Voyager Learning 2026
PERSUASION
IN PRACTICE
VISION, VOICE & THE ART OF PUBLIC SPEAKING
Six days for teens to mine for a topic, learn investigative research, craft their arguments, shape their voice, say something that matters to them - and own the stage in front of a live audience!
TAKES PLACE AT INSPIRING VENUES
Exlore a Topic
Ages 14-17
Six days
Live Speech Performance
THE PROGRAM
WHAT STUDENTS WILL DO
-
Students choose a topic of personal interest
-
Conduct investigative research on their topic
-
Craft their work using persuasive storytelling
-
Learn to deliver their speech in front of a live audience
-
Build real world communication skills that last a lifetime
TALK ABOUT WHAT MATTERS
Choose your topic-justice, tech, climate, culture, sports - and build a persuasive argument that reflects who you are and what you believe.
CRAFT AN ARGUMENT
Learn to structure a compelling case, anticipate counterarguments, and back your ideas with evidence - skills that transfer to class, college apps and beyond.
OWN THE STAGE
Master pacing, presence, eye contact, and vocal delivery. Practice in a supportive environment where feedback actually makes you better.
REACH A WIDER AUDIENCE
Opt to have your speech professionally filmed and share your ideas with a wider audience.
FOR PARENTS
WHY THIS PROGRAM
Public speaking is ranked among the most valuable skills life skills - and
the most widely feared. This program gives teens a safe, structured, exciting
environment to face their fear head-on and come out with a skill they'll use
the rest of their lives.
6
Days of focused instruction from experienced, engaging educators
3
Voyager Pathways Speaker Series presentations throughout the week
1
Speech delivery in front of a live audience filled with peers and family
0
Pressure to film your speech, submissions & extras are all options
YOUR INSTRUCTORS
MEET THE TEAM
Leslie Butler
Phd., M.S.Ed.
Lead Instructor
For eight years, Leslie has led courses in persuasive writing, speech, and debate at prestigious academic summer programs for teens at Stanford, UCLA, and UC Berkeley. With more than 25 years of experience as a lead teacher, Leslie creates dynamic learning environments where students feel challenged, supported, and empowered to find their authentic voice.
TBA
Associate Instructor
Associate Instructor
TBA
A/V Technician
A/V Technician
DAILY CAMP SCHEDULE
TWO SECTIONS AVAILABLE
Choose the section that works for your family's summer plans.
REAL SPEAKERS - REAL CAREERS - Voyager speaks with...
Game Developers Filmmakers Investigative Journalists Chefs Artists
Composers Coders Fashion Designers Sports Physiotherapist + More
THE BIG DAY
After a week of inspiring brainstorming, writing, improv and practice, students deliver
their final speeches to a live audience of peers and family. Professional filming of speech
is available to reach a wider audience.
Ready to find your voice?
Program Fee includes 6 days of 3 hours of instruction and coaching.
-
Digital materials including guides for research practices, non-fiction writing practices, and speech delivery tools and strategies.
-
Voyager Speaker Series for students and family members
-
Option for video of speech
-
Voyager T-shirt
-
$500