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 $2999 if registered by April 1*
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 »
*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 $75 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
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.
Hofstra University Camp Reviews
Capitol Debate makes learning engaging and fun, which is the best of both worlds!
Capitol Debate Parent
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
Capitol-Debate is the best place a child could be in the summer. Notice changes in her speech, discussions and was talking of taking up career goals in public speaking. Sure way to boost the child's confidence in speaking and interaction.
Capitol Debate Parent
Capitol Debate has made me feel more comfortable speaking and debating, and I learned to be more confident as well as think faster on my feet.
Capitol Debate Student
Capitol Debate was only the second time I had ever been away from home and I was very apprehensive at first. However I immediately felt at home as soon as I stepped through my dorm room and that feeling continued throughout my entire two week stay. From four square to water parks I had so much fun and I made many great friends. I learned so much and not only did I improve as a student and debater, I became a better person. Capitol Debate has really worked hard to provide a great experience to campers and it reflected in everything we did. I am so glad I attended this camp and I am looking forward to many more times!!
Capitol Debate Student
Supremely well run, thoughtful camp for anyone interested in debate. This camp beautifully combines an intellectually enriching experience with some plain ol camp fun. And the staff and faculty are - every one - friendly, dedicated and enthusiastic.
Capitol Debate Parent
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!!
Capitol Debate Student
Capitol Debate offers kids just the right amount of fun and academics at camp! My daughter Natalie Gonzalez, loved everything about the camp.
Capitol Debate Parent
I made it to the finals of my division and it was all possible because my instructor was so helpful and he was a great teacher. He gave my partner and I so much information on not only the topic, but how to be a good debater too. Capitol debate has definitely developed my speaking skills which is why I'd like to come back next year to learn even more.
Capitol Debate Student
I had never considered myself to be able to become good at public speaking, but I think that I've improved a lot here. I've made lots of new friends, and I'm amazed on how close we all got and how much I'll miss them all. Also, the staff is amazing!
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
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 »
