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
Hofstra University Summer Camp Video
Capitol Debate Summer Camps at Hofstra University
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
This camp taught me a lot! I learned so much from very kind and amazing instructors and had so much fun in the process. All of the instructors wanted me to succeed and pushed me to try my hardest. I have become a better debater and made new friends through this amazing relationship. I look forward to coming back!
Capitol Debate Student
For the past 2 weeks, I've felt at home. Not only have I learned how to express my opinions without hurting others, but I have gained so many friends through so many great experiences at this camp. I will definitely remember summer 2016 for the rest of my life, it's been great!
Capitol Debate Student
Our instructor was awesome, we had so many inside jokes that it became kind of a problem. Overall, we just had a really nice time.
Capitol Debate Student
Working at Capitol Debate is every teacher's dream: Teaching relevant, fun material to students eager to learn. It's a wonderful experience for everyone involved.
Capitol Debate Staff
I'm also thankful for all the staff's efforts and caring. We talked with our son every day and could see he was adjusting to the dorm life well with the caring RAs. Whenever I emailed Rachel, she replied to me right away with detailed information that I exactly needed. I also appreciate the nurse for taking care of our son when he had a nose bleeding (due to seasonal allergy) several times during the first few days of the camp. Certainly Capitol Debate camp provides experience and education that students cannot have from their school.
Capitol Debate Parent
Great introduction to public speaking, overcoming nerves, and gaining confidence. Our daughter amazed us at her final debate....her demeanor and confidence brought me to tears. She said everyone...instructors and students were all so nice. Just an awesome experience!
Capitol Debate Parent
Capitol Debate is an amazing place to make new friends and have fun as well as developing new skills that really make an impact on the way you debate. This is definitely a place that I would want to come back to next year.
Capitol Debate Student
Going to this camp changed me from being shy and scared of public speaking to having better social skills and being fine speaking publicly. I would definitely recommend this camp as a life changing experience.
Capitol Debate Student
It is a big investment, but with sure return. Because our son thrives on learning, and this camp gives him that. It is a great program - your kids get to learn the gist of debate and how to approach it. Expressing your opinion is one of the most important skills to survive this society, and this program gives the opportunity to hone the skill.
Capitol Debate Parent
It was a great camp for me and it was my first time away from home.
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.
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.
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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 »
