Villanova University

Villanova University, PA

Summer Debate Camps

Teaching public speaking, persuasion, presentation skills and confidence


Courses
and Cost

Camp
Experience

Program
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
 
 

Capitol Debate Summer Camps at Villanova University

  • Public Speaking and Debate Camp
    June 28 to July 9, 2020
    Commuter 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 »

    Register Now » Request Information »

*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.

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

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!

Libo Xu
Capitol Debate Parent

Capitol Debate has taught me how to strengthen my arguments in essays and persuasive papers. They also helped me learn to have a stronger voice in the community. Great camp

Alex Huang
Capitol Debate Student

The students that are adamant in coming, will find themselves empowered when they learn what they can do with their voice.

Adriana
Capitol Debate Parent

Capitol debate is more than just a debate camp, it is a summer camp that actually engages with the children, challenging them mentally to go beyond what they have already inquired.

Ryley Hartwig
Capitol Debate Staff

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.

Romano Tucci
Capitol Debate Student

My son Christopher has been going to the debate camp for four years, and my daughter Rachael has been there for three years. They enjoy the camp more and more every year. They admire their coaches and leaders. The kids are reserved and competitive. This is the best environment for their Summer Camp. They are always excited about meeting their friends at the camp. When their regular school ends in mid June, they would ask, mom, are we going to the debate camp this year? I can feel the excitement in them that they are chatting with their friends on the East Coast and notifying them that they are coming. My kids are happy and enjoy the camp very much.

Becky Hoang
Capitol Debate Parent

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

Capitol Debate is a great program for kids of any skill level, to improve their public speaking, critical thinking, research skills, and their overall confidence. We LOVE Capitol Debate. Attending the Capitol Debate summer camp every year has made such a big difference in Kevin's speaking abilities, confidence, and success at school! Thank you so much! :)

Cora Cushman
Capitol Debate Parent

I came back to this camp again and this time it was just as good or better than last year. Also, my lab leader was extremely inspirational and made learning fun and enjoyable. I'll be walking away with lots of information and inside jokes. CRUSH THEIR DREAMS!!!

Stella Li
Capitol Debate Student

I made a lot of friends and learned how to debate! I never felt uncomfortable and everyone was really welcoming! I can't wait for next summer!!

Olivia Sheehan
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

  • 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 »

  • Lauren Pauls

    Camp Instructor

    • Lauren Pauls has been debating for eight years and coaching for five. She was the top speaker at the North American Women's Debating Championship in 2017, the US Universities Western Champion, and…  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 »

  • 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 »

  • Ben Hanson

    Camp Counselor

    • Benjamin Hanson is currently attending Western Kentucky University where he is double majoring in political science and economics. While in high school he was the captain of his school's Public Fo…  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 »

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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