Who are you as an organization?

Debate Camp inspires youth to confidently speak, debate and think on their feet! We open up minds to the wider world and help youth engage in constructive dialogue, debate and 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! Enrich your summer with us!

What do you do differently or uniquely well?

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.

Who are your 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.

What do families need to know about registration and joining Debate Camp?

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.

Debate Camp - Toronto Day & Overnight Camp

Summary Profile
Debate Camp answered our questions

Who are you as an organization?
Debate Camp inspires youth to confidently speak, debate and think on their feet! We open up minds to the wider world and help youth engage in constructive dialogue, debate and 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! Enrich your summer with us!

Special needs: Not available

LGBTQ+ friendly community
What do you do differently or uniquely well?

"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. "

Who are your 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."

What do families need to know about registration?

"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."

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Programs, Rates & Dates

Programs and Sessions Calendar

Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Debate Camp currently has 6 programs available; 2 TBD.

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Name

Type/Gender

Specialty

Location

Date

Bus

Cost

Toronto Debate Camps

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Day Camp
Coed
Ages: 10 - 17

Debate, Education (multi)

$455 to $595

North Toronto, Toronto, ON 99 Cartwright Ave	Jun 24-28	$575 - $595
Forest Hill, Toronto, ON 298 Lonsdale Ave	Jul 15-19	$575 - $595
Forest Hill, Toronto, ON 298 Lonsdale Ave	Jul 22-26	$575 - $595
Lawrence Heights, Toronto, ON 2275 Bayview Avenue	Jul 29-Aug 02	$575 - $595
Lawrence Heights, Toronto, ON 2275 Bayview Avenue	Aug 06-09	$455 - $475
Lawrence Heights, Toronto, ON 2275 Bayview Avenue	Aug 12-16	$575 - $585

Vancouver Debate Camp

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Day Camp
Coed
Ages: 10 - 15

Debate, Education (multi)

$460 to $595

Vancouver, BC 4176 Alexandra Street	Jul 02-05		$460 - $480
Vancouver, BC 4176 Alexandra Street	Jul 08-12		$575 - $595

Ottawa Debate Camp

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Day Camp
Coed
Ages: 10 - 15

Debate, Education (multi)

$575 to $595

Ottawa, ON
362 Mariposa Avenue

Jul 08-12

$575 - $595

Ontario Overnight Debate Camp

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Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 12 - 17

Debate, Education (multi)

$2,043 to $2,463

St. Catharines, ON
2 Ridley Road

Jul 14-20

$2,043 - $2,463

St Catharines Debate Camp

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Day Camp
Coed
Ages: 10 - 15

Debate, Education (multi)

$575 to $595

St. Catharines, ON
2 Ridley Road

Jul 15-19

$575 - $595

Nova Scotia Overnight Debate Camp

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Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 12 - 17

Debate, Education (multi)

$2,043 to $2,463

Windsor, NS
33 Kings Edgehill Lane

Aug 18-24

$2,043 - $2,463

Vancouver Debate Camp

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Day Camp
Coed
Ages: 10 - 15

Debate, Education (multi)

$575 to $595

Vancouver, BC
4176 Alexandra Street

Date TBD

Cost TBD

British Columbia Overnight Debate Camp

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Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 12 - 17

Debate, Education (multi)

$2,043 to $2,463

West Vancouver, BC
2230 Cypress Bowl Lane

Date TBD

Cost TBD

Financial Aid & Payment Details

Payment Options:

Deposit required with acceptance	Yes
Credit card payment	Yes

Discounts

Discount for 2nd child

10%

Insider Reviews & Perspectives
The Our Kids review of Debate Camp

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

Visit Debate Camp website

Insider's Perspective(s) of Debate Camp
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?
Review(s) of Debate Camp
Read all 19 reviews

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... Read 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 parlime... Read 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 debati... Read 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 a... Read 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 ... Read 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 ... Read 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 peopl... Read 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 b... Read 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... Read 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 ... Read 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... Read More

Location & Site Details

Address

British Columbia (2), Nova Scotia (1), Ontario (5)

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Busing

DEBATE CAMP MISSISSAUGA BUS (Bus fee: $63.75)

Location	Address	Pick up	Drop off
WHOLE FOODS - Square One	155 Square One Drive, Mississauga, ON, Canada	8:00 am	4:45 pm

DEBATE CAMP RICHMOND HILL BUS (Bus fee: $63.75)

Location	Address	Pick up	Drop off
YORK CINEMAS PARKING LOT	165 East Beaver Creek Road, Richmond Hill, ON, Canada	8:00 am	4:45 pm

DEBATE CAMP KANATA BUS (Bus fee: $63.75)

Location	Address	Pick up	Drop off
AY JACKSON SECONDARY SCHOOL	150 Abbeyhill Drive, Kanata, ON, Canada	8:00 am	4:45 pm

DEBATE CAMP RICHMOND BUS (Bus fee: $63.75)

Location	Address	Pick up	Drop off
RICHMOND SECONDARY SCHOOL	7171 Minoru Boulevard, Richmond, BC, Canada	8:00 am	4:30 pm

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

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.

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

What's New
Director's Message

Nick Szymanis, Director
BA, MA, B Ed

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

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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

November 17, 2016
Time to keep talking
Advice on speaking with kids in a troubled world.... Read More

December 2, 2015
Giving Kids the Edge: The Valuable Skill of Debating
Giving Kids the Edge: The Valuable Skill of Debating Debating helps kids retain 90% of what they learn By Nick Szymanis... 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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Debate Camp

Debate Camp

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Debate Camp answered our questions

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