Debate Camp helps students build confidence in public speaking. (photo courtesy of Debate Camp)

Students can improve public speaking skills while enjoying fun activities at Debate Camp, which is holding one-week in-person day and overnight camps in Southern California this summer.

For 24 years, Debate Camp has offered enrichment camps to youth in Canada, and since 2015 has offered programs throughout the Northeast and Pacific Northwest. This summer, Debate Camp’s one-week day camp will be offered from July 27-31 at Occidental College in Los Angeles, and the one-week overnight camp will be held from July 19-25 at Cate School in Carpinteria.

The program for ages 11-14 offers youth a chance to engage with others on topics with multiple perspectives. Debate Camp offers a fun and inspiring space for youth to develop important skills and confidently articulate ideas in front of others. Debate Camp specializes in parliamentary debate, impromptu and prepared public speaking. All programs are highly interactive and suited to different age groups and multiple ability levels.

Debate Camp utilizes a fun and exciting youth-focused approach to teaching and learning for students. Debate skills are applicable in the classroom, encouraging constructive dialogue and critical thinking. Debaters learn to maintain decorum (debate manners) as they make a point, as well as diplomacy, as debate focuses on listening and acknowledging opposing views.

The camps include skills games, debates, recreational games and traditional camp activities. Occidental College is located at 1600 Campus Road., in northeast Los Angeles. The Cate School is located at 1960 Mesa Road in Carpinteria. For information, visit debatecamp.com/la.