2026 Summer Rookie Camp Instructor – Elementary Public Speaking & Debate
Philadelphia County, PA - USA
Job Summary
Rookie Camp Instructor Elementary Public Speaking & Debate Summer 2026
Capitol Debate Summer Camps
Villanova University June 28 - July 9 2026
Who We Are
Capitol Debate is a year-round organization dedicated exclusively to teaching public speaking and debate. For 20 years weve helped more than 10000 students build confidence communication skills and leadership through engaging high-quality programs. Rookie Camp is our beginner program designed specifically for younger students giving 8- and 9-year-olds a fun supportive introduction to public speaking and debate through games mini-debates mock trials and hands-on activities.
About Rookie Camp
Rookie Camp is built for young learners who are just beginning to find their voice. The program is designed specifically for ages 89 with no prior experience required and focuses on building foundational communication skills through play-based learning. Campers participate in speaking games storytelling mini debates fun mock trials and a final speech showcase for families.
The Role
We are looking for a high-energy engaging instructor to lead our Rookie Public Speaking & Debate Camp at the University of Washington. This role is ideal for elementary educators especially teachers with experience working with 3rd 4th and 5th grade students who know how to create a classroom environment that is both structured and fun.
This is a day camp teaching role for an educator who can connect with younger students keep energy high make learning interactive and help children build confidence in a positive and encouraging setting.
What Youll Do
Lead daily instruction for young campers in public speaking beginner debate speaking games and hands-on communication activities
Create a fun welcoming and age-appropriate classroom environment
Guide students through interactive lessons role play storytelling group activities and mini-performance opportunities
Support campers as they build confidence practice speaking skills and prepare for their final showcase
Work closely with the camp team to create a safe smooth and exciting day camp experience
Bring enthusiasm patience creativity and strong classroom leadership every day
Camp Schedule & Commitment
This role is for the Villanova University only. The Villanova University camp will be hosted from June 28 - July 9 2026 . Rookie Camp runs for 9 total days with Week 1 MondayFriday and Week 2 MondayThursday and the Rookie Camp daily hours are 9:30 AM 4:00 PM.
Commitment:
Location: Villanova University Villanova PA
Dates: June 28 - July 9 2026
Schedule: MondayFriday (Week 1) and MondayThursday (Week 2)
Must be able to commute to campus each day
Housing is not provided
Who Should Apply
This role is especially well-suited for:
Elementary school teachers especially those teaching 3rd 4th or 5th grade
Educators who thrive in a fun high-energy hands-on learning environment
Teachers who know how to make learning interactive and exciting for young students
Individuals with strong classroom management and a warm encouraging presence
Educators who love helping children grow in confidence communication and self-expression
Preferred experience includes:
Elementary classroom teaching
Summer camp enrichment or youth program instruction
Experience with speech drama debate leadership SEL or presentation-based learning is a plus
Compensation
$1750 for the full 2-week camp
Lunch provided daily
No housing provided
Why Teach with Capitol Debate
Teach a program designed to help young students build confidence and communication skills early
Work with a curriculum built around fun age-appropriate public speaking and debate activities
Help students grow from shy participants into proud speakers by the end of camp
Be part of a mission-driven team that believes communication skills change lives
Requirements
Experience teaching or leading groups of elementary-aged students
Strong classroom management and student engagement skills
Ability to bring enthusiasm warmth patience and structure to a youth learning environment
Ability to commute to the University of Washington campus each day
Staff may be required to walk moderate distances on campus and work outdoors periodically in summer conditions
Disclaimer
Due to the volume of applications received we may not be able to respond to every inquiry. Capitol Debate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Responsibilities may vary slightly based on camp needs and staff should be prepared to support the overall success of the camp experience.
Job Type: Temporary Seasonal
Required Skills:
Experience teaching or leading groups of elementary-aged students; strong classroom management and student engagement skills; ability to create a fun structured and age-appropriate learning environment; experience leading interactive lessons games role play storytelling and group activities; strong communication and relationship-building skills with young children; enthusiasm warmth patience creativity and adaptability; ability to support student confidence-building and self-expression; ability to work collaboratively with camp staff in a fast-paced youth program setting; ability to commute daily to the University of Washington campus; ability to walk moderate distances on campus and work outdoors periodically in summer conditions.
Required Education:
Bachelors degree preferred.