If your child has a way with words, he may be an ideal candidate for debate camp. Debate camps groom children in presenting hot button issues in a concise, clear, persuasive way through challenging workshops and mock debates. While some camps are specific to training for debate teams, others cover a wide range of public speaking tasks, such as mock trials and speeches. Kids learn how to organize ideas, write speeches and make eye contact with an audience. These camps foster self confidence through repeated exposure to public speaking in front of instructors and peers. Ideal for getting kids to come out of their shells, or further enhancing kids' talents who love the spotlight, summer debate camps are often co-ed and last a week or more.

What to Ask the Camp Director: What ages are the camps for? Many debate camps have a minimum and maximum age requirement, usually between ages 8 and 16, although some focus on pre-teens or teens only.

Academic Benefits: Camps range from SAT preparation to public speaking. These academic enrichment programs provide a nice complement to campers' regular school education.

Levels of Expertise: Parents should consider their child's level of debate expertise. Those with a high proficiency for public speaking should enroll in a more advanced camp, while those just starting out should enroll in a beginner program.