Hofstra University
Summer Debate Camps
Teaching public speaking, persuasion, presentation skills and confidence through the art of debate
Hofstra University is a private, non-profit institution of higher learning. Its main campus is located in the village of Hempstead, New York, United States, approximately 7 miles (11 km) east of New York City on a beautiful, 240-acre campus on Long Island. Comprising ten schools, including a School of Medicine and a School of Law, Hofstra is noted for a series of prominent Presidential conferences, as well as being selected to host United States Presidential Debates in 2008 and 2012. Like Capitol Debate, Hofstra maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio and keeps its priorities focused on excellence in teaching. Capitol Debate Campers will enjoy the campus' several state of the art features:
- State-of-the-art classrooms
- Learning and laboratory facilities
- Extensive wireless Internet access
Summer Camps at Hofstra University
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Public Speaking and Debate Camp
July 13 to 25, 2019
Cost: 3,499 $2749 if registered by January 31*
At Middle School Debate Camp level, 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 High School 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 »
*Cost covers tuition, room & board. Commuter program discounted by $600 and does not include breakfast.
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.
Hofstra University Camp Reviews
I met a lot of really cool people, made friends, and had a lot of fun. I definitely grew not only as a debater but also as a person in this camp.
Capitol Debate Student
The camp is run by very professional staff and seems carefully organized to provide teenagers with a perfect blend of fun and academic challenge, with long-lasting impact. Their peers were amazing kids and the counselors are truly dedicated.
Capitol Debate Parent
When I arrived at Capitol Debate, I didn't know how to debate. By the end of the camp, not only did I learn to do this, but I also learned how to speak in front of many people AND I made so many friends. Thank you Capitol for an amazing summer! I am definitely coming back next year!
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.
Capitol Debate Student
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!!
Capitol Debate Student
This camp is educational and also fun. Kids learn/train skills by professionals. My son is more confident in speaking publicly.
Capitol Debate Parent
Relationships, experiences, values, skills, challenges - are life lessons that stay with your teen forever. My kids had amazing FUN. They made tons of friends which are long-lasting. They gained skills for a lifetime.
Capitol Debate Parent
I went into this camp really apprehensive, and I came out really liking what I learned. This camp was my beginning step into the world of public forum, and it made me realize just how fun and challenging debate was.
Capitol Debate Student
I have improved so much from the beginning of this camp to the end of this camp. As I was talking to my parents on the phone, they too noticed a massive difference. In one of our conversations they asked, "who are you? Its like you're a new person!" This was because after this camp, I was eager to research and learn about many topics.
Capitol Debate Student
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.
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 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
Bradley T. Hicks has been a teacher for 17 years and currently teaches U.S. History, Government, and Economics in Williston, Florida. He holds a B.A. from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. Inspire… Read More »
Camp Director
I competed in policy debate for three in high school where I was the captain of my policy team and winning several tournaments in the Washington State Area. In college, I competed as a parliamentary d… Read More »
Camp Wellness / Nurse
Tracy Tambaoan has spent 27 years serving as a Registered Nurse in the healthcare field. Much of her clinical background has been in ICU Nursing. Tracy currently works as a school nurse K-8 at Liberty… Read More »
Camp Counselor
Asima is a senior at the University of Central Florida where she is majoring in legal studies with specializations in litigation & advocacy and criminal law. Upon graduation she hopes to pursue a care… Read More »
Camp Counselor
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 Life Administrator
Bryce Henshaw is a first-year college student at Willamette University and will be a Resident Advisor for Capitol Debate this summer. She has had five years of debate experience, four years in high sc… 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 »
