Finding the right summer camp for your child can feel overwhelming with so many great options available across Santa Barbara. That’s why Noozhawk’s ParentNooz Summer Camp Guide brings local families a curated look at the programs that make summer both fun and enriching.
To help parents get to know these camps beyond the basics, we connected directly with the people behind the programs. Through these Q&A-style spotlights, camp leaders share insights into their activities, values, and what makes their camps such a memorable experience for kids.
In this feature, we spoke with Nick Szymanis, Founding Director of Debate Camp, to learn more about what families can expect from their camp this summer and how their program creates opportunities for kids to learn, explore, and make lasting memories.
Debate Camp
Question: What is the name of your camp or program, and what is its primary focus?
Answer: At Debate Camp, we provide a fun and inspiring space for youth to develop some timelessly-important skills; to hear opposing views and to confidently articulate their ideas well in the company of others.
Debate Camp specializes in parliamentary debate, impromptu and prepared public speaking.
We ensure that all program areas are highly interactive and suited to a variety of age groups (grades 5 to 10) and multiple ability levels.
Q: How long have you been running the program? Do you have any professional accreditations or certifications?
A: 24 summers across Canada; 10 summers in US Northeast & Pacific Northwest. Fully accredited by The American Camps Association, in additional to local accreditations in Canada and US Northeast. Click here for more information.
Q: What specific goals or objectives will participants be working towards during their time at the camp?
A: Debate Camp believes in a well-balanced program where an academic focus is mixed with opportunities for traditional camp games and a fun and inspiring approach to learning.
Objectives of the 1 week program in debate, public speaking and Model UN include:
- Growth and development of critical thought and analysis
- Organization of ideas
- Persuasive speaking; 4 – 6 mins per speech
- Confidence with expression of ideas
- Teamwork, collaboration and listening
- Ideas flowing
- Speaking decorum
- Increased global awareness and an appreciation of civil discourse on opposing views
Q: Can you describe the educational components integrated into your program?
A: Interactive Workshops: Debate workshops are designed in an interactive, student-centred way and aim to help campers develop skills in case construction, refutation and counterpoint techniques, parliamentary interruptions, tools for effective delivery and efficient research skills.
Teamwork and Feedback: Debates happen in partnership, normally in teams of 2 or 4 speakers – who work together. Campers co-develop cases, ensure effective rebuttal and receive feedback together; often as a side – pointing out strengths of argumentation and delivery. We aim for 3 to 4 practice rounds daily.
Skills Transfer: Debate Camp believes in the transferability of the skills we teach. Parliamentary debate lends itself best to this, as the skills of analysis / critical thought, impacting, persuasion, logic and being able to take questions mid-speech – – are all very useful in the classroom, meeting room and / or in academic writing.
Parliamentary Style: Having limited preparation time (with a partner) on a topic and then having to present points for or against in a 4 – 6 minute speaking time, inclusive of summary and rebuttal – – is not easy.
But it is more accessible for campers of all ages to try – – over other styles where more advance preparation on case construction results in a very rapid speaking style and cramming of evidence (albeit researched) into a similar amount of speaking time.
Skills-transfer from these styles is less, as life / meetings / class – do not often yield the same advance notice on required knowledge or the task of presenting an idea without talking too quickly.
Practice: Debate Camp is a place to learn, and we believe one of the best ways to develop new skills is through practice and effective feedback. At camp, debaters are on their feet, raising points, countering and developing new abilities in an active way. We are more about this active form of learning and less about lecture-style teaching.
Academic Enrichment: Debate Camp is a place of new ideas. We believe that to open young minds to the world around them, particularly global issues and current events, helps in case construction and broadens possible speech topics.
Challenge By Choice: Debate camp provides countless opportunities to advocate for an idea, form a response, stand and speak on a point. Whether in impromptu speaking games, debate feuds, or formal rounds – campers who take these opportunities get the most out of camp.
Supportive Environment: Camp is also a supportive place, with lots of encouragement available for those who are trying new things. Campers are coached to honour what is being said by their opponents and welcome the efforts of others, even in competition.
Q: What is the daily schedule like, including activities, meals, and rest periods?
A:
- 8:45 Camper Arrival & Daily Orientation
- 9:00 Director’s Welcome
- 9:15 Debate Topics announced
- 9:30 DEBATE ROUND I w/ feedback
- 10:30 Break / Snack / outdoor activity
- 11:00 Debate Workshop
- 11:30 DEBATE ROUND II w/ feedback
- 12:30 Lunch
- 1:15 Bend Your Head
- 2:00 Debate Styles / DEBATE ROUND III
- 3:00 Break / Snack / Optional Games*
- 3:30 staggered dismissal [3:30 – 3:45]
Q: What is the typical age range of campers who attend your programs?
A: Minimum age 10 / completed 4th grade to age 14 / 15 – completed 9th grade. All abilities / familiarities with debate welcome. Program operates across multi-levels.
Q: Do you offer full day and 1/2 day options?
A: Unfortunately we do not.
Q: What are your policies regarding staff background checks, training, and the child-to-staff ratio? How do you ensure the safety and well-being of campers?
A: Debate Camp is fully accredited by the American Camps Association and as such all of our recruitment, onboarding, back-checking and staff training are governed by the highest national standards in the field of children’s programming.
Teaching ratio is 1:8, supervision ratio is 1:6. All camps operate with a dedicated Healthcare Supervisor, whose role each week is to ensure campers thrive on the level of health, wellness and that parents are supported via regular communication.
Q: What is the cost of attending your camp, and do you offer any financial assistance or scholarships?
A: Day Camp: $635.00 / 5 day program.
Overnight Camp: $1930 / 6 day / 6 night program – all inclusive.
Q: Is there anything you would like to share about your program that was not already mentioned above?
A: Debate Camp specializes in parliamentary debate, impromptu and prepared public speaking. We ensure that all program areas are highly interactive and suited to a variety of age groups (grades 5 to 10) and multiple ability levels.
- Day camp and sleepaway camp options
- Multi-level instruction
- Suits all ability levels
- Teaching ratio 1:8
- Parliamentary debate rounds on new topics daily
- Feedback and fun!
- All resources provided
Click here to learn more about Debate Camp!