Communications Summer Programs for Middle & High Schoolers

Our communications summer programs and camps are designed to help middle and high school students develop the real-world skills that show up everywhere: in class discussions, presentations, interviews, leadership roles, and beyond. Our practical, skill-focused programs are built for students who want to express themselves more clearly, think faster on their feet, and communicate with confidence. Whether you choose a leadership development camp, an acting camp, a mock trial summer camp, or a public speaking summer camp, you’re sure to come away with a sharpened set of communication skills.

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Program at a Glance

• Grade Level: Rising 4-12 (Grade after summer)
• Available options: Commuter, Residential, or Online camps
• Duration: 5 days online camps; 6 days in-person (middle school); 7 days in-person (high school)
• Topics: Choose from Public Speaking, Leadership, Mock Trial, or Acting

Communication Programs

Public Speaking Institute (All Levels): Noncompetitive public speaking for kids and teens — confidence, structure, delivery, and presence	Grades 4th–12th
Mock Trial (All Levels): Step-by-step training in case theory, argumentation, delivery skills, and cross-examination	Grades 6th–12th
California Actors Workshop: Conservatory-style acting training — character work, objectives, voice, movement, and ensemble collaboration	Grades 6th–12th
A+ Summer Leadership: Communication + entrepreneurial thinking + project planning in a leadership-focused camp experience	Middle School & High School

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Public Speaking Institute

Learning Outcomes

• Sharpen your communication skills in our innovative public speaking summer camp.
• Learn to synthesize, analyze, and apply information effectively.
• Develop social skills such as confidence, eye contact, poise, and articulation.
• Discover how to advocate for your values and become a leader in your community.
• Learn from former speech and debate and mock trial competitors, as well as faculty from premier universities.
• Prepare for college success and get a head start on your future career

Learn More About the Public Speaking Institute

Mock Trial

Learning Outcomes

• Learn the legal process, argument construction, delivery skills, critical thinking, and cross-examination.
• Practice and apply skills in full mock trials.
• Select from three mock trial summer camp options: a one-week program for middle schoolers, a one-week program for high schoolers, and a two-week competitive intensive.

Learn More About Mock Trial Programs

California Actors Workshop Acting Camp

Learning Outcomes

• Experience a hands-on, conservatory-style acting program that teaches core concepts from Stanislavski’s An Actor Prepares.
• Discover how to build characters, play objectives, and express interior emotions physically and vocally.
• Explore modern theater practices, including improvisation, movement, acting for the camera, script analysis, voice, and more.
• Work with real theater artists as well as professors of acting and directing.
• Develop collaboration and ensemble skills while working as part of a group.

Learn More About the California Actors Workshop

A+ Summer Leadership

Learning Outcomes

• Improve project execution, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Explore different leadership styles, motives, and values.
• Learn how to deliver effective presentations, lead meetings, and communicate professionally.
• Participate in hands-on projects that simulate entrepreneurial and community leadership.

Learn More About A+ Summer Leadership Development Camps

Testimonials

Hear what students are saying about our communications summer programs!

“I was exposed to new methods that gave me a broader range of techniques to pull from. The instructor had great knowledge and experience! The electives like poetry, actors' games, Shakespeare, and hip-hop were very helpful. Going to college in a year, it was nice to have a broader range of techniques."
—Kathryn A., California Actors Workshop participant

“The instructors were very good and the material was new and interesting. The Mock Trial was the best! This camp was great even though I had no prior experience. If students are interested in law or just public speaking, they will find this camp to be a great experience. Educational, engaging, and fun!"
—Jeremy C., Mock Trial participant

“Everything was excellent. I liked the small size of the program, and the organization was awesome. Public speaking used to be so frightening but this camp made me much more comfortable. A+!"
—Allison T., Public Speaking Institute participant

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