Arizona State University
Summer Debate Camps
Teaching public speaking, persuasion, presentation skills and confidence through the art of debate
One of five ASU Valley campuses, the historic Tempe campus offers hundreds of majors that engage undergraduates and graduates in multidisciplinary research, entrepreneurship and innovation in first-rate laboratories and facilities. The energetic environment of the campus comprises broad pedestrian malls and eclectic architecture set amid subtropical landscaping. Arizona State University had been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the country's "Most Innovative School" for an unprecedented two years in succession.
Summer Camps at Arizona State University
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Two Week Debate Day Camp
June 3 to 14, 2019
Cost: 1,549 $1249 if registered by January 31*
The goal of our day camps is to teach debate students the basics of argument and develop communication skills, problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and increased self-esteem. They are not as rigorous as our corresponding overnight academic camps, so they are the perfect opening for new debaters. Complete description »
Group rates available for community, church, international and school groups. Contact us at (800) 450-5012 for more information.
Cost excludes $47.50 charge assessed for safety regulations, local and federal governmental compliance. Please note that all program prices are subject to change without notice
Here's what they said about Capitol Debate's Summer Camps.
data from 2017 parent survey
Summer Camp: A Life Changing Experience
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.
ASU Camp Reviews
Capitol Debate gave me the opportunity to utilize my skills and embrace my passion. I want to spread the beauty that debate has to as many individuals as possible and Capitol Debate is a great environment for that.
Capitol Debate Staff
This camp provides a good balance of fun and academics. My son learned a lot, made new friends, and would recommend this camp to others. The residential facilities at Babson are very nice and the staff is very caring.
Capitol Debate Parent
Teenagers are naturally looking for opportunities to be heard. Give them the skills to think critically and debate coherently, so they can learn to think for themselves and argue for their own rights. Since we are not involved in any debate club or team during the school year, doing a camp like this is desirable.
Capitol Debate Parent
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.
Capitol Debate Student
This camp made me a better speaker, better person, and a better student. I'm sure I will go into my next year of school better equipped to succeed. The camp also sparked in me the desire to improve my debate skills.
Capitol Debate Student
It is a really fun summer camp, kids can learn some interesting topics that school education does not offer. Very good experience!
Capitol Debate Parent
I was amazed by the amount of knowledge my son gained during the two-week camp. This was his first experience of learning and actually practicing debate, and I think now he has solid knowledge of what a public forum debate is and how to search for evidence to support his argument.
Capitol Debate Parent
Over the past two years, the highlight of my summers have been Capitol Debate camps. These camps provide such an enjoyable learning opportunity as well as lifelong friendships and incredible instructors. These two weeks flew by, and I am looking forward to next time!
Capitol Debate Student
It was a great experience for me. I got to learn countless things while also having fun. My instructor was one of the best teachers I've ever had, and I learned a lot from him. I felt really close to my labmates and all of them were really happy for me when I won. I honestly loved this camp, and will 100% come back next year.
Capitol Debate Student
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
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 the 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
Camp Director
Gail Nicholas has coached speech and debate for over 30 years at Bob Jones Academy where she teaches American Government. For over a decade she has served as the district chair for the National Speech… Read More »
Camp Instructor
Ryley Hartwig is finishing his first 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 Debat… Read More »
Camp Instructor
Since 1985 Chuck has coached all forms of Debate as well as High School & Middle School Mock Trial. He directs plays. At the 2016 NSDA SLC Nationals , he co-coached the 8th place South Carolina Worl… 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 »
