debate, her background is primarily on the public speaking side of the activity. She participated in multiple Modern Woodman Speech contests throughout her …  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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