The Argument Institute: Orlando
Transform your speech and debate skills this summer at the Argument Institute: Orlando, hosted at the University of Central Florida.
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The Argument Institute Advantage
Secure your spot for three intensive weeks of elite debate training designed to take your Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, or Congressional Debate skills to the next level. Our program focuses on innovative strategies, personalized feedback, and year long support that produces real results.
Dates: July 12th – August 1st
Events: Public Forum (PF), Lincoln-Douglas (LD), and Congressional Debate
Ages: Rising 7th Graders to High School Seniors (Ages 12–18)
Proven Championship Results
Our commitment to constantly evolving curriculum yields tangible results. Join the program that produced champions at top-tier national tournaments, including Yale, Harvard, and the Tournament of Champions (TOC).
What Sets Us Apart
Unified Curriculum
All students receive foundational skills through a unified instructional model. This features lectures, hands-on drills, and demo rounds that work together to reinforce concepts. Our lessons are developed and constantly revised by career educators.
Year-Long Access
Learning doesn't stop in August. Camp tuition includes ongoing support with topic seminars throughout the year and access to all camp lectures to ensure continuous improvement throughout the season.
Innovation & Strategy
We teach the current meta while preparing you for the next one, covering novel arguments and cutting-edge styles before they hit the national circuit. Stay ahead of the competition.
Safety and Well-Being: Our Top Priority
Student safety is our highest priority. We implement comprehensive measures to ensure a secure and supportive environment where every student can thrive and focus on their debate development.
Vetted Staff
All staff undergo thorough background checks and mandatory training covering child abuse prevention, bullying prevention, and emergency preparedness standards.
24/7 Supervision
We maintain strict supervision with dedicated Resident Assistants (RAs) and an overnight Camp Night Person ensuring student safety around the clock.
University Standards
We operate under a official safety plan developed with experts at UCF, meeting all university requirements for youth programs on campus.
Advanced Specialization Labs
Beyond standard practice, students select intensive labs focused on the most critical and complex arguments in modern debate. These specialized sessions allow you to develop expertise in the areas that matter most to your competitive success.
Critical Debate
Dive deep into critical theory frameworks including psychoanalysis, identity politics, and postmodern thought. Master the intersection of debate and social justice arguments.
Philosophy
Explore ethical frameworks from Rawls to Virtue. Build airtight philosophical cases and learn to defend complex normative positions.
Policy
Master policy debate fundamentals including impact calculus, counterplan theory, utilitarianism frameworks and advanced case construction for maximum competitive advantage.
A Day in the Life at Camp
Our daily schedule is carefully balanced to maximize learning and retention, moving seamlessly from foundational drilling to high-level strategic application. Here is a sample day.
9:00 AM: Homeroom
Start your day with focused homeroom sessions where you can review the previous days content with a dedicated cohort of peers and instructors.
10:00 AM: Lecture
Comprehensive lectures covering foundational debate concepts, strategy, and theory that all students attend together.
11:30 AM: Demo Debate
Demo debate with expert instructors highlighting core principles from the morning lecture
1:30 PM: Small Group Drills
Dedicated practice time reinforcing the mornings main controversies
3:00 PM: Practice Rounds
Engage in full practice rounds with personalized feedback from staff.
6:00 PM: Lab Session
Specialized workshops focusing on advanced techniques, argument development, and personalized skill building in small groups with expert instructors.
7:00 PM: Office Hours
One-on-one time with coaches for individual feedback, case review, and personalized guidance to address specific areas for improvement.
Meet Our Staff
Train with the best minds in the activity, experienced competitors, national champions, and seasoned coaches dedicated solely to student success. Our instructors bring real tournament experience and proven teaching methods.
Spencer Orlowski
Camp Director
Orlowski has coached multiple national champions in speech and debate events at MS, HS, and college level. His strategic insights and passion for forensics have shaped countless successful debaters. He oversees curriculum development and ensures a high-caliber safe learning experience for all participants.
Stephen Scopa
Lincoln-Douglas Director
Scopa has been a debate coach at the highest level for the past 7 seasons. His students have championed TOC, Harvard, Yale, UF, Berkeley, and Princeton among others. They have achieved over 100 bids to the Tournament of Champions and demonstrate consistent elite performance.
Mac Hays
Public Forum Director
Mac Hays is a former Fulbright Taiwan Debate Coach. A graduated from Brown University, where he studied International Affairs and Chemistry, Mac competed in American Parliamentary Debate, and placed in the top 3 at Nationals for 3 consecutive years. Mac's students have championed Harvard, Yale, and debated on the finals stages of both TOC and NSDA nationals in Public Forum.
Campus Living at UCF
The camp is held on the beautiful campus of the University of Central Florida (UCF), providing an ideal environment for focused learning and community. Experience college life while developing championship-level debate skills.
Nike Dorms
Students are housed in the modern Nike dorms on the UCF campus, featuring comfortable accommodations and study spaces perfect for late-night case prep.
Campus Dining
Access diverse and high-quality campus dining options, including favorites like Chick-fil-A and Subway, with meal plans that accommodate all dietary restrictions.
Easy Travel
Round-trip airport transportation to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO) is included in residential tuition. Check-in and check-out are both at 10:00 AM for your convenience.
Tuition and Registration
Choose the option that fits your needs and secure your discount today! We offer flexible packages designed to accommodate different family situations and budgets.
Residential Package
$4,500
All-Inclusive Experience
3 weeks of comprehensive training including tuition, housing in Nike dorms, all meals, linens, and round-trip MCO airport transportation.
Commuter Package
$4,000
Day Training Option
3 weeks of elite instruction including tuition and all meals but without housing or transportation services.
Special Savings Opportunities
01
Early Bird Discount
Save $250 when you register before January 1st. Don't miss this limited-time opportunity! Use the code SUMMER to claim at checkout.
02
Combo Package Deal
Combine Summer Camp with our year-long coaching program for $7,250, a significant savings compared to the standalone total of $8,250.
03
Payment Savings
Contact us for additional savings options when paying via Zelle or other direct payment methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill levels do you accept?
We welcome debaters of all experience levels, from novices just starting their debate journey to varsity competitors seeking that final edge. Our differentiated curriculum ensures everyone receives appropriate instruction.
Can students request roommates?
Yes, you can request a roommate on the registration form, though requests cannot be guaranteed. We do our best to honor preferences while creating balanced living arrangements.
Do students need debate partners?
No partner is needed to attend camp. Our instruction focuses on individual skill development, and we'll pair students for practice rounds as needed throughout the program.
What about dietary restrictions?
We accommodate most dietary restrictions including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and religious dietary requirements. Please list your needs accurately on the registration forms.
What should students bring?
A detailed packing list will be provided one month prior to camp start date. Essentials include laptop, debate materials, comfortable clothing, and personal items for a three-week stay.
How do I register?
Click the registration button to complete your enrollment and secure your spot. Early registration is strongly encouraged as spaces fill quickly!

Ready to Transform Your Debate Career?
Join the Argument Institute Summer Debate Camp and train with champions. Limited spots available, register today to secure your place and take advantage of early bird savings! Use the code SUMMER before January 1st, 2026 to save $250.