Novice Debate

Our novice debate program introduces debate through the lens of 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. Congressional Debate bridges the presentation and pathos skills learned in speech events and the research and argumentation skills learned in traditional debate events. Students gain an understanding of a wide variety of the most prescient issues facing the United States and the world. Students who participate in Congressional Debate become more knowledgeable of real world issues and develop the ability to opine on a broad variety of issues, making themselves more aware members of society as they mature.

Target Students for This Program

  • Grade in ‘25-’26 Academic Year: 8th through 11th

  • Experience Level:

    • Minimum: No minimum requirement

    • Maximum: Up to 1 year of competitive experience in any debate event. If you have more experience, our Congressional Debate program may be a better fit

Ascend California Novice Debate Experiences

Registration is open for Summer 2026! Early registration ends 12/31/25.

2 Week - Residential with 1-on-1 Package: $3,999.99 4,499.99, July 12 - 26, 2026 (Recommended, limited to first 10 students—schedule a call to learn more about this experience)

2 Week - Residential: $2,999.99 3,499.99, July 12 - 26, 2026 (Recommended)

1 Week - Residential: $2,599.99, July 12 - 19, 2026

2 Week - Commuter: $2,599.99, July 12 - 26, 2026

1 Week - Commuter: $1,999.99, July 12 - 19, 2026

Stated prices exclude transaction fees if paying online by credit or debit card. While paying online by credit or debit card is our preferred payment method, we also offer alternative payment methods—more information available here.

Why Novice Debate at Ascend California?

 

  • Top Tier Coaches: Our coaches are both champions and coaches of champions from all over the country! This will ensure you receive multiple perspectives on success and preparation for the local, state, and national level. This vast experience and diversity of coaches is why Ascend is perfect for students of all ages and experience levels.

  • 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), and Swathi Bodduluri (2025). No other camp has achieved the same level of success in Congress. Check out a recent panel interview Quest Sandel led with Rohit, Andrew, Anish, and Tyler.

    Recent wins by our alumni have also included the 2023 NSDA Senate, 2023 & 2024 NSDA House, the 2023, 2024, and 2025 California State tournament, and 2023 and 2024 Texas State tournaments.

  • Community: Ascend isn’t just a 2 week summer camp. We’re the largest congressional debate community in the country. When you go to a tournament, you’re likely to find another member of the Ascend community competing with you. This past year, members of Team Ascend won both the 2024 Senate and House Leadership Bowls. Check out testimonials from former campers.

  • Learning That Doesn’t Stop: Your Ascend experience isn’t limited to camp. Through Ascend Academy, you’ll have free access to debate group coaching from September to June of every year with many of your coaches from Ascend California until you graduate from high school. No other debate learning platform offers this seamless year-round learning experience.

  • Personalization: One of Ascend’s founding principles is that each of you are unique debaters with different styles. Rather than a one-size fits all approach, our coaches take a personalized approach to help you grow as a debater.

  • Balance: Our curriculum is meticulously curated to teach and perfect both “lay” and “flow” concepts in order to create a balanced debater. This balance in our curriculum will turn your weaknesses into strengths while highlighting what makes you special.

Key Features

  • One-on-One Sessions

    We deliver a greater focus on one-on-one sessions than any other camp so that we can provide coaching specific to your needs. On average, you will receive one-on-one instruction every other day of camp. You will have the ability to work with the coaches that best fit your style. One-on-one sessions allow for a greater focus on your individual needs as a debater.

  • Mock Rounds

    We don’t just believe in teaching concepts. We believe that the best way to fully understand them is by practicing the lessons that are taught by our coaches in a tournament-like setting. We will offer at least one mock round a day and oftentimes two mock rounds a day where you will receive feedback that is tailored to the concepts that you are learning.

  • Office Hours

    During camp, instructors will be available to answer any questions in an office hour setting even when we’re not doing active instruction. You will also have access to virtual office hours during the three weeks prior to camp beginning and one week after it ends.

  • School Year Coaching

    You will be able to keep engaging with your Ascend California coaches throughout the academic year through either Ascend Academy (it’s free!) or Sandel Academy. No other debate learning platform offers such a robust year-round learning platform to help you achieve your goals.

  • Lectures

    Every Ascend staffer will give lectures on concepts most conducive to your development as a Congressional Debater, ranging from the most common legislative topic areas to the skills most vital to you becoming a successful Congressional Debater. Our staffers will also discuss some of the issues within Speech and Debate and how you can combat them.

  • Regional Specialization

    Debate norms can vary region-to-region and from the national circuit to your local league. Since Ascend coaches are from across the country, they will ensure that no matter where you’re from, you’ll be able to succeed on both the national circuit and in your local league.

Sample Daily Schedule

  • 8:00am-9:00am: Breakfast

  • 9:00am-10:30am: Mock Round 1

  • 10:30am-12:30pm: Skill Lectures

  • 12:30pm-1:30pm: Lunch

  • 1:30pm-3:00pm: Lab Focused on Strategy & Drills

  • 3:00pm-5:00pm: One-on-Ones & Topic Lectures

  • 5:00pm-6:00pm: Mock Round 2

  • 6:00pm-7:00pm: Dinner

  • 7:00pm-7:45pm: Feedback on Mocks

  • 7:45pm-9:00pm: Office Hours

    Subject to change: Fun activities and other Ascend events can change the schedule on any given day.

FAQs

  • Yes! Our school year coaching programs are called Ascend Academy and Sandel Academy. Both programs offer both group coaching and one-on-one coaching. Sandel Academy is application only due to its relative rigor, but Ascend Academy is broadly open registration throughout the school year. Learn more at our dedicated Ascend Academy website and Sandel Academy website.

  • Ascend California is the larger of our two in-person summer camps with the greatest breadth and depth of coaches. In comparison, Ascend Florida offers a more personalized experience with a smaller number of coaches and fellow campers.

    If you are able to attend Ascend California or Ascend Florida in-person, we highly recommend doing so. However, if you are unable to travel to our in-person summer camps, Ascend Online provides the opportunity to learn from the comfort of your own home.

  • Email us at info@ascendspeech.org or schedule a call on our Calendly