Summer Debate Camp Guide 2014: Institutes Offering Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarships

 

Here at Debate Central, we know how helpful it is to attend summer debate camp. Camps give you the opportunity to get hands-on experience, run practice rounds, research next year’s topic(s), and receive feedback from some of the country’s best debate minds. Attending camp is one of the best way to ensure your performance doesn’t slip over summer vacation. Unfortunately, camp can also be extremely expensive. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to attend a high-quality debate camp, regardless of financial means. That’s why we’ve prepared this list of camps that are low-cost, offer scholarship assistance, or both! Check it out below.

 

Below, you will find our master list, organized alphabetically by camp name. It includes location, debate events offered, dates, cost, and scholarship availability. For further information, or to apply, click on the camp name to be taken directly to its website.

 

Tips to keep in mind:

• Make sure you do you research before committing to a camp. Ideally, you want to go somewhere that focuses on the type of arguments you like to make (traditional or non-tradition? Ks or straight-up? Etc.) and offers the kind of instruction you need most (is it focused on researching and cutting cards, or on skills work, or practice debates? Etc.)
• Some camps offer discounts if multiple members of your team attends. If you and a partner or a friend are hoping to attend camp together, it doesn’t hurt to ask.
• Most camps offer both a residential and commuter pricing option. If there is a camp close to your home, you can save money by opting out of purchasing a room and meal plan.
• Camp directors are nice people and are usually happy to accommodate your needs. Have to miss a day, arrive late, or leave early? Just ask. It’s usually not a problem.

 

 

If you would like to print this list out and distribute it, here is a printer-friendly PDF version.

 

ADC (Access Debate Camp)

Fully Online

CX-

Pricing schedule still in the works, but promised to be extremely low cost due to zero location and travel expenses. Check back.

Scholarships- $300 available towards full attendance.

 

 

BFI (Beehive Forensics Institute)

University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah

CX, LD, PF, Congress, & Extemporaneous Speaking-

One Week: July 6-July 13

$650 (Incl. room & meals), $400 (Incl. meals, no room), $250 (no room or meals)

Two Weeks: July 6-July 20

$1,150 (Incl. room & meals), $625 (Incl. meals, no room), $350 (no room or meals)

All tuition includes the cost of college credit.

Scholarships- None.

 

 

CBI (Champion Briefs Institute)

Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida OR The University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota

CX, LD, PF, Congress, & Extemporaneous Speaking-

Two Weeks: June 23- July 6 (Ft. Lauderdale)

$850 (No room or meals)

Two Weeks: August 3-August 17 (Minneapolis)

$1850 (Incl. room & meals), $1095 (No room or meals)

Scholarships- 4 $250 scholarships available through the Champion Briefs Foundation. These are not limited to CBI; they can be used at any camp. May 1 deadline.

 

 

CDI (Comet Debate Institute)

University of Texas- Dallas in Dallas, Texas

CX-

One Week: July 13-July 19

$900 (Incl. room & meals), $700 (Incl. meals, no room)

Two Weeks: July 13-July 26

$1,600 (Incl. room & meals), $1,200 (Incl. meals, no room)

LD & PF-

One Week: July 13-July 19

$700 (Incl. room & meals), $500 (Incl. meals, no room)

Two Weeks: July 13-July 26

$1,300 (Incl. room & meals), $1,000 (Incl. meals, no room)

Scholarships- Available, but April 1 deadline has passed.

 

 

CODI (Central Oklahoma Debate Institute)

University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma

CX-

One Week: July 20-July 26

If registering prior to June 1: $500 (Incl. room, no meals), $300 Commuter (No room or meals)

After June 1: $575 (Incl. room, no meals), $350 Commuter (No room or meals)

Scholarships- None.

 

 

DDI (Dartmouth Debate Institute)

Dartmouth University in Hanover, New Hampshire

CX-

Four Weeks: July 13- August 9

$4,650 (Incl. room & meals)

Five Weeks: July 5-August 9

$5825 (incl. room & meals)

PF-

One Week: July 5-July 12

$1,675 (Incl. room & meals)

Parli-

One Week: July 5-July 12

$1,675 (Incl. room & meals)

Scholarships- Yes, according to need. Fill out application ASAP.

 

 

DGFI (The Robert Gass High School Summer Forensics Institute)

Cal. State- Fullerton University in Fullerton, California

CX, LD, & Parli-

Two Week: July 8- July 20

$800 (Incl. room & meals), $250 (Incl. meals, no room)

Scholarships- None.

 

 

Digital Debate Camp

Fully online

CX-

June 1-August 16, with flexibility to students’ other obligations throughout the summer

$400

Scholarships- Available. Email to inquire.

 

 

ECLI (Edie Conway Liberation Institute)

Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland

CX-

Three week: July 13-August 3

$2,000 UDL students

$3,000 all others

Scholarships- None.

 

 

Four Star

Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond, Oklahoma

Combines public speaking, persuasive writing, and debate training with leadership skills development and networking opportunities. Students will also receive briefings on controversial public policy issues from leading experts.

One Week: July 13-July 19

FREE for 50 selected students 

Scholarships- Tuition is free, but more than $20,000 in college scholarship awards are available for competition winners.

 

 

GDI (Gonzaga Debate Institute)

Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington

CX-

Five Weeks: June 23-July 28

$3,400 (Incl. room & meals), $1,400 (No room or meals)

Four Weeks: June 30-July 28

$2,800 (Incl. room & meals), $1,300 (No room or meals)

Two Weeks: July 14-July 28

$1,700 (Incl. room & meals), $900 (No room or meals)

Extension Week (optional skills work at the end of camp; cannot select this option alone): July 29-August 4

$700 (Incl. room & meals), $300 (No room or meals)

Other meal plan options also available

Scholarships- Available, based on merit and need. Special UDL scholarships also available. Scholarship deadline May 15.

 

 

Hoosier Debate Camp

Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana

CX-

Two Week Scholars (CX only): June 25-July 12

$1,100 (Incl. room & meals)

CX, LD, PF, & Congress-

Two Week: June 28-July 12

$1,075 (Incl. room & meals), $650 (Incl. meals, no room), $500 (No room or meals)

One Week (Option A): June 28-July 5

$600 (Incl. room & meals), or $450 (Incl. meals, no room), or $350 (No room or meals)

One Week (Option B): July 5-July 12

Same price structure as Option A

Scholarships- None.

 

 

HDI (Hurricane Debate Institute)

University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida

CX-

Three Weeks: June 16-July 3

$950 if registering before May 16, $1,100 after May 16 (No room or meals)

LD, PF, & Congress-

One Week: June 16-June 20

$350 if registering before May 16, $400 after May 16 (No room or meals)

Two Weeks: June 16-June 27

$650 if registering before May 16, $750 after May 16 (No room or meals)

Three Weeks: June 16-July 3

$950 if registering before May 16, $1,050 after May 16 (No room or meals)

Middle School Argumentation Skills-

One Week: June 16-June 20

$300 if registering before May 16, $350 after May 16 (No room or meals)

Two Weeks: June 16-June 27

$550 if registering before May 16, $600 after May 16 (No room or meals)

Three Weeks: June 16-July 3

$750 if registering before May 16, $800 after May 16 (No room or meals)

Scholarships- None.

 

 

JDI (Jayhawk Debate Institute)

University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas

CX-

Two Weeks: June 21-July 4

$1,700 (Incl. room and meals), $1,150 (No room or meals)

Three Weeks: June 21- July 12

$2,300 (Incl. room and meals), $1,400 (No room or meals)

Coach’s workshop-

June 26-June 27

$60 (No room or meals)

Scholarships- Available, but March 1 deadline has passed.

 

 

MDAW (Minnesota Debate and Advocacy Workshop)

Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota

CX-

Two Weeks: June 21 – July 5

$1,350 (Incl. room & meals), $1350 (Incl. meals, no room), $975 (No room or meals)

Three Weeks: June 21- July 12

$1,850 (Incl. room & meals), $1,000 (Incl. meals, no room), $760 (No room or meals)

LD & PF-

One Week: July 7– July 12

$550 (Incl. room & meals), $430 (Incl. meals, no room), $350 (No room or meals)

Middle School Day Camp-

June 16-June 20

$225 (Incl. lunch)

Scholarships- Available. Apply before April 15.

 

 

MSDI (Missouri State Debate Institute)

Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri

CX-

Lectures Only (9am-2pm): June 23-June 24 OR July 7-July 8

$100 each

1 Week Novice (no experience): July 13-19

$650 (Incl. room & meals), $350 (No room or meals)

2 Weeks, Session 1: June 22-July 5

$1,200 (Incl. room & meals), $600 (No room or meals)

Weeks, Session 2: July 6 – July 19

$1,200 (Incl. room & meals), $600 (No room or meals)

3 Weeks: June 22-July 12

$1,700 (Incl. room & meals), $800 (No room or meals)

4 Weeks: June 22-July 19

$2,200 (Incl. room & meals), $1,000 (No room or meals)

LD & PF-

July 14-July 16 (Basic), July 17-July 19 (Sprint)

$150 (+ $30/night for room, pay-per-meal)

Congress-

July 17-July 19

$150 (+ $30/night for room, pay-per-meal)

Extemporaneous Speaking-

July 14-16

$150 (+ $30/night for room, pay-per-meal)

Scholarships- Available. Submit a letter by May 1 detailing:

• a discussion of your individual circumstances, with any supporting material you wish us to consider
• what contributions you commit to provide, including any expected scholarships from your high school or other sources
• what specific sessions you would hope to attend (for example, if you could barely afford the 2-week policy, but could not quite afford the 3 week policy),
• your current long-term debate aspirations, including college debate
• a statement that you have read and understand these policies (if you don’t, contact for clarification).

 

 

NDI (Nebraska Debate Institute)

Millard North High School in Omaha, Nebraska

CX-

Nine Days: July 25-August 2

$650 (Incl. meals; housing available upon request at debaters’ parents’ homes in Omaha for $200)

LD & PF-

Nine Days: July 25-August 2

$550 (Incl. meals; housing available upon request at debaters’ parents’ homes in Omaha for $200)

Scholarships- Available. Contact camp director.

 

 

New York City Debate Camps

Various locations in New York City, New York

CX, LD, PF, Parli, Beginning Debate, & Coach’s Workshop-

Various dates

FREE for New York City Urban Debate League students. For others, contact to inquire.

 

Online Institute (National Speech & Debate Association’s Online Institute)

Fully online

Registration available for Seminar (five days: skills & theory) and Practicum (three days: one-on-one performances with feedback)

CX-

Seminar: June 23-July 27 Practicum: August 15-August 30

$250 Seminar, $250 Practicum, $400 Both (for NSDA members; non-member rates slightly higher)

LD-

Seminar: July 6-July 10 Practicum: August 6-August 8

$250 Seminar, $250 Practicum, $400 Both (for NSDA members; non-member rates slightly higher)

PF-

Seminar: August 11-August 15 Practicum: TBA

$250 Seminar, $250 Practicum, $400 Both (for NSDA members; non-member rates slightly higher)

Congress-

Seminar: Practicum:

$250 Seminar, $250 Practicum, $400 Both (for NSDA members; non-member rates slightly higher)

Scholarships- None.

 

PDI (Patriot Debate Institute)

George Mason University in Washington, D.C.

CX, LD, & PF-

One Week: June 29-July 6

$900 (Incl. room & meals), $600 (Incl. breakfast & lunch, no dinner or room)

Two Weeks: June 29-July 13

$1,400 (Incl. room & meals), $1,000 (Incl. breakfast & lunch, no dinner or room)

Three Weeks: June 29-July 20

$1,700 (Incl. room & meals), $1,200 (Incl. breakfast & lunch, no dinner or room)

$25.00 discount on all rates for paying in full before May 15. $25 discount available for multiple enrollees from the same family or school.

Scholarships- Available. Email to inquire. Scholarship application deadline is May 1.

 

 

Samford University Summer Debate Institute

Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama

CX-

Two Weeks: June 22-July 5

$1,350 (Incl. room & meals), $1,000 (Incl. meals, no room), $850 (No room or meals)

PF-

One Week: June 22-June 28

$700 (Incl. room & meals), $550 (No room or meals)

Scholarships- Available. Contact to inquire.

 

 

SDI (Spartan Debate Institute)

Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan

CX-

Two Weeks: July 13-July 25

$1,450 (Incl. room & meals)

Three Weeks: July 13-August 1

$2,050 (Incl. room & meals)

Four Weeks: July 13-August 8

$3,900 (Incl. room & meals)

Coach’s Clinic-

July 14-July 18

$600 (Incl. room & meals)

Scholarships- Available, based on merit and need. Scholarship application deadline April 25. Application available at the bottom of the “Apply” page.

 

 

SDI (UMKC Summer Debate Institute)

University of Missouri-Kansas City in Kansas City, Missouri

CX-

Four Weeks: June 28-July 26

$2,500 (Incl. room & meals), $1,830 (Incl. meals, no room), $1,400 (No room or meals)

Two Weeks: July 12-July 26

$1,250 (Incl. room & meals), $860 (Incl. meals, no room), $650 (No room or meals)

Scholarships- Available, based on need. Email to inquire.

 

 

WDI (Women’s Debate Institute)

Audubon Center of the North Woods in Sandstone, Minnesota

CX & LD-

Five Days: August 9-13

FREE for those accepted (women only)

Scholarships- Camp is free to attend, but travel stipends are available.

 

 

WNDI (Whitman National Debate Institute)

Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington

CX-

One Week: June 22- July 12

$2,200 (Incl. room & meals)

Two Weeks: June 22-July 5

$1,550 (Incl. room & meals)

Three Weeks: June 22-June 28

$800 (Incl. room & meals)

LD, PF, & Extemporaneous Speaking-

One Week Session A: June 29-July 5

$800 (Incl. room & meals)

One Week Session B:  July 6-July 12

$800 (Incl. room & meals)

Two Weeks: June 29-July 12

$1,550 (Incl. room & meals)

Scholarships- None.

 

 

WSDI (Weber State Debate Institute)

Weber State University in Ogden, Utah

CX & LD-

Three Weeks: July 13–August 2

$1200 (Incl. room & meals), $800 (No room or meals)

Two Weeks: July 13 –July 26

$850 (Incl. room & meals), $500 (No room or meals)

PF-

Two Weeks: July 13–July 26

$850 (Incl. room & meals), $500 (No room or meals)

Congress-

July 27 – August 2

$450 (incl. room & meals), $250 (No room or meals)

Coach’s Workshop-

July 27 – August 2

$450 (incl. room & meals), $250 (No room or meals)

Scholarships- None.

 

 

UGA (Georgia Debate Institute)

University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia

CX-

Two Week: June 15-28, 2014

$1,500 if registering before May 1, $1,600 if registering after May 1 (Incl. room and meals)

Three Week: June 15-July 5, 2014

PF-

One Week: June 28-July 5, 2014

$800 if registering before May 1, $1,600 if registering after May 1 (Incl. room and meals)

Scholarships- None.

 

 

Other Camp Resources

Master list of Camps (A running list of every camp in the country, including price-per-day breakdowns. Check here if low-cost is not an issue for you, and you want to explore EVERY camp.)

Camp scholarships for UDL debaters (A scholarship reserved for sending UDL debaters to summer debate camp)

9 Ways to get the most out of debate camp (An article on making your experience at debate camp the most it can be)

 

 

Still not sure which camp is right for you? Write to us! We’d be happy to offer some advice based on your budget and needs.

 

Where do you plan to go this summer? Did we forget to include your favorite camp? Tell us about it in the comments!