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Debate Camp

Locations: Forest Hill, Toronto; St. Catharines, ON; North Toronto, Toronto; Ottawa, ON; Ottawa, ON
Debate Camp logo
 

Debate Camp  

Locations: Forest Hill, Toronto; St. Catharines, ON; North Toronto, Toronto; Ottawa, ON; Ottawa, ON

  • Type:
    Day camp, Overnight camp, After-school/weekend program, Virtual camp/program
  • Focus:
    Debate
  • Cost:
    $495 to $595/week
  • Ages:
    10 to 16
  • Gender:
    Coed
  • Main language:
    English
  • Capacity:
    Varies
  • Programs:
    0 available; 9 TBD
  • Reviews:
    View 20 available
  • e-Brochure:
    View e-brochure
Request more info
Nick Szymanis

  • Overview

    Here's what makes Debate Camp stand out

    Debate Camp inspires youth to confidently speak, debate and develop an open mind towards the many debatable issues of our wider world. We help youth engage in constructive dialogue and debate alongside some traditional camp fun! Core program in parliamentary debate; workshops in public speaking and a 1 day Model UN. Appropriate for grades 5 through 10 - all levels welcome!

    • Special needs: Not available
    • LGBTQ+ friendly community

  • Programs, Rates & Dates

    Programs and Sessions Calendar

    We believe that "camp" creates a novel and secure learning environment in which campers feel safe to try new skills, think on their feet, see the opposing view, and to trust their teammates. Campers repeatedly inform us of how successful their academic experiences are - after Debate Camp, largely because they felt emboldened and confident in their ability to engage in discourse on subjects they felt unsure about only weeks previous. " I learned so much" is the most consistent feedback we get.


    Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Debate Camp currently has 0 program available; 9 TBD.

    Filter activities :


    Choose location:

    Name
    Type/Gender
    Specialty
    Location
    Date
    Bus
     Cost
    Email
    Day Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 10 - 17
    Debate, Education (multi)
    $575 to $595
    North Toronto, Toronto, ON
    2275 Bayview Avenue    		 Date TBDCost TBD
    Forest Hill, Toronto, ON
    298 Lonsdale Ave    		 Date TBDCost TBD
    Ottawa, ON
    362 Mariposa Avenue    		 Date TBDCost TBD
    		Debate|CIT/LIT Program|Empowerment|Leadership Training|Social Justice|Public Speaking
    Day Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 10 - 15
    Debate, Education (multi)
    Location TBD Date TBDCost TBD
    		Debate|CIT/LIT Program|Empowerment|Leadership Training|Social Justice|Public Speaking
    Day Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 10 - 15
    Debate, Education (multi)
    $575 to $595
    Ottawa, ON
    Carleton University- Dorchester Centre 290 Lisgar St    		 Date TBDCost TBD
    		Chess|Debate|CIT/LIT Program|Empowerment|Leadership Training|Social Justice|Public Speaking|Writing
    Overnight Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 12 - 17
    Debate, Education (multi)
    $1,775 to $1,975
    St. Catharines, ON
    2 Ridley Road    		 Date TBDCost TBD
    		Instructor lead (group)|Chess|Debate|CIT/LIT Program|Empowerment|Leadership Training|Social Justice|Public Speaking
    Day Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 10 - 15
    Debate, Education (multi)
    $575 to $595
    St. Catharines, ON
    2 Ridley Road    		 Date TBDCost TBD
    		Debate|CIT/LIT Program|Empowerment|Leadership Training|Social Justice|Public Speaking
    Overnight Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 12 - 17
    Debate, Education (multi)
    Location TBD Date TBDCost TBD
    		Instructor lead (group)|Chess|Debate|CIT/LIT Program|Empowerment|Leadership Training|Social Justice|Public Speaking
    Day Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 10 - 15
    Debate, Education (multi)
    Location TBD Date TBDCost TBD
    		Chess|Debate|CIT/LIT Program|Empowerment|Leadership Training|Social Justice|Public Speaking
    Overnight Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 12 - 17
    Debate, Education (multi)
    Location TBD Date TBDCost TBD
    		Instructor lead (group)|Chess|Debate|CIT/LIT Program|Empowerment|Leadership Training|Social Justice|Public Speaking
    Instructor lead (group)|Chess|Debate|CIT/LIT Program|Empowerment|Leadership Training|Social Justice|Public Speaking


    Registration Details

    Debate Camp opens registration in Canada and United States, for in-person camps on November 1st each year. Early Bird rates tier 1 are on until January 31st and Early Bird rates tier 2 are on until February 28th. Inquiry forms exist on our sites and families can submit their questions before signing up - - we aim for turn around on questions within 1 business day. Transportation options are also linked for each camp / camp location.


    Financial Aid & Payment Details

    Payment Options:

    Deposit required with acceptance Yes
    Credit card payment Yes

    Discounts

    Discount for 2nd child 10%

  • Reviews & Insider Perspectives

    The Our Kids review of Debate Camp

    our take

    Nick Szymanis founded Debate Camp Canada after having achieved a long and impressive career in private schooling. He held teaching and leadership positions at Havergal, Crofton House, and was director of academics at Sterling Hall. Director Oona Craig has a CV that is similarly impressive. In all, this is an academic camp that is placed very firmly on a foundation of academic experience and expertise. It’s not a traditional camp, of course, perhaps particularly because it’s not about providing a wide breadth of experiences, but rather an intensive focus on one: debating. That said, there is more breadth here than you might assume. Debate is a tool, like any camp activity, to get at other things, including confidence, resilience, skill development, and effective collaboration. The kids that attend find themselves in a group of peers that share their interests as well as their academic disposition, and many come away—as with any camp—with friends and memories for life.

    Three Things: Debate Camp
    Hear the three things that Our Kids’ editors see when they look at Debate Camp

    Video interviews with parents, campers, and alum

    Alex, Parent

    • 00:43 - What was unique about the program at Debate Camp that made you want to enroll your child there?
    • 01:58 - What would you highlight about the Debate Camp?
    • 02:53 - What does your son like best or find most exciting about camp?
    • 03:13 - When and how did you know that the camp was the right fit for your son?
    • 04:00 - Was there any change or noticeable personal growth that you saw in your son after his time at camp?
    • 06:03 - How can you as a parent support your child to get the most out of this camp?
    • 06:37 - How would you describe this camp to another parent?
    • 07:25 - What does your child say about the camp, either to you, or that you may have heard them say to friends?

    More reviews of Debate Camp

    Show all 19 reviews

    Toronto, Parent

    Summer 2021

    Read review

    Vancouver, Parent

    Summer 2022

    Read review

    Ottawa, Parent

    Summer 2022

    Read review

    Calgary, Parent

    Summer 2022

    Read review

    Toronto, Parent

    Summer 2022

    Read review

    Ontario Overnight Camp, Parent

    Summer 2022

    Read review

    Victoria, Parent

    Summer 2022

    Read review

    Halifax, Parent

    Summer 2022

    Read review

    Boston, Parent

    Summer 2022

    Read review

    New York, Parent

    Summer 2022

    Read review

    Halifax, Parent

    Summer 2021

    Read review

    Online, Parent

    Summer 2021

    Read review

    New York , Parent

    Summer 2020

    Read review

    Ottawa , Parent

    Summer 2019

    Read review

    Montreal , Parent

    Summer 2019

    Read review

    Boston , Parent

    Summer 2019

    Read review

    Boston , Parent

    Summer 2018

    Read review

    Calgary , Parent

    Summer 2018

    Read review

    Toronto, Parent

    Summer 2018

    Read review

    More reviews of Debate Camp

    Toronto, Parent

    Summer 2021

    My son has attended several debate camps and has enjoyed each one immensely.

    Vancouver, Parent

    Summer 2022

    Overall, a tremendous experience and a positive introduction to debate . Thanks so much for a fantastic week!

    Ottawa, Parent

    Summer 2022

    My daughter was not volunteering to go to debate camp yet she never complained and secretly think she had a good time!

    Calgary, Parent

    Summer 2022

    This camp was my son's first learning experience in debate. He enjoyed very much and appreciated the program contents and instructors' professional skills. He said this was totally different from his other camp experiences, though it was challenging, he learned quite a lot and enjoyed the fun with everyone ... Show More

    Toronto, Parent

    Summer 2022

    This is the first time my son enter the camp. He had a blast. This is just the right place for him. He said he will return next year.

    Ontario Overnight Camp, Parent

    Summer 2022

    We appreciated the seriousness with which the camp took our food allergy request. It made for a 'worry free' experience as a parent. My camper had the best time, learned lots, is now interested in following British parlimentary exchange on TV, made new friends and overall cannot stop talking about her experience. We are grateful for this camp and would highly recommend it ... Show More

    Victoria, Parent

    Summer 2022

    Big THANK YOU for great experience and fantastic time at the Debate Camp. The camp was educational, fun and very well organized. Thank you!

    Halifax, Parent

    Summer 2022

    I had two kids in the camp and both with different experiences and learning styles. Both LOVED the camp and want to do it again. Thank you for being such a positive, encouraging and fun way to introduce and build on debating skills. Every interaction with any member of your staff was positive, helpful and caring. If you had a debating team year round my kids would join ... Show More

    Boston, Parent

    Summer 2022

    My son has done this program twice (5th grade & 8th grade) and both times he had such a wonderful experience. He even said it was better than regular school! Bravo to your camp counselors for making a wonderful, engaging and motivating experience for the students ... Show More

    New York, Parent

    Summer 2022

    My child had a great time. I was happy to see her notebook and the Debate handbook explaining the different styles taught.

    Halifax, Parent

    Summer 2021

    We don't know you made debate camp such an enriching program for children but you have the formula down pat. Our daughter came home every day with her wheels fully pumped, her bucket filled to the brim. She regularly told us all about her day - and that doesn't always happen after camp or school. She was just so excited and needed to bring her family into the fold. She has now taught us how to debate and gave her sister the bracelet she made for her. From my heart: thank you! ... Show More

    Online, Parent

    Summer 2021

    Great experience for my child. It can be hard to find others with similar interests; debate camp has shown my son that there are other kids who like the same things as he does.

    New York , Parent

    Summer 2020

    Allow me to express my gratitude for the online camps you started this session. In the current situation they allowed my son to have a very productive learning experience, that created a tangible sense of accomplishment.

    Ottawa , Parent

    Summer 2019

    I would like to thank you for offering such great summer camp for my daughter. She has registered with her friends together to your summer camp this summer. It was her first debate experience. I was very impressed about the high quality you offered, from facility to staff until the program designed. Although it is kind of pricey, it delivered something of high value. Most of all, I know she is learning things not just killing time. Your debate camp is really a five star summer camp. Ottawa parent - 201 ... Show More

    Montreal , Parent

    Summer 2019

    I'm impressed that this camp offers something which presumes a natural inquisitiveness and intelligence in kids and empowers them. My son went in with great apprehension at the prospect of having to interact with new people and speak in front of them By the end of the week he was proud at having overcome some fear of public speaking and he said he would do this camp again. Montreal parent - 201 ... Show More

    Boston , Parent

    Summer 2019

    My kids complained bitterly the first day in the morning. They complained less and less and by Wednesday they liked it but didn't want to admit it. They really loved it by Friday. My husband and I feel that it's been the best camp for them and are really happy with what they learned. Thank you!! Boston MA, parent - 201 ... Show More

    Boston , Parent

    Summer 2018

    My daughter found your camp on a web search herself. She asked me to enrol her in the camp. I wasn't thrilled about the particular week in the summer, as it impacted our ability to schedule other 2 week camps. However, she absolutely loved the camp, and will be joining again next summer! Her joy and learning was evident, and was such a great time for her exact moment in her developmental stage. At 11.5 years, my daughter is breaking into new independence, and new thoughts about life, communications, politics, how society decides upon its "rules, norms, and laws". This camp gave some structure to her ideas, and most importantly, gave her a structured way to practice public speaking which I have been trying to build into all of her experiences for years. Hard to do outside of drama classes. She LOVED this camp West Roxbury, MA - parent - 201 ... Show More

    Calgary , Parent

    Summer 2018

    My son had an amazing week! Staff ratio to campers was ideal. Staff made the camp educational yet fun at the same time. My son returned each and every day talking about all the debates, all the arguments for /against, and all that he learned. I love that the topics were diverse and reflective of current issues. My son looked forward to going each day and was so disappointed at week's end. Having lunch included was definitely an added bonus! Will definitely return next year and for more than one session this time! Thanks to all the staff! Calgary parent - 201 ... Show More

    Toronto, Parent

    Summer 2018

    My daughter came to camp w/ an expressive communication disorder, and was encouraged to participate fully in all of the debates and activities-but was not pressured in a way that made her feel frustrated or discouraged. We are truly impressed w/ the entire program! Toronto parent - 201 ... Show More


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  • Gallery
    Debate Camp - profile photo

    Video Gallery

  • Meet the Staff

    Director's Message

    Debate Camp creates a learning experience that is safe, welcoming, fun, and intellectually-engaging.  Our program is meant to appeal to all ability levels, from the reluctant speaker to the already-accomplished debater. This year we are proud to be celebrating our 20th summer at Debate Camp. 

    We believe that learning is best served by engaging students in an academic experience, while at the same time ensuring they feel empowered to take risks. 

    We believe that "camp" creates a novel and secure learning environment in which campers feel safe to try new skills, think on their feet, see the opposing view, and to trust their teammates. 

     

    We feel that debating is not an elite skill for competition purposes only. We believe that to have advocacy skills, an ability with rhetoric, an ability to effectively organize one's thoughts, an ability to listen and be heard and to honour one's opponents with effective points and counter-points, are skills that all kids should try.  We believe these are empowering skills that are highly relevant to life long learning. 

    Campers repeatedly inform us of how successful their academic experiences are - after Debate Camp, largely because they felt emboldened and confident in their ability to engage in discourse on subjects they felt unsure about only weeks previous.   " I learned so much"  is the most consistent feedback we get. 

    Moreover, we remain about training in the area of verbal advocacy; to stand, speak and be heard - an area requiring continued attention at a time when digital means provide so many alternatives to this.  In the generation of the smart phone, of potentially less human-to-human conversation over substantial matters, what we teach is even more coveted...

    Education has forever operated on a belief in the skills, ability and good intention of the future generation. Debate Camp is honoured to be invested in this work

    More info on myself, my team and our great little camp - visit: www.debatecamp.com


    Staff and Counsellors

    Debate Camp Program Staff are the centrally important teachers and program providers at camp. They are experienced debaters and accomplished or inspiring speakers. They are good with young people. They know how to take the higher-order skills of debate analysis, case construction, and critical thinking and break it down into lessons suited to the many age groups and ability levels at Debate Camp. Program Staff are team players, who work hard to ensure campers experience a safe, well-supported, well-supervised and well-executed program for each day of camp.

  • Location & Operations

    Address

    Forest Hill, Toronto
    298 Lonsdale Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M4V 1X2
    St. Catharines, ON
    2 Ridley Road, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2S 3Y8
    North Toronto, Toronto
    2275 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3R4
    Ottawa, ON
    362 Mariposa Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 0T3
    Ottawa, ON
    Carleton University- Dorchester Centre 290 Lisgar St, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 0G8


    Busing


    Property Details

    Sports facilities

    • Gymnasium

    Landscape

    • Open Field

    More details about property: Debate Camps are located at independent school and / or university campus locations conducive to a well rounded, safe, indoor / outdoor program for youth.


    Accommodations

    Sleeping Accommodations

    • Dorm or Building

    Washrooms Facilities

    • Flush Toilets

    More details about accommodations: Debate Camp operates at CAIS accredited Independent Schools across Canada and follows ACA and state regulations in the United States.

    Is Debate Camp technology free? Debate Camp permits campers to use and keep their phone for the duration of Debate Camp. We do however sometimes request, that they be turned over or off when seen to be a distraction to the session underway


    Rentals & Services

    Offers outdoor education program for schools or corporate groups: Yes
    We offer educational programming in-person and online for school groups looking to start a debate enrichment program.


    Associations

    The American Camp Association Associations
    Canadian Camping Association/ Association des camps du Canada Associations

  • What's New

    In the News

    May 2, 2022
    DEBATE CAMP IS COMING TO PORTLAND, MAINE!
    Debate Camp is coming to Portland, Maine - brand new location at the Waynflete School! ... Read More


    Stories

    • Debate Camp Canada

      Debate Camp Canada has trained hundreds of eager speakers since it's start-up in the summer of 2002. Our camps have served the debate and public speaking communities in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. The new location of our residential camp, at Ridley College in St. Catharines, Ontario will serve our camper families well in location and in the beautiful campus we will be housed. In 2022 we have reopened day camps in King City and Calgary, locations closed since pre-2020.  Many debate and public speaking tournaments both in Canada and abroad, boast the participation of multiple debate campers from past summers - many of which have returned in the ranks of staff once actively competing at the university level. Our best stories certainly involve those campers who came to us, hesitant and often shy about public speaking and graduated after a few summers, with renewed self-confidence in a polished set of abilities that in some cases reaped rewards in tournaments or even just their own school's academic program. Moreover, everyone certainly had fun in the learning process. Join us in continuing this fine tradition.


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