Debate uses critical thinking and persuasive speaking to extract meaningful arguments from complex issues. Pretty cool, huh, considering the sheer amount of information and differing opinions we are navigating these days? In this camp, students will learn about the importance of this incredible discipline, one of the most empowering in the world. Learn how to build strong cases, how to persuade an audience using effective vocal delivery tools, basic logic, and active listening.
When and Where?
Monday July 20 - Friday July 24, 2026; 9:00am-12noon.
(alternate camp for kids going into grades 7-9: July 27-31, register here).
Location: ѻý (ѻý): 1490 West Broadway, Vancouver.
Who?
This camp is for students going into grades 7-9.
Why should you attend?
Build powerful critical thinking skills.
Develop leadership & independence.
Boost your academic performance and prepare for the real world.
Earn a certificate of completion from the Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology.
What will you learn?
Building Argument(s) - Students will learn techniques to make an argument and build on it to justify their claims, along with strategies to enhance the quality of the reasoning being presented.
Refutations - In debating, being able to effectively and efficiently respond to the claims, ideas, and arguments of a debating opponent is crucial and critical. Students will explore refutation strategies and skills.
Rebuilding - As important as it is to build arguments and provide responses, students will discover strategies to defend the ideas that have been refuted by their debating opponents.
Practice and Compete - Apply your learning in a fun and hands on way with your camp-mates.
Program Requirements
All materials will be provided.
Camp Instructor
Arghya Dev Biswas Aryan
ѻý TEACHER
Arghya is an interdisciplinary teacher and internationally recognized speech & debate coach and adjudicator. Before joining ѻý, Arghya served as the Head of the Speech and Debate Program at West Point Grey Academy from 2021-2025. Arghya's debate students have been widely successful, including a 7th place finish at the World Individual Debating & Public Speaking Championships in 2025. Arghya began his teaching career as a Grade 6 Physics teacher and debate coach in his home country, Bangladesh. His broad academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering as well as two Master's degrees, in Development Studies and Clinical Social Work. He is a Board Member of both the Provincial (DSABC) and National (CSDF) Debate patronizing organization in BC and Canada. Outside of work, Arghya’s favourite activities include hiking, kayaking, camping, and running.
Make it a Full-Day camp
If you want to make this a full day camp experience, you can register for this camp AND our “Speak Up: Public Speaking for Kids (Grade 4-6)” camp from 1:00-4:00pm (July 27-31) concurrently and save $40. Students who take both camps can stay at ѻý from 12:00-1:00pm for a supervised lunch. Please bring your own lunch (no nuts or seafood).
Fees and Registration
If the fee is a barrier to your participation, a limited number of bursaries are available for eligible families - please email camps@visst.ca to inquire.
Refunds and Cancellation
Refund policy: Email us at least 1 weeks (7 days) prior to the start of the camp for a full refund.
Cancellation policy: ѻý reserves the right to cancel camps and refund camp fees due to low enrolment. In this event, we will provide as much advance notice as possible.