Debate Program
At Growth Notes, we believe every young person has something worth saying — and the skills to say it powerfully. Our Debate Program is designed to give kids a structured, supportive space to find their voice, build confidence, and learn how to make a compelling argument. No experience needed, no wrong opinions — just real kids learning to speak up for themselves and the things they care about.
Program Spotlight
Upcoming Debate Camp
July 16-17, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. @ Hijas Del Campo
Ever wished you knew exactly what to say — and how to say it?
This two-day camp teaches kids a simple, powerful tool called HEAR: Hook, Explain your opinion, Add two reasons, Repeat. By the end of camp, every student walks away with a speech they wrote themselves and the confidence to deliver it.
Daily Schedule
Day One – Finding Your Voice
Campers learn what an argument really is, practice speaking in front of peers, and build their first HEAR speech on a topic they actually care about.
Day Two – Debate and Real Life
Campers go head-to-head in friendly debates, try impromptu speaking, and explore how HEAR works in real situations — talking to a teacher, standing up for a friend, or asking for something important.
What Kids Gain
Throughout the program, students practice public speaking, critical thinking, and respectful disagreement. They leave with a reusable tool they can take into school, home, and their community. No prior experience is needed — every voice belongs here.
Come find yours. 🌻
Free · Ages 9–13 · Hosted by Hijas del Campo
Workshop Curriculum
Meet the Team
Debate Program Lead
Daniel T.
Hi! I’m Daniel, a rising senior at California High in San Ramon. I love history, philosophy, and anything that lets me argue about how the world should work—whether that’s in a mock trial, writing a National History Day paper, or debating ethics and AI. Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time on local things: helping with a legal aid office, working on surveys about Cal High traffic and safety, and trying to get adults to actually listen to what students and neighbors are seeing every day.
Debate Program Lead
Valeriia P.
Hi! I’m Valeriia, a junior at Tamalpais High School a. I split my time between music (flute and piano), debate, and STEM—especially math and statistics. I like figuring out how things work, whether it’s a tough problem, a piece of music, or an argument. I also enjoy working with younger students and making learning more hands-on and fun.
