A Day in the Life at Ascend Congressional Debate Camp
One of the most common questions we hear from parents and students is simple: What does a day at Ascend actually look like?
Our schedule is intentionally designed to balance structured learning, individualized coaching, and summer fun. Below is a look at a typical day at Ascend Congressional Debate Camp — and how we create an environment where students grow fast, build confidence, and still have the time of their lives.
Students start their day with breakfast, served in a common space by our admin staff. It’s an easy, social way to begin the morning before the day really ramps up.
Then it’s time to wake up for real.
Morning warm-ups are filled with games and exercises designed to get the sleep out of students’ eyes and attack the day with an enthusiasm UNKNOWN TO MANKIND. Energy rises fast, students loosen up, and the tone for the day is set. At the end of warm-ups, Camp Director Quest Sandel makes morning announcements so everyone knows what’s ahead.
From there, students head straight to lab — and that’s where the majority of learning happens.
In lab, students are placed into pods with others at similar experience levels and assigned two dedicated instructors who stay with them throughout camp. These coaches get to know their students deeply. Labs consist of lectures, drills, and constant skill development. Students average one mock round per day, ensuring they’re always applying what they learn.
Coaches are also tasked with identifying each student’s strengths and weaknesses — maximizing the former and addressing the latter — so every student walks out having tangibly improved and truly Ascended to new heights.
Lab runs all morning.
Lunch takes place in the University of the Pacific dining hall. It’s all-you-can-eat, chefs accommodate dietary restrictions, and the entire camp eats together. This is also where a lot of socialization happens, as students from every lab come together.
After lunch, students return to lab until around 5:00 PM.
Throughout the afternoon, built-in 1-on-1 coaching is happening for every student. This is a major expansion from previous years. We hired additional coaches specifically for individualized instruction, and students are pulled out of lab throughout the day to receive targeted one-on-one feedback. Every student also receives assigned office hours, giving them dedicated time to ask questions and work directly with coaches. While this is happening, labs typically run a more relaxed or fun drill to keep things moving.
If needed, students may also return to the dorms during this time to rest, call home, or get ready for the evening.
Dinner is back at the dining hall and follows the same format as lunch. For commuters, this is where the day ends.
For residential students, the fun continues.
After dinner, labs play a treacherous game of The Traitors. It doesn’t take long, but it’s a camp highlight. Students test presentation, analytical, and critical thinking skills in one of the most fun formats imaginable.
After that, evenings are student choice.
Some students play basketball, soccer, flag football, swim, or play spikeball. Others choose karaoke, board games, arts and crafts, or a camp favorite: making slime while doing some group singing. Some prefer a quiet movie night. Others prep for mock rounds, hang out with new friends, talk with coaches, call home, or rest in their dorms.
All evening activities are monitored by staff, and students always have multiple options depending on their energy level and interests.
By 10:45 PM, students are showered and ready for bed. Room checks happen at 10:45, and lights are out at 11:00.
Our days consist of practice, structured learning, individualized coaching, and a ton of fun along the way.
The 1-on-1 Package (Optional Add-On)
In addition to the built-in individualized coaching every student receives, Ascend offers an optional 1-on-1 package.
Students who enroll in this package meet daily after labs with their personal coach. These students receive a fully dedicated curriculum tailored specifically to them and the highest level of personalization we offer. This is ideal for students seeking accelerated growth or the most customized instruction.
Weekends at Ascend
Weekends intentionally look different.
Saturday mornings begin with our OJ Lecture, led by Quest Sandel. It’s widely considered the best lecture Ascend offers, every student attends, and it consistently receives outstanding reviews.
After lunch comes the annual staff-versus-students water balloon fight — always a highlight and the perfect way to cool off in the UOP heat. Its a staple and you don’t want to miss it!
The rest of Saturday is dedicated to fun activities and downtime. For local parents, it’s also a great opportunity to take students off campus for dinner. Saturdays serve as a full reset and bring an extra layer of fun to camp. Many of our evening activities are expanded and students are given a full menu of options.
Sundays are split. The first half of the day focuses on drills and individualized instruction, while the second half is more relaxed with fun activities and built-in rest. This ensures students are energized and ready when the intensive weekday schedule resumes on Monday.
We adjust small details as camp progresses, but this is the foundation of Ascend — and we’re incredibly proud of it!
Ascend isn’t about filling a schedule — it’s about building an experience.
Every day combines serious skill development, personalized coaching, and opportunities for students to relax, connect, and recharge. The result is a camp that challenges students, supports them, and helps them leave more confident, capable, and prepared than when they arrived.