Summer Camp FAQs

Check out our packing list here!

While we encourage students to choose the residential option because it allows them to enjoy the full camp experience, including evening activities and learning sessions, we do offer a commuter option for both of our options: “Competitive Track” and “Skill-Based Track.”

Families should plan for students to arrive at Georgetown Preparatory School by 4:00pm ET the first day of camp.

Shuttles will pick students up from BWI between 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM at two different times to be set after we have more flight information from traveling students.

On the final day of camp, families picking up their students at Georgetown Preparatory School should plan to arrive by 1:00 PM ET.

For students flying home, our shuttle will arrive at BWI Airport by 4:00 PM on the final day.

Georgetown Preparatory School offers students the ability to self-select their meals from a wide variety of options at the dining hall. You can get an idea of the menu in the South Room on Prep’s Dining Services website, which you can access here. Each meal includes vegetarian options as well as a salad and sandwich bar.

Please note the Georgetown Preparatory School campus/dining hall is not nut free.

Tuition includes three meals per day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Georgetown Preparatory School operates as a premier boarding school during the academic year and maintains an active, on-campus security department. Public areas are monitored by security cameras throughout the campus. All buildings, including dormitories, require key card access for entry.

In addition, PDA provides its own layer of support with resident advisors, administrators, and overnight supervisors.

Residential tuition is $2,599 which includes the cost of meals, dorms, and instruction for 8 days. 

Commuter tuition is $2,399 which includes the cost of meals and instruction for 8 days. 

For students choosing the residential option, our summer camp is a sleep-away camp with students staying in the Boland Hall dormitory (#2 on the map).

While not required, we do recommend students choose the residential option so that they can enjoy the full camp experience, including evening activities that occur after the mandatory pickup for commuters.

Upon arrival, each student will receive a linen package that includes a blanket, a pillow, sheets, and a towel.

All dorm rooms in Boland Hall have window AC units installed.

Students will eat at the dining hall nearest to their assigned dorm, which is called the “South Room.”

Academic facilities will be selected in close proximity to the residential and dining facilities. Please stay tuned for additional details.

Students are expected to bring their own laptops or work devices; limited loaner computers may be available if necessary.

You can access a Georgetown Preparatory School here.

Absolutely! Many of our students have no debate background prior to joining PDA. We have built a camp that serves the needs of all students, regardless of their experience level and goals for debate.

For a student with no debate experience, either of our tracks can be a great fit, depending on that student’s goals for debate.

Regardless of whether you choose the “Competitive Track” or the “Skill-Based Track,” we divide students into groups so they are with other students who are similar in both age and debate experience. Our teachers are debate experts who have helped students of all backgrounds excel in debate. In addition, our curriculum is robust, with age/experience appropriate learning at all levels.

Potomac Debate Academy teaches middle and high school students of all levels public speaking, critical thinking, and debating skills. Debaters will learn how to speak publicly and confidently, research topic areas, think critically about various perspectives and ideas, collaborate with peers, and more!

• For campers in the “Competitive Track,” the curriculum is focused on preparing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in competitive Public Forum debate, while promoting personal growth.
• For campers in the “Skill-Based Track,” there won’t be a focus on the Public Forum debate format specifically or on preparing students to participate in competitive tournaments. Instead, students will learn the foundational skills of public speaking and debate, which are immediately applicable to many areas of their lives. In this track, students work on their public speaking, critical thinking, and debating skills while enjoying more of a traditional summer camp experience, including morning and evening activities.