Cornell International Summer Debate Camp

Why Debate Matters!
Improved Critical Thinking Skills.
Improved Articulation.
Improved Research Skills.
Quick-Thinking.
Resolution of Conflict.
Greater Empathy.
Emotional Control.
Finding Meaning in Complex Situations.
Presentation skills
Broader view of the world.

Don’t miss out on Cornell International Summer Debate Camp! Open to all middle and high school students -- no auditions required. Just bring your love of learning and a desire to have fun. This camp is the perfect place to build skills, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories. Sign up and get ready for an inspiring summer experience! [email protected]

For Parents looking for a great summer opportunity for their middle/high school kids.
Cornell International Summer Debate Camp : July 25–August 3, 2026

Join us for this summer’s camp which offers an exceptional experiential immersion in debates. This in-person debate camp provides a unique opportunity for campers to meet and interact with other students from different backgrounds, make friends, gain confidence, enjoy the beautiful campus while also learning fantastic debate skills from top Cornell faculty and coaches. It’s a truly enriching academic camp and learning environment. Last year, we had 200+ students from 25 States and 17 countries. We expect same for the 2026 camp.

Take a moment to sign up your kid for the camp. Email: [email protected] or call: 607-379-2031 or visit the website to register: https://www.ilr.cornell.edu/cornell-international-debate-camp

Looking forward to welcoming all students (beginners and more experienced debaters) to the Cornell International Summer Debate Camp, July 25-August 3, 2026.— at Cornell University.

https://www.ilr.cornell.edu/cornell-international-debate-camp

Cornell's Summer Debate Camp Was a Resounding Success!

From July 27 to August 4, 2025, the Cornell Speech and Debate Program hosted the International Summer Debate Camp on the Cornell Ithaca campus. The camp brought together over 200 middle and high school students from 25 states and 15 countries for an immersive experience in debate.

To ensure an outstanding experience for every participant, campers were placed into one of 10 cohorts based on their prior experience. This thoughtful approach allowed instructors to tailor their teaching to each group. Beginners felt empowered and supported, while seasoned debaters stayed stimulated and challenged. This system is designed for optimal learning, building confidence, and ensuring everyone has a rewarding experience.

Over the course of the 10-day camp, students honed their skills and broadened their understanding of debate through more than 20 elective courses. They debated a wide range of current topics, from artificial intelligence and tariffs to labor unions and international relations. A major highlight was the opportunity to learn from Cornell professors. Ariel Avgar, the Cornell University ILR School David M. Cohen Professor of Labor Relations, Law, and History, lectured on unions, and Graeme Bailey, a professor in the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science, spoke about computational creativity.

The camp culminated in a celebratory banquet at the The Statler Hotel at Cornell University, where awards and certificates of completion were distributed. The event was a testament to the hard work and growth of the campers. Throughout the camp, students formed lasting friendships, engaged in significant learning, and had a great time. The overall experience was overwhelmingly positive.

We look forward to hosting the camp again next year.

Strike a pose.... then debate.
Day 3 of Cornell International Summer Debate Camp 2024 has gone smoothly. The campers are excited, engaged and eager to get going with intra-camp debate tournament starting Wednesday