It starts with a timer, a partner and a simple prompt — something like, “The family in this house supports vegetarianism.” Two kids face off against two others, speaking in turns, asking questions and backing up their ideas.
By the end of the week, they’re holding their own in front of a room, thinking on their feet and surprising themselves. It’s all part of Chicago’s new Debate Camp for grades 5-9.
“Kids are going to speak, they’re going to get feedback, and they’re going to feel supported along the way,” says founding director Nick Szymanis.
This one-week summer camp blends public speaking, debate and Model United Nations with classic camp fun. After 23 years in Canada and 10 in select U.S. cities, Szymanis is bringing it to The Lab School in Hyde Park July 21-25, 2025.
“A group of parents spotted us and wanted us to come here,” he says. “So we’ve ventured to the Midwest.”
Public speaking, mock debates and real confidence
Debate Camp is built on a simple idea — serious skill-building doesn’t have to feel serious.
“It is a beautiful, healthy mix of short, intensive intervals, amazing skills development and a lot of fun,” says Szymanis.
Campers rotate through three key activities each day, with breaks for games, bracelet-making and soccer to keep the pace lively:
- Public speaking: One-minute speaking games help kids ease into the week. “We do a really gentle, welcoming, low-stakes job of getting kids to come out of the fear-factor shell.”
- Parliamentary debate: Four days are packed with 2v2 or 4v4 debates. “Kids talk on two sides of an issue around something they’re familiar with,” like whether cats are better than dogs.
- Model UN: One day is dedicated to role-playing countries to solve global issues like space debris. “They use all the skills they’ve curated to that point.”
Kids speak from mini wooden podiums, guided by “decorum” signs — part of the structure that builds confidence without pressure.
What sorts of kids would love Debate Camp?
There’s no single mold. Campers range from loud-and-proud talkers to quiet readers still finding their voice — boys and girls alike.
“These are sometimes kids who are looking around the wider world a bit,” says Szymanis. “They’re interested in things beyond just their front lawn and neighborhood.”
- The naturally talkative: About 60–70% of campers arrive ready to go. “They’re tossing around many ideas and they have a lot to say,” he says. “If you’ve got a chatty middle schooler, I’ve got a camp for you.”
- The thinkers and readers: The other 30–40% are more reserved. “Mom and dad are pretty sure this is the solution.”
- The unexpected joiners: Some kids are too busy for school-year debate — or assume it’s not their thing. “We’ve had all sorts of sporty kids who can’t fit debate into their year-round schedule — but are keen to try it.”
- The quiet collaborators: Debate happens in pairs. “You’re not alone. That is empowering. We dry some tears at times, but we help those kids.”
Key things parents need to know about Debate Camp
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- Location: The Lab School in Hyde Park, Chicago (pop-up)
- Dates: Monday-Friday, July 21-25, 2025
- Schedule:
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- Drop-off: 8:15-9 a.m.
- Program: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- Pickup: Until 4 p.m.
- Ages: Kids ages 10-14 (grades 5-9)
- Cost: $625 for the week
- Scholarships: Available through the Debate Camp Foundation (email info@debatecamp.com)
- What to bring: Nothing — all materials provided
- Camp size: Capped at 40 campers. “We don’t overstock our camps,” says Szymanis.
- Breaks: Supervised, structured and screen-free — “not slouch-around on your phone time.”
Why Chicago families will love the new Debate Camp
Some kids arrive unsure — nervous to speak or just tagging along because a parent signed them up. Then something shifts. They stand up, speak clearly and realize they can do hard things.
“By the end of the week, they’re hitting 4-5 minutes of speaking,” Szymanis says. “They sound good. They’re stacking their points, and it’s amazing the analysis they’re bringing.”
Debate Camp is new to Chicago, but well-loved elsewhere. Many kids return year after year, he adds, eventually becoming interns and staff.
“This is our little village, and it’s worked in New York, Boston, Seattle, Providence, and coast-to-coast in Canada,” says Szymanis. “Hyde Park, let’s go!”
This content is sponsored by Debate Camp. To learn more, visit the Debate Camp website.
