Residential · California
Congressional Debate at Ascend California
The Event
What Is Congressional Debate?
Congressional Debate is an event where students debate legislation in a group setting as if they were members of the United States legislature.
Congress lives at the core of Ascend, and our California program is our flagship summer experience — bringing together the most Congressional Debate coaches in the country to develop students at every level, from first-timers to TOC finalists.
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Who It's For
Target Students for This Program
Grade Level
6th through 11th grade in the '26–'27 academic year.
Minimum Experience
No minimum requirement — beginners are welcome and supported.
Maximum Experience
No maximum limit — advanced labs challenge experienced competitors.
Summer 2027
Ascend California Congressional Debate Experiences
Flagship Experiences
2 Week Residential
July 11–25, 2027 — our complete flagship residential experience.
Register Now2 Week Residential with 1-on-1 Package
Two weeks plus a dedicated 1-on-1 package — limited to 10 students.
Register Now2 Week Residential for '27 & '28
Lock in two consecutive summers of flagship residential training.
Register NowShort Form
1 Week Residential
A focused one-week residential introduction to Congressional Debate.
Register Now2 Week Commuter
Two full weeks of training for local students who commute daily.
Register Now1 Week Commuter
One week of commuter training — perfect for a first taste of camp.
Register NowWhy Ascend
Why Congress at Ascend California?
An Unmatched Track Record
Every winner of the Tournament of Champions in Congressional Debate this decade has been part of Team Ascend: Rohit Jhawar (2020), Andrew Sun (2021), Anish Beeram (2022), Tyler Luu (2023), Fadhil Lawal (2024), Swathi Bodduluri (2025), and Serena Guo (2026).
Top Tier Coaches
Champions and coaches of champions from across the country, providing multiple perspectives for local, state, and national levels.
Community
The largest Congressional Debate community in the country, with a year-round network that stays connected long after camp.
Personalization
Coaches take a personalized approach to your growth through our Quest 4 Success curriculum.
Learning That Doesn't Stop
Free year-round Congressional Debate group coaching through Ascend Academy, September to June, until high school graduation.
Balance
Our curriculum teaches both "lay" and "flow" concepts to create a balanced, adaptable debater.
Regional Specialization
Guidance to succeed on the national circuit and in your local league alike.
What's Included
Key Features
Individualized Teaching
On average, individualized instruction every other day of camp.
Mock Rounds
At least one, often two, mock rounds a day with tailored feedback.
Office Hours
In-person plus virtual office hours three weeks before and one week after camp.
School Year Coaching
Continue through Ascend Academy (free) or Sandel Academy.
Lectures
On legislative topic areas and the core skills of Congressional Debate.
A Day at Camp
Sample Daily Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:15am – 9:00am | Breakfast |
| 9:00am – 9:15am | Lab Warm-Ups |
| 9:15am – 10:00am | Content Lectures |
| 10:00am – 1:00pm | Lab Time |
| 1:00pm – 2:00pm | Lunch |
| 2:00pm – 6:00pm | Lab Time |
| 6:00pm – 7:00pm | Dinner |
| 7:00pm – 8:00pm | Office Hours & One-on-Ones |
| 8:00pm – 9:00pm | Ascend Cup Competitions, Fun Activities, or Free Time |
| 9:00pm – 10:45pm | Fun Activities or Free Time |
Questions