The only free Latino summer camp in Denver focused on debate, public speaking, and leadership
Free Spanish debate and leadership workshops for Latino youth in 5th–8th grade. 100% in Spanish. Right here in Denver.
Register for Free5th–8th grade · 100% in Spanish · Denver, CO
What makes us different
A free summer program built for Latino kids — not translated for them.
Most summer programs treat Spanish as an afterthought — something bolted on at the end. SSDN is different. Our workshops are designed in Spanish from the ground up, so Latino youth can learn debate, public speaking, and leadership in the language they think and feel most powerfully in.
We focus on three skills that no other free summer program in Denver offers together: structured debate, public speaking, and leadership development. Every activity connects back to one goal — giving young people the voice to advocate for themselves and their community.
Students are grouped by grade level, not just age, so the content is always appropriate and challenging. And because this is a free Hispanic summer camp with no registration cost, every family can participate.
Always Free
No fees, no waitlists for cost, no hidden charges — ever.
Age-Grouped
Students are grouped by grade so content matches their level.
Adult-Supervised
Every session is led and supervised by trained adult mentors.
100% in Spanish
Workshops run entirely in Spanish — designed in Spanish, not translated.
What your child will learn
Lifelong skills — in Spanish.
Public Speaking
Students learn to stand up, speak clearly, and deliver ideas with confidence in front of a group — skills that transfer to class presentations, interviews, and life.
Debate
We teach structured argumentation: how to build a case, respond to opposing views, and think critically under pressure — all in Spanish.
Leadership
Through team activities and guided reflection, youth develop the mindset and habits of leaders who show up for their community.
A typical day at camp
What a day at SSDN camp looks like.
- 1
9:00 am
Arrival and warm-up
The day starts with introduction games and low-pressure activities so everyone feels welcome.
- 2
10:00 am
Public speaking activities
Hands-on exercises where students learn presentation techniques and speak in front of their age group.
- 3
12:00 pm
Community lunch
Time to rest, connect with new friends, and recharge for the afternoon.
- 4
1:00 pm
Debate rounds
Participants practice guided debates on interesting, age-appropriate topics.
- 5
3:00 pm
Closing and reflection
The group shares what they learned, celebrates the day's wins, and gets ready to come back tomorrow.
Age divisions
Each student learns alongside peers at their stage.
Ages 10–12
5th – 6th grade
Foundations
Low-pressure activities designed to build confidence. Students take their first steps in public speaking and debate with games, stories, and mini-debates on everyday topics.
- ✓Group communication exercises
- ✓Introduction to public speaking
- ✓Mini-debates on everyday topics
Ages 12–14
7th – 8th grade
Argumentation & leadership
More advanced debate and presentation techniques. Students learn to build structured cases, challenge ideas with logic, and speak with conviction in front of the full group.
- ✓Argument structure and refutation
- ✓Critical thinking under pressure
- ✓Presentations to the full group
About SSDN
Who we are
The Spanish Speech & Debate Network (SSDN) is a Denver-based youth program dedicated to building voice, confidence, and civic identity in Latino communities. We run free workshops — our version of a Latino summer camp in Denver — that combine the rigor of competitive debate with the warmth of a community that believes in these kids.
SSDN was founded on one belief: that Spanish-speaking youth deserve high-quality enrichment programs built around the language they already think, dream, and argue in.
We serve students in 5th through 8th grade across Denver. Our workshops are always free, always in Spanish, and always open.
FAQ
Common questions about our free Latino summer camp in Denver.
Is it really free?
How many days does the camp run?
Does my child need to speak Spanish?
Who supervises the workshops?
What ages or grades are eligible?
Where do workshops take place?
Register
Ready to sign up? It's free.
Registration takes under two minutes. No payment information required — because there is no cost. Sign up and we will send you dates, location, and everything your child needs to know.
Register for Free¿Prefiere español? Visite nuestra página en español →