Until We Meet Again, Baltimore: Explore Our Current Camp Locations

We fondly remember the enriching experiences we've had hosting Capitol Debate Summer Camps at Loyola University Maryland and Notre Dame of Maryland. While we had to take a strategic pause there due to the initial impact of COVID-19, we have been thoughtfully reopening our markets to continue delivering high-quality educational experiences.

As we consider a future return to Baltimore, we warmly invite you to partake in our summer camps at one of our other exceptional locations. For those who prioritize easy travel access, we recommend Villanova University in Philadelphia, American University in Washington, D.C., Babson College in Massachusetts, or schools in the Princeton area such as The Hun School of Princeton, The Lawrenceville School, and Rider University. For a prestigious academic backdrop, you may consider joining us at Yale University or the University of Pennsylvania.

Our complete lineup for the summer of 2024 includes:

  • June 9 to July 20, 2024: University of North Carolina (UNC), University of Houston, University of San Diego
  • June 23 to July 4, 2024: UCLA, Villanova, Harvard, Hun School of Princeton, Yale
  • July 7 to July 18, 2024: University of Pennsylvania, The Lawrenceville School, Drew University, Babson College
  • July 21 to August 1, 2024: Babson College, Rider University, University of Washington, American University

We are thrilled to continue offering transformative experiences in public speaking and debate and eagerly await the day we can once again connect with our Chicago community.

Program Video From 2019

Program Video From 2018

Program Video From 2017



Founded in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland student body is made up of a majority of graduate students, who pursue advanced degrees in over 20 majors, including nursing, leadership, education, and pharmacy. Loyola University and Notre Dame share a beautiful 125,000 square foot library, which holds over 425,000 text volumes, and features an auditorium, cyber cafe, gallery, and more. Notre Dame of Maryland is located on 58 wooded acres. For more than a century, Notre Dame's 22,000 alumnae and alumni have gone on to lead exceptional lives of service and achievement. They have built buildings and families, made scientific discoveries, run for office and in marathons, become military leaders, served as CEOs and in soup kitchens.

Our students will be housed in Meletia Hall, which features many fine amenities. The residence hall has several kitchens and multiple lounge spaces throughout the building, in addition to a laundry room. Most rooms are double with 2 beds, 2 desks, 2 chairs, and 2 dressers. All rooms have air conditioning. There is a private bathroom between every 2 bedrooms. Meletia Hall welcomes campers with a beautiful main lobby with a working fireplace.

Baltimore, Maryland


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Capitol Debate: Nurturing Tomorrow's Leaders Through Speech & Debate!


Embark on a two-week transformative experience with Capitol Debate. From engaging lectures and personalized labs to practical applications and dedicated supervision, witness firsthand the unparalleled commitment we have to every student's growth. Whether a beginner or seasoned debater, every moment is designed for learning, speaking, and succeeding. Let the rhythm of our dedicated days and the passion of our esteemed staff show you why speech and debate is a pivotal tool for the future.

 



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Expert Staff

Capitol Advantage SealWe 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 programs 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 summer debate program 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 programs, 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.

Activities & Schedule




Typical Daily Schedule for Residential Students:

Typical Daily Schedule for Commuter Students:

Activities Outside of The Classroom Include:

Expert Staff

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Leading Curriculum

At our Public Speaking and Debate Program 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 Program 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. Capitol Debate offers students the chance to improve their communication skills in a safe and secure environment while having fun!

about-us

At Capitol Debate summer programs, students will learn the art of public speaking and debate. Students will cover many topics including:

  • Structuring Arguments
  • Supporting Arguments
  • Researching Evidence
  • Writing Persuasive Cases
  • Drafting Rebuttal Briefs
  • Organizing Ideas
  • Delivering Winning Speeches
  • Standing Up Confident
  • Articulating Ideas
  • Refuting Opposition
  • Listening Carefully
  • Cross-Examining Opponents
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    Cancellation Policy

    Cancelation by Camper: 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 debate program 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. Requests can be sent electronically to team@capitoldebate.com. For more details please visit our Terms, Policies, and Conditions page.

    Cancelation by Capitol Debate: All payments are nonrefundable. Payments referred to herein shall not be refundable under any circumstances, including but not limited to the termination of this Agreement for whatever reason. Should cancellation for reasons outside of our control become necessary which include but are not limited to host campuses canceling camps, compliance with local, state, and national regulations that require closure, pandemics, or acts of god (see Force Majeure clause), camper’s sole remedy shall be to receive credit to other Capitol Debate programs in the amount equal to the amount paid by such camper to attend program. Capitol Debate account credit will be provided for use up to 2 years from the final date of the program originally purchased. If the debate program must be canceled, Capitol Debate has the right to make suitable accommodations including but not limited to holding the summer debate program at another location, date or providing alternative camps in the future at no additional cost.

    Force Majeure: In the event anything happens at our summer debate program or oupr program is cancelled, directly or indirectly as a result of an any act of god, natural disaster, inevitable accident, fire, strike, lockout, or other labor dispute, riot or other civil commotion, act of public enemy, enactment, rule, order or act of government or governmental instrumentality (federal, state or local), failure of the Facility, or other cause of a similar or different nature not within Capitol Debate’s control, Capitol Debate shall not be responsible in any way for anything whatsoever, including without limitation, death, injury, property, and travel. The aforementioned notwithstanding, with respect to a Force Majeure cancellation of the camp, Capitol Debate, in its sole and absolute discretion, may provide Campers with a comparable substitute event to attend as scheduled by Capitol Debate at the original location or a replacement location as determined in the sole discretion of Capitol Debate.

    Consideration: Capitol Debate plans all year for the summer experience, and we incur huge costs before any student arrives for the first day of camp. We rely on the revenue that comes in throughout the year to cover all of our preparation expenses for camp. For example, our year-round staff are essential for planning the summer. They hire and train our summer staff, coordinate with the university, develop the program, design the curriculum, plan with our families, and take care of countless other essential projects in the winter months. Likewise, we have year-round rent payments, utilities, and many other large expenses. In return, campers receive early bird discounts below the full price in consideration of our credit only policy. For more information, please visit our Terms, Policies, and Conditions page.