Debate Camp 2026
Debate Camp 2026
Sonoma Academy’s Flex Debate Camp offers a flexible, personalized experience for both novice and advanced debaters to sharpen their public speaking, research, and argumentation skills over the summer. Led by nationally recognized coaches Alyssa Lucas-Bolin, Anthony Trufanov, Sarah Lundeen, and Martin Osborn, the camp features a robust curriculum tailored to each student’s experience level. Whether you’re prepping for a competitive season or just getting started, we’ve got you covered with beginner and advanced tracks.
This year’s policy topic—U.S. exploration and/or development of the Arctic—will be introduced with clear resources for students new to the issue. With asynchronous modules, live coaching, and even an in-person commuter option, Sonoma Academy Flex makes debate camp work around your schedule—not the other way around. We focus on quality, equity, and flexibility to provide a rigorous and individualized experience unlike traditional camps.
This year’s policy topic—U.S. exploration and/or development of the Arctic—will be introduced with clear resources for students new to the issue. With asynchronous modules, live coaching, and even an in-person commuter option, Sonoma Academy Flex makes debate camp work around your schedule—not the other way around. We focus on quality, equity, and flexibility to provide a rigorous and individualized experience unlike traditional camps.
Rising 9th-12th grade students are eligible for Sonoma Academy’s Flex Debate camps. The cost of camp will depend on which option you choose. Registration closes July 1, 2025.
Camp Levels and Options
For Beginning Debaters
Beginner Debate: July 13 - 17
For beginners/novice high school students with no prior debate experience, we offer a one week introduction camp from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, July 13 through 17. This camp is offered in person at Sonoma Academy’s campus in Santa Rosa.
Cost: $500
Register Here
For Experienced Debaters
For experienced policy debaters, we offer three options. The times of day will be set up to reflect the debaters’ needs. We will survey students for what times work for them closer to the start of camp.
If you have any questions please email Alyssa at alyssa.lucas-bolin@sonomaacademy.org
Advanced Debate Tier 1: July 17 - August 1
This camp is for experienced debaters who need a flexible option.
While these are the dates the content will be released, students can work on these items at any point after their release. This camp is fully online. Includes asynchronous content - starter pack, recorded lectures with graphic organizers/the chance to submit questions, feedback on a major research assignment, daily drills, and feedback on a significant amount of recorded speeches.
Cost: $500
Register Here
Advanced Debate Tier 2: July 17 - August 1
Tier 1 + at least 10 hours of live coaching (practice debates and/or other office hours). Live coaching can occur over Zoom/NSDA campus or in person for Sonoma Academy students.
Cost: $1000
Register Here
Advanced Debate Tier 3: August 6 - 15
(with some asynchronous “teasers” provided earlier in the summer)
Tiers 1 + Tier 2 + one week debate commuter camp (likely beginning of August) in person at Sonoma Academy. We are not able to offer housing so this option should only be selected for students who can commute.
Cost: $1500
Register Here
Beginner Debate: July 13 - 17
For beginners/novice high school students with no prior debate experience, we offer a one week introduction camp from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, July 13 through 17. This camp is offered in person at Sonoma Academy’s campus in Santa Rosa.
Cost: $500
Register Here
For Experienced Debaters
For experienced policy debaters, we offer three options. The times of day will be set up to reflect the debaters’ needs. We will survey students for what times work for them closer to the start of camp.
If you have any questions please email Alyssa at alyssa.lucas-bolin@sonomaacademy.org
Advanced Debate Tier 1: July 17 - August 1
This camp is for experienced debaters who need a flexible option.
While these are the dates the content will be released, students can work on these items at any point after their release. This camp is fully online. Includes asynchronous content - starter pack, recorded lectures with graphic organizers/the chance to submit questions, feedback on a major research assignment, daily drills, and feedback on a significant amount of recorded speeches.
Cost: $500
Register Here
Advanced Debate Tier 2: July 17 - August 1
Tier 1 + at least 10 hours of live coaching (practice debates and/or other office hours). Live coaching can occur over Zoom/NSDA campus or in person for Sonoma Academy students.
Cost: $1000
Register Here
Advanced Debate Tier 3: August 6 - 15
(with some asynchronous “teasers” provided earlier in the summer)
Tiers 1 + Tier 2 + one week debate commuter camp (likely beginning of August) in person at Sonoma Academy. We are not able to offer housing so this option should only be selected for students who can commute.
Cost: $1500
Register Here
Financial Assistance
This camp is designed to be accessible and equitable, with full fee waivers for students in urban debate leagues or on free/reduced lunch, and discount options for others in need.
Please contact Alyssa at alyssa.lucas-bolin@sonomaacademy.org if you need financial assistance. If we have already connected via email regarding financial assistance you do not need to apply for it again.
Registration closes July 1, 2025
Please contact Alyssa at alyssa.lucas-bolin@sonomaacademy.org if you need financial assistance. If we have already connected via email regarding financial assistance you do not need to apply for it again.
Registration closes July 1, 2025
Summer Camps
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Sonoma Academy Is...
...the only private, independent, college preparatory high school in Sonoma County. On our beautiful campus nestled at the base of Taylor Mountain in Southeastern Santa Rosa, our students are able to explore their interests and passions in a rigorous and inspiring environment that develops a lifelong love of learning and prepares them for college and beyond.
Sonoma Academy admits students of any race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, citizenship, gender or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability, to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, citizenship, gender or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
