Alachua County Speech and Debate Camp

Does your child love to argue? Love to act? Love to talk? Want to put themselves out there more? They'll LOVE our speech and debate summer camp!

This summer, Gainesville-area high school Speech and Debate teams are hosting a week-long camp to improve and foster skills in acting, storytelling, speaking off-the-cuff, argumentation, and so much more. Whether your child is a seasoned competitor or just curious, this is a fun and welcoming experience designed to help incoming middle and high school students feel more prepared, connected, and excited for the upcoming 2026–2027 season.

Students will receive specified instruction and practice and can pick from a wide range of competitive events, including Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, and Congressional Debate on the debate side, and Extemporaneous Speaking, Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, Duo Interpretation, Original Oratory, Original Interpretation, Informative Speaking, Impromptu, and more on the speech side.

But it's not all drills and practice rounds: campers will also take part in engaging improv activities, debating Soup-Sandwich-Salad theory, and learning how to effectively defend even the most ridiculous arguments, whether they be in policy or or voiding the speed limit when "Free Bird" is playing.

This camp is open to all middle and high school students. If your child is younger but still interested, feel free to reach out by email.