Words are powerful, and the ability to engage your audience by speaking in a compelling and persuasive manner (in public, groups or one-on-one) is a wonderful skill set to possess. This camp focuses on various activities to enhance the confidence of the students, so get ready to spread magic, using your WORDS.
When and Where?
Monday July 20 - Friday July 24, 2026; 1:00-4:00pm.
(Alternate camp for kids going into grades 4-6: July 27-31, register here).
Location: ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ (ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½): 1490 West Broadway, Vancouver.
Who?
This camp is for students going into grades 7-9.
Why should you attend?
Practice your skills in a safe and supportive environment with your peers and encouragement from your coaches.
Reduce the fear of speaking in public and build confidence - while having fun.
Improve your communication, leadership and social skills.
Earn a certificate of completion from the Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology.
What will you learn?
Impromptu Speaking - The ability to think on your feet is a wonderful skill to possess, through activities students will learn how to speak on different prompts.
Interpretive Reading - Students will learn techniques for bringing to life their favorite story books, the art of an audio book reader.
Persuasive Speaking - Students will learn to think about different problems around the world and explore to come up with reasonable and workable ways to mitigate and resolve the impacts of the problems.
Practice, practice, practice - Applying your newly learned skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Program Requirements
All materials will be provided.
Camp Instructor
Arghya Dev Biswas Aryan
ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ TEACHER
Arghya is an interdisciplinary teacher and internationally recognized speech & debate coach and adjudicator. Before joining ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½, 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 Word Wizards: Debate Camp (Grade 7-9) from 9:00am-12:00noon (July 20-24) concurrently and save $40. Students who take both camps can stay at ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ 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: ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ 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.