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Build the skills to become a better speaker and thinker


For students who want to enjoy the benefits of public speaking and debate without a focus on one specific debate format or the pressure of competition. Whether your student is exploring debate for the first time or prefers a less competitive experience, this track is the perfect place to grow, learn, and have fun. By design, this track is focused on using speech & debate activities to teach students how to think critically, speak confidently, and disagree in intelligent, respectful ways. Because it is not focused on preparing students for competition, this track has the feel of a more traditional summer camp experience, including morning and afternoon games and activities. This is the ideal track for students who want to become better speakers, thinkers, and writers, but don’t necessarily intend on competing at public forum debate tournaments during the school year.

Not sure if this track is the right fit for you/your child?

Our program offers several camp experiences tailored to different student goals. Check out our Competitive Track to learn more about our other camp track.

Competitive Track
  • Practice & Receive Feedback

    Learn how to make calm, thoughtful, and well-reasoned argument by practicing using these skills in a range of debate activities and fun games, while our amazing instructors give feedback on how to improve. Students will gain confidence, both in their ability to think through multiple sides of complex issues and in the power of their voice to express those thoughts in a clear, compelling way.

  • Life-Changing Skills

    Being a confident, engaging, and effective communicator is an invaluable skill that benefits us throughout our lives. From making friends to school presentations to success in most workplaces, learning to be a great public speaker can enrich many aspects of our lives. Beyond that, debates are a fun and powerful tool for teaching students to  

  • Debate About Interesting Topics

    Students dive into a wide range of engaging, age-appropriate topics that spark curiosity and lively discussion. Whether they’re exploring current events, big ethical questions, or fun “what-if” scenarios, debates become a chance to think creatively and challenge their assumptions. By learning to articulate their ideas and respond thoughtfully to opposing viewpoints, students remain engaged while building meaningful skills.

Typical Daily Schedule


8:00 AM ————————————– Morning Check-In & Breakfast
9:00 AM ————————————– Morning Activity (Ex; Campus Tour)
10:00 AM ———————————— Lab Session
11:30 AM ———————————— Hands-On Activity (Ex; Electives)
12:30 PM ———————————— Lunch
1:30 PM ————————————– Afternoon Activity (Ex; Outdoors Activity)
3:30 PM ————————————– Lab Session
5:00 PM ————————————– Hands-On Activity (Ex; Practice Debate)
6:00 PM ————————————– Dinner
7:00 PM ————————————– Lab Session
8:00 PM ————————————– Office Hours
9:30 PM ————————————– Floor Check / Free Time
10:30 PM ———————————— Room Check

Hear from others about our skill-building program…

We are so grateful for the incredible impact Potomac Debate Academy has on my kids. We’ve watched them grow in confidence, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. The coaches are not only knowledgeable but also truly passionate about helping each student reach their full potential. Potomac create a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment that encourages curiosity and resilience.
Sheila Q.
Current Parent
We have seen a lot of improvement in research, presentations, organization of data, confidence in speech and delivery. Overall PDA really helps a child overcome their public speaking fears, read, research and work with current affairs and political topics. Best investment into a child’s growth.
Karthik S.
Current Parent

Deciding to have our 6th grader go to the summer camp was the best decision ever. She not only came back home more emotionally mature, more confident and independent, but most importantly, her speech, communication skills, and writing excelled beyond our expectations. Potomac provided skills that my daughter will never learn in her (great/amazing) regular school.

Janaina H.
Former Parent
Potomac Debate Academy
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