Who Are We?

PASDC is a summer camp that can guarantee both a fun and educational summer experience for rising 6th grade to rising 10th grade children. We are taught by kind, caring, and professional members of the nationally ranked Palo Alto High School Speech and Debate team who have all debated at a high school level and are eager to share their skills with campers.

Why us?

According to the Wall Street Journal, public speaking is the number one fear in America.

Speech and Debate can help students overcome these fears, and can allow those who believe they are confident speakers to improve their argumentation and public speaking abilities. Speech and Debate teaches valuable life skills that are needed to succeed in high school and beyond. 

Here are some specific skills that Speech and Debate can teach your student:

• Public speaking
• Leadership
• Research and argumentation skills
• Critical thinking
• Expository writing
• Persuasion and diplomacy

Speech and Debate creates well-rounded students who can think and communicate clearly.

Student-teacher ratio

We have a 4:1 student-teacher ratio,
​providing students with quality and individualized attention.

Curriculum

Our classes have a tested and successful curriculum geared towards Lincoln-Douglas debate so campers finish ready to compete next year.

Faculty

Classes are led by the members of our nationally ranked team which engages younger students.

Customization

We offer both basic *and* advanced tracks so returning students are challenged.

A word from Jennie Savage, Paly Speech and Debate Team director 

Besides being the top predictor of how well a student does on the written portion of the SAT, being involved in speech and debate is an engaging and transformative experience for middle and high school students. Students learn public speaking, critical thinking, research, and expository writing skills that have deep impacts on coursework and in life. The Palo Alto High School Speech and Debate Camp offers unique benefits to Bay Area students for 4 key reasons.

​​Our camp sells out far before the registration closure date, so I encourage you to apply early. We look forward to working with your student!

Stand up, speak up 

This summer, have a  great time while honing your public speaking skills. Learn how to articulate your opinions, craft compelling arguments, and command a crowd. Curious about what our programs have to offer?

Learn more