Guide 2025
& EDUCATION
Pages 10 - 15
CAMP & EDUCATION GUIDE
Communication Skills: The Essential Edge in Tomorrow’s World
by Ronald Bratt
As artificial intelligence reshapes our professional landscape, parents and educators are wrestling with a crucial question: What skills will truly matter in tomorrow’s workplace? While coding and technical abilities often dominate the conversation, there’s mounting evidence that strong communication skills –particularly public speaking and debate – will become even more valuable in an AI-driven world.
The New Professional Reality Picture tomorrow’s workplace: AI handles data analysis, report generation, and routine decision-making. What remains uniquely human? The ability to persuade, inspire, and connect. As machines take over computational tasks, employers are increasingly seeking individuals who can effectively communicate complex ideas, lead teams, and build relationships. The most successful professionals
won’t be those who compete with AI – they’ll be those who can best articulate AI’s insights to others.
Beyond Academic Achievement
Today’s students face a unique challenge. While AI can write essays and solve complex problems, it cannot replicate the ability to deliver a compelling presentation or engage in nuanced debate. Universities and employers are already shifting their focus – they’re looking beyond test scores and grades to evaluate how well students can express ideas, defend positions, and engage with complex arguments.
The Communication Premium Recent studies from LinkedIn and the World Economic Forum consistently rank communication skills among the most soughtafter qualities by employers. Why? Because while AI excels at processing information, humans must still:
• Translate technical insights
into actionable strategies
• Build consensus among diverse stakeholders
• Present complex ideas to nontechnical audiences
• Lead teams through change and innovation
• Negotiate and resolve conflicts
Critical Thinking Through Debate
Debate training offers unique advantages in developing these essential skills. Students learn to:
• Analyze arguments from multiple perspectives
• Think quickly under pressure
• Present persuasive evidencebased positions
• Respond effectively to counterarguments
• Communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely
The Stakes Are Rising As AI continues to evolve, the ability to communicate effectively becomes increasingly crucial. Consider these scenarios:
• A data scientist must explain complex AI findings to business
leaders
• An engineer needs to convince investors to fund new technology
• A healthcare professional must clearly communicate treatment options
• A manager must guide their team through AI-driven changes
In each case, technical expertise alone isn’t enough. Success depends on strong communication skills.
Starting Early
The development of strong communication skills takes time and practice. Students who begin developing these abilities early have a significant advantage.
Public speaking and debate programs provide structured environments where young people can:
Build confidence in expressing their ideas
Learn to think critically and respond dynamically
Develop leadership and persuasion skills
Master the art of engaging
with diverse audiences
A Path Forward
At Capitol Debate’s summer programs across New Jersey, we’ve seen firsthand how students transform when given the right tools and opportunities to develop these crucial skills. Through specialized tracks in public speaking, debate, and leadership development, young people aren’t just learning to speak – they’re preparing for success in an AI-driven future.
Ron Bratt is the owner of Capitol Debate. He has given his life to developing debate skills in children because he has seen how it enhances their intellectual growth. He has been involved in creating high school debate and college debate programs to help students learn practical skills that will benefit and enrich their lives.
For more information about summer programs that develop these essential skills, visit www.capitoldebate.com or email team@capitoldebate.com.
CAMP & EDUCATION GUIDE
ACTON SUMMER CAMPS
actonfallschurch.org/summer-camps
Why Choose Acton Summer Camps?
Acton Academy Falls Church proudly offers summer camps designed to ignite curiosity and inspire lifelong skills. With a focus on hands-on learning, cultural immersion, and community connection, our camps empower young learners to explore their passions in a safe and nurturing environment. Read on to discover our offerings!
Sign up for one of the many different camps Cooking in Spanish • Nexus Community Challenge • Mini-Sport Stars • Dungeons & Dragons • Big Top Camp • Stitch & Machine Sew.
Capitol Debate
capitoldebate.com
Capitol Debate Camp is a well-known organization that offers debate and public speaking programs for students of various ages. Their camps focus on helping students develop critical thinking, argumentation, research, and public speaking skills. They offer programs for different levels, from beginners to experienced debaters, covering formats like public forum, and policy debate.
City of Falls Church Recreation and parks
fallschurchva.gov/camps2025
The Falls Church Recreation and Parks Department offers a varitey of summer camps. For more information please visitfallschurchva.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/792/Summer-Camps-Brochure to see the list of camps. If you have questions, please contact the Recreation and Parks Department at 703-248-5027 (TTY711) or camps@fallschurchva.gov
CAMP & EDUCATION GUIDE
Congo Camp
congocamp.org
Congressional Camp, affectionately known as “Congo Camp,” is a coeducational day camp located on a 40-acre campus in Falls Church, Virginia. The camp offers a diverse range of programs for children aged 4 to 14, including day camps, travel camps, specialty camps, and a summer academy. Activities encompass outdoor education, sports, arts, horseback riding, archery, and swimming, among others.
For more detailed information, including session dates, rates,
Camp Columbia
columbiabaptist.org/camp-columbia
Camp Columbia, hosted by Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church, Virginia, offers a summer program for children who have completed kindergarten through 6th grade. The camp runs from June 16 to August 15, 2025, operating Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Tuition is $380 per week per child, which includes lunch, two snacks, a t-shirt, and special activities. Each week features themed projects such as art, cooking, sports, science, field trips, and special guests. For more information visit the website.
Columbia Baptist Church Child Development Center
columbiabaptist.org/enrollment
The CDC, has been serving children and families since 1969. The CDC offers both full-day and halfday programs for children aged 18 months to 5 years, emphasizing a developmentally appropriate approach to early childhood education. The curriculum focuses on fostering physical, emotional, social, and spiritual growth through hands-on activities that encourage creativity and exploration.
6 - 12,
Creative Cauldron
creativecauldron.org/camp
CAMP & EDUCATION GUIDE
Creative Cauldron’s Spring & Summer Camps offer a dynamic blend of drama, music, movement, and visual arts, all centered around engaging themes, including musical theater. Guided by professional teaching artists with extensive experience, campers explore their creativity and develop new skills. Each session concludes with a final performance and an art exhibition showcasing their work.
We are excited to inspire and engage your children in another unforgettable summer of artistic expression. Now more than ever, we believe in the power of nurturing young imaginations!
The Little Theatre Of Alexandria
thelittletheatre.com/summer-camps
The Little Theatre of Alexandria (LTA) offers a variety of summer camps designed to engage young performers in the theatrical arts. These camps cater to different age groups and skill levels, providing opportunities to explore various aspects of theater, including acting, singing, dancing, and technical production.
KiPS Family Gymnastics
kipsfamily.com/summer-camp-1
KiPS Family Gymnastics is a USAG (USA Gymnastics) certified member club, and our staff is made up of USAG certified coaches, early education teachers, dancers, and athletes. Our summer camp program is a mix of gymnastics instruction, free play, arts & crafts, games and downtime! We have half day and full day camps, and each week has a theme associated with it! Please reach out with any questions about camp! staff@kipsfamily.com 703-891-1514
Camp Shakespeare
shakespearetheatre.org/education/classes-and-camps/camp-shakespeare
Camp Shakespeare, organized by the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C., offers immersive summer programs for young actors aged 6 to 18. Participants delve into Shakespeare’s works through activities such as text analysis, character development, voice and movement exercises, and stage combat training. Each session culminates in a performance for friends and family.
Camp Griffin
westminsterschool.com/campgriffin/
Camp Griffin, hosted by Westminster School in Annandale, Virginia, offers a diverse and engaging summer program for children aged 3 through rising 8th graders. The camp runs from June 16 to August 22, 2025, providing a variety of activities tailored to different age groups. Each week features a unique theme, with activities such as field trips throughout the D.C. area, arts and crafts, sports, and pool time.
