Regardless of your skill level, preferred argument style, or debate event, all debaters can benefit from attending summer debate camp!
Debate camp provides numerous benefits. The time you spend improving this summer can pay off enormously during next year’s competitions. Attending camp provides the chance to learn from a new set of coaches, get a head-start on your research for next season’s topic(s), and have a ton of fun with other debaters from around the nation!
Here at Debate Central, we believe that the debate camp experience should be available to everybody, regardless of financial means.
That’s why we have prepared this list of summer debate institutes which offer low-cost tuition (in comparison to the average), scholarship opportunities, or both! With camps for every event at nearly every price point, you’re sure to find something that works for you.
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. You can also write to the camp contact provided at the bottom of each listing.
A few tips to keep in mind as you select a summer debate institute:
- Make sure you do your 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-traditional? 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 attend. 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.
Barking Bulldogs Summer Debate Institute
Fresno State University in Fresno, California
Policy/CX Debate-
2 Weeks: June 30- July 10
$950 (Incl. housing & meals), $550 (Incl. lunch, no dinner or housing)
Discounts- None.
Scholarships- Available.
Beehive Forensics Institute (BFI)
University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah
Policy/CX Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, Congressional Debate/Student Congress, Extemporaneous Speaking-
1 Week: July 10-July 17
$725 (Incl. housing & meals), $375 (Tuition only; no housing or meals)
2 Weeks: July 10-July 24
$1200 (Incl. housing & meals), $550 (Tuition only; no housing or meals)
Coaches’ Clinic-
1 Week: July 10-July 17
$600 (Incl. housing & meals), $375 (Tuition only; no housing or meals), -$75 discount available for coaches who agree to also serve as judges
Discounts- 10% early registration discount if registering before April 15. Group discounts for schools sending multiple students.
Scholarships- None.
Cameron University Forensics Institute
Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma
Policy/CX Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, Congressional Debate/Student Congress, Extemporaneous Speaking (Foreign & Domestic), Oratory (Standard & Original), Interp Events (DI & HI), Duo/Duet (Dramatic & Humorous), Prose, Poetry-
1 week: July 12-18
$500 (incl. housing & meals)
Discounts- $50 off if registered before June 1st. Sponsors who bring more 8+ only pay room & board, no tuition.
Scholarships- Available. Contact for more information.
Capitol Debate Summer Camps
Multiple Locations (California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington)
Public Forum Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Congressional Debate/Student Congress, IE’s, Creative Writing, Leadership-
2 Weeks: Multiple dates between June-August 2016
$3,395 – Residential (incl. housing & meals)
$2,995 – Commuter (incl. meals, no housing)
Discounts- $400 early registration by April 15th.
Scholarships- Available, based on need and merit.
Central Oklahoma Debate Institute (CODI)
University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma
Policy/CX Debate-
1 week: July 24- July 30
Registration Before June 1- $300 (Tuition) + $200 (Housing) + $150 (Meal plan)
Registration After June 1- $350 (Tuition) + $225 (Housing) + $150 (Meal plan)
Discounts- Available to return campers and multiple campers from the same school
Scholarships- Available, contact camp director.
Champion Briefs Institute (CBI)
Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida OR Colleyville Heritage High School in Dallas, Texas
Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, Congressional Debate/Student Congress, Extemporaneous Speaking, Interp Events, Original Oratory, Middle School Intro to Debate-
2 Weeks: June 20- July 3 (FL) -OR- July 6-July 19 (TX) -OR- July 25-August 7 (FL)
$2200 (Incl. housing & meals), $1395 (Incl. meals, no housing)
10 Days: July 5- July 15 (FL; Middle School only)
$1000 (Incl. meals, no housing)
Discounts- None.
Scholarships- None.
Claremont Summer Debate Programs
Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, California
World Schools Debate-
5 Days: June 18-June 25
$1450 (Incl. housing & meals), $950 (Tuition only; no housing or meals)
HSPDP/CHSSA Debate Formats-
5 Days: July 17-July 24
$1450 (Incl. housing & meals), $950 (Tuition only; no housing or meals)
Middle School Public Debate Format-
5 Days: June 24-June 29 (Session 1), July 6-July 11 (Session 2)
$1300 (Incl. housing & meals), $800 (Tuition only; no housing or meals)
1 Week: July 26- August 2 (Session 3/ “SuperSession”)
$1600 (Incl. housing & meals), $1050 (Tuition only; no housing or meals)
Discounts- None.
Scholarships- None.
Contact- curriculum or logistics
Classic Debate Camp
Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio
Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate-
5 Days: July 24- July 29
Registration & Payment Before May 1- $960
Registration & Payment Before June 1- $1080
Registration & Payment After June 1- $1200
Discounts- Early bird discounts as described above. Additional $50 discount (each) if 2+ students attend from the same school.
Scholarships- None.
Climb the Mountain Speech & Debate Camp
Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington
Policy/CX Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, Coaches’ Clinic-
1 week: July 25-July 30
$389 (Tuition only; no housing or meals)
Congressional Debate/Student Congress-
3 days: July 25-July 27
$189 (Tuition only; no housing or meals)
IE’s-
3 days: July 28-July 30
$189 (Tuition only; no housing or meals)
Discounts- Register by June 6 for early bird discount. Discounts for 2 or more from the same school.
Scholarships- Available, contact camp director.
Comet Debate Institute (CDI)
University of Texas- Dallas in Dallas, Texas
Policy/CX Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate-
1 Week: June 26- July 2
$900 (Incl. housing & meals), $700 (Incl. meals, no housing)
2 Weeks: June 26- July 9
$1,600 (Incl. housing & meals), $1,200 (Incl. meals, no housing)
Mock Trial-
1 Week: June 29- July 2 -OR- July 2- July 9
$800 (Incl. housing & meals), $600 (Incl. meals, no housing)
Discounts- Available for children of UTD employees, siblings of current UTD students, 5+ debaters from the same school, and select others (contact to inquire).
Scholarships- None.
Dartmouth Debate Institute (DDI)
Dartmouth University in Hanover, New Hampshire
Policy/CX Debate-
4 Weeks: July 10- August 6
$4750 (Incl. housing & meals)
Additional 2-Week Extension (DDIx): June 27- July 8
Combined 6-Week Program: $6050 (Incl. housing & meals)
DDIx Only: $2100 (Incl. housing & meals)
Public Forum Debate, Parliamentary Debate, Fundamentals of Argumentation (Beginners), IPPF Debate-
2 Weeks: June 27- July 8
$2100 (Incl. housing & meals)
Discounts- Available for early application (apply by March 1), for paying by check, and for alumni of previous DDIs.
Scholarships- Available, based on need. Additional applications & verifications required.
DC Urban Debate Camp
419 7th Street, NW Suite 300, Washington, DC 20004
Public Forum Debate, Lincoln Douglas Debate, CX Debate, Student Congress, Duo, Humorous, Dramatic, Extemporaneous, Impromptu Speaking, Original Oratory
2 Sessions: August 8-12 and August 15-19
$250 for one session, $500 for two sessions
Discounts- None.
Scholarships- Available
Digital Debate Camp
Fully online
Policy/CX Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, General Debate & Argumentation Skills-
June 1-August 16, with flexibility to students’ other obligations throughout the summer
$450
Discounts- None.
Scholarships- Available. Contact to inquire.
Edie Conway Liberation Institute (ECLI)
Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland
Policy/CX Debate-
3 weeks: July 10- July 31
$2,000 UDL students
$3,000 all others
Discounts- $500 discount for applying by March 1.
Scholarships- May be available; contact camp staff directly to inquire.
Emory National Debate Institute (ENDI)
Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia
Policy/CX Debate-
2 Weeks: June 5- June 18
$1700 (Incl. housing & meals)
3 Weeks: June 5- June 25
$2550 (Incl. housing & meals)
Public Forum Debate-
10 Days: June 19-June 29
$1200 (Incl. housing & meals)
Public Speaking & Social Justice-
2 Weeks: June 5- June 18
$1700 (Incl. housing & meals)
Middle School Sessions also available at Pace Academy in Atlanta, GA & High Meadows School in Roswell, GA.
Discounts- $200 early bird discount for registering before April 1.
Scholarships- None.
George Mason Debate Institute
George Mason University in Washington, D.C.
Policy/CX Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate-
1 Week: June 26-July 3
$975 (Incl. housing & meals), $650 (Incl. lunch, no dinner or housing)
2 Weeks: June 26-July 10
$1750 (Incl. housing & meals), $1200 (Incl. lunch, no dinner or housing)
Coaches’ Clinic-
Contact for info.
Discounts- $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.
Global Debate Symposium
Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Lincoln-Douglas Debate-
2 Weeks: June 26- July 9
$2500 (Incl. housing & meals)
3 Weeks: June 19- July 9
$350 (Incl. housing & meals)
World Schools Debate-
1 Week: June 26- July 2 -OR- July 3-July 9
$1500 (Incl. housing & meals)
Extemporaneous Speaking-
1 Week: July 3-July 9
$1500 (Incl. housing & meals)
Interp Events-
1 Week: June 26- July 2
$1500 (Incl. housing & meals)
Discounts- None.
Scholarships- May be available. Email to inquire.
Gonzaga Debate Institute (GDI)
Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington
Policy/CX Debate-
Two Weeks: July 10-July 23
$1,600 (Incl. housing & meals), $700 (Commuter; no housing or meals)
Four Weeks: June 26-July 23
$2,800 (Incl. housing & meals), $1,300 (Commuter; no housing or meals)
Five Weeks: June 19- July 23
$3,500 (Incl. housing & meals), $1,400 (Commuter; no housing or meals)
Six Weeks (Split between GDI & CNDI): June 19-July 30
$4650 (Incl. housing & meals)
Other housing & meal plan pricings also available.
Discounts- All returning GDI alum will receive an automatic discount of 5% off of the total cost of their program. Group discounts (5%) are also available.
Scholarships- Available, based on both merit and need. Supporting documents required.
Harvard Debate Council Summer Workshops
Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Public Forum Debate, Congressional Debate/Student Congress, Public Speaking & Argumentation-
Two Weeks: June 26-July 8 -OR- July 10- July 22
$3095 ( Incl. housing & meals), $1995 (No housing; Incl. 2 meals/day)
World Schools Debate-
Two Weeks: June 26-July 8
$3095 ( Incl. housing & meals), $1995 (No housing; Incl. 2 meals/day)
Discounts- None.
Scholarships- Available, based on need. Contact camp director.
Hawk Debate Workshop
Hebron High School in Dallas, Texas
Policy/CX Debate-
5 Days: August 8- August 12
“Pay-What-You-Can” Model, open for application until all spots are filled. Lunch is available for $5-10/day. Day-camp only (no housing.)
Heart of America Debate Camp
Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas
Policy/CX Debate-
1 Week: July 10- July 16
$600 (Incl. housing & meals), $475 (Tuition only; no housing or meals)
2 Weeks: July 10- July 22
$950 (Incl. housing & meals), $675 (Tuition only; no housing or meals)
Discounts- None, although payment plans are available.
Scholarships- None.
Hoosier High School Debate Camp
Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana
Policy/CX Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate-
2 Weeks: June 26- July 10
$1,150 (Incl. housing & meals), $700 (Incl. meals, no room), $500 (No meals or housing)
1 Week (Option A): June 26- July 3
$650 (Incl. housing & meals), $450 (Incl. meals, no room), $350 (No meals or housing)
1 Week (Option B): July 3- Jul 10
Same price structure as Option A.
Discounts- None.
Scholarships- Available, based on need. Download the application from the camp page.
Hurricane Debate Institute (HDI)
University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida
Policy/CX Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, Congressional Debate/Student Congress, Public Speaking & Argumentation Skills (for Middle & High School Students)-
1 Week: June 13-June 17
$450 (Incl. meals, no housing)
2 Weeks: June 13-June 24
$800 (Incl. meals, no housing)
3 Weeks: June 13-July 1
$1,100 (Incl. meals, no housing)
Discounts- Early bird discount for registering before May 8.
Scholarships- None.
Institute for Speech and Debate (ISD)
Queens University of Charlotte in Charlotte, North Carolina -OR- University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida
Public Forum Debate, Congressional Debate/Student Congress, Extemporaneous Speaking, Interp Events, Original Oratory (NC session)-
1 Week: July 3-July 16
$1745 (Incl. housing & meals), $1045 (Incl. meals, no housing)
Public Forum Debate, Congressional Debate/Student Congress, Extemporaneous Speaking (FL session)-
1 Week: July 17-July 30
$1745 (Incl. housing & meals), $1045 (Incl. meals, no housing)
Discounts- None.
Scholarships- Available, based on need. Applications considered on a rolling basis, with a final deadline of April 15.
Jayhawk Debate Institute (JDI)
Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas
Policy/CX Debate-
2 weeks: June 19 – July 2
$1800 (Incl. housing & meals)
$1150 (Tuition only; no housing or meals)
3 weeks: June 19 – July 9
$2400 (Incl. housing & meals)
$1400 (Tuition only; no housing or meals)
Coaches Workshop-
June 30 – July 1
$50
Discounts- None.
Scholarships- None.
Liberty Debate Institute (LDI)
Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia
Lincoln-Douglas Debate-
One Week: June 21-June 27 -OR- June 28-July 4
$450 (Incl. housing and meals), $150 (No housing or meals)
Two Weeks: June 22-July 5
$875 (Incl. housing and meals), $300 (No housing or meals)
Policy/CX Debate-
One Week: June 21-June 27 -OR- June 28- July 4
$450 (Incl. housing and meals), $150 (No housing or meals)
Two Weeks: June 21-July 4
$875 (Incl. housing and meals), $300 (No housing or meals)
Discounts- Discounts available for squads sending multiple debaters.
Scholarships- Available, based on need. Additional application & documentation required. May 9 deadline.
Contact- See website.
Matthew H. Ornstein Washington Summer Debate Institute
Hill Center in Washington D.C.
Policy/CX Debate-
Five Days: August 8- August 12
FREE for middle and high school students attending public or charter schools in the DMV area.
No housing offered, but breakfast and lunch will be included.
Scholarships- Awards may be given to attendees based on competitive success, personal improvement, dedication to helping others, etc.
Mean Green Workshops
University of North Texas in Denton, Texas
Policy/CX Debate-
2 Weeks: June 19-July 2
$2000-$2400
3 Weeks: June 29-July 9
$3000-$3400
Lincoln-Douglas Debate-
2 Weeks: June 19-July 2
$2200-$2600
3 Weeks: June 29-July 9
$3000-$3400
Public Forum Debate-
1 Week: June 19- June 25
$1200-$1400
2 Weeks: June 29-July 2
$2000-$2400
Congressional Debate/Student Congress-
Two Weeks: June 26- July 10
$1700-$1900
World Schools Debate-
1 week: July 5- July 11
$1000
Middle School Speech & Debate-
1 Week: July 10-July 16
$750-$1,000
IE’s-
1 Week: July 10-July 16
$1000
Teachers’/Coaches’ Institute-
2 Weeks: June 19-July 2
$800
Discounts- 30% discount for UDL students. Multi-student discounts available if multiple students attend from the same squad.
Scholarships- Available, based on need. Additional application & documentation required. May 15 deadline.
Minnesota Debate and Advocacy Workshop (MDAW):
Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Policy/CX Debate-
1 Week: June 26- June July 2
$850 (Incl. housing & meals), $725 (Incl. meals, no housing), $600 (No housing or meals)
2 Weeks: June 26 – July 9
$1630 (Incl. housing & meals), $1300 (Incl. meals, no housing), $1025 (No housing or meals)
3 Weeks: June 26- July 16
$2140 (Incl. housing & meals), $1800 (Incl. meals, no housing), $1425 (No housing or meals)
Social Justice & Advocacy Track Day Camp-
1 week: July 11- July 16
$500 (Incl. lunch & dinner), $425 (Incl. lunch only; no dinner)
Middle School Debate Day Camp-
5 Days: June 20-June 24
$250 (Incl. lunch & snack), $25/day daycare service available from 3:30-5:30pm.
Discounts-
Early bird registration – $25 off by registering before May 6.
MDTA discount – $25 off
Returning student – $25 off
Scholarships- Available, based on need. Apply before April 15.
Minnesota Debate Institute
University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Lincoln-Douglas Debate-
1 Week: August 14- August 21
$465 (Incl. housing & meals), $245 (Incl. meals, no housing), $140 (Tuition only; no housing or meals)
Discounts- None.
Scholarships- Available, based on need. Apply by April 15.
Missouri State Debate Institute
Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri
Policy/CX Debate-
One Week Novice: July 10-July 16
$700 (Incl. housing & meals) $350 (No housing or meals)
Two Weeks: June 26-July 9
$1,300 (Incl. housing & meals) $600 (No housing or meals)
Three Weeks: June 26-July 16
$1,950 (Incl. housing & meals) $900 (No housing or meals)
3rd week curriculum tailored by student preference
College public speaking credit available ($200 additional, 3 hours, 2-3 week only)
Mini Debate Event Camps-
LD: July 14-15
PF: July 14-15
Congress: July 13
Extemporaneous Speaking: July 11-12
Interpretation: July 11-12
Policy “lecture only” option (no lab)- June 27-28
Each event mini camp runs 9am-5pm with a lunch break. The cost for any of them is $200 with dorm, $100 commuter (Congress is $100/$50). The dorm price includes two dorm nights (check in the night before) and 6 meals.
Scholarships-
Write by May 1. Letter must include:
(a) a discussion of your individual circumstances, with any supporting material you wish us to consider,
(b) what contributions you commit to provide, including any expected scholarships from your high school or other sources,
(c) 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), and
(d) your current long-term debate aspirations, including college debate and
(e) a statement that you have read and understand these policies (if you don’t, please contact us for clarification).
Discounts- Can be negotiated when 4+ people attend from the same school. Contact camp director.
National Debate Forum
Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts
Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate-
2 Weeks: July 10- July 24
$2800 (Incl. housing & meals), $1650 (Tuition only; no meals or housing)
Discounts- None.
Scholarships- None.
National Speech & Debate Association Online Institute
Fully online
Policy/CX Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, Congressional Debate/Student Congress, Extemporaneous Speaking, Original Oratory, Interp Events-
5 Days: Dates vary by event
$350 for non-members of NSDA, $275 for members, $225 for resource package subscribers
Discounts- Discounts available for multiple students registering from the same squad: 3-5 students = 10% off, 6-9 students = 15% off, 10+ students = 20% off. Special pricing also available through various marketing campaigns (social media, state association messaging, & UDL communications)
Scholarships- Some special assistance may be available.
Nebraska Debate Institute (NDI)
Millard West High School in Omaha, Nebraska
Policy/CX Debate-
1 Week: July 22-July 30
$700 (Incl. meals; housing available upon request for $200)
Lincoln-Douglas Debate-
1 Week: July 22-July 30
$600 (Incl. meals; housing available upon request for $200)
Public Forum Debate-
1 Week: One Week: July 22-July 30
$600 (Incl. meals; housing available upon request for $200)
Discounts- $50 early registration discount for paying in full by May 1.
Scholarships- Contact camp director to inquire.
New York City Summer Debate Camps
Policy/CX Debate, Public Forum Debate, Parliamentary Debate-
Numerous dates & locations available. Serving elementary through high school students.
Northwest Forensics Institute
Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming
Policy/CX Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, Parliamentary Debate, IE’s (HI, OO, POE, EX, DUO, DI, POI, IMP & all college events)-
July 20- July 30 (Scholar’s) -OR- July 24- July 30 (non-Scholar’s)
Non-Scholar’s- $335 (Incl. housing & meals)
Scholar’s- $500 (Incl. housing & meals)
College & Coaches’ labs also available
Discounts- Coaches who stay on campus as chaperones receive a housing discount.
Scholarships- Available, limited & based on need. Additional application is required.
Northern California Debate Institute
University of the Pacific in Stockton, California
NFA-LD Debate, NPDA/NPTE Parliamentary Debate–
Primarily intended for college debaters. High school debaters may also be accepted, but should contact the camp ASAP to make arrangements.
5 Days: August 10- August 14
Register & Pay Before June 1: $375 (Incl. housing & meals)
Register Between June 11- July 15: $450 (Incl. housing & meals)
Register After July 15: $525 (Incl. housing & meals)
Commuter Option: $300 (Incl. lunch; No housing)
Discounts- $25 discount for alumni of past NCDIs. Discounts for teams sending 5+ debaters. Extended payment plans are available.
Scholarships- 4 expenses-paid positions are available to students selected for Fellowships.
Pioneer Debate Institute (PDI)
Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon
Policy/CX Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, Parliamentary Debate-
2 Weeks: July 19- July 23
$1700 (Incl. housing & meals), $900 (Incl. meals, no housing)
1 Week Options upon request.
Coaches
welcome,
and receive tuition discounts for each of their students who also attend.
Discounts- $100.00 discount on residential rates or $50.00 discount on commuter rates if paying in full before May 15.
Scholarships- Available, based on need, as a part of the general application process.
Premier Debate Institute
University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota -OR- CSUN in Los Angeles, CA
Lincoln-Douglas Debate-
2 Weeks: July 3- July 16 (CA) -OR- July 17- August 6 (MN)
$2695 (Incl. housing & meals)
Seminar Week: July 31- August 6 (MN)
$1100 (Incl. housing & meals)
Topic Week: August 14- August 21 (MN)
$1295 (Incl. housing & meals)
Discounts- $200 early bird discount available for applications before November 1, 2015. Students accepted for 3+ weeks receive a $100 discount. Teams of 3+ attending together will each receive a $100 discount. Teams of 5+ each receive a $200 discount.
Scholarships- None.
Queer Debate Institute (QDI)
Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey
Policy/CX Debate-
(Geared towards LGBTQIA+ debaters who want to pursue performantive and/or identity politics-based arguments)
4 Days: June 18- June 21
Free or low-cost for those selected to attend
Rebel Debate Institute (RDI)
University of Nevada in Las Vegas, Nevada
Policy/CX Debate-
2 Weeks: July 11- July 24
2 Tracks available: “Scarlet” focuses on traditional policy debate arguments, “Grey” focuses on disability scholarship in policy debate.
$1600 (Incl. housing & meals), $500 (No housing or meals)
3 Weeks: July 11- August 1
$2400 (Incl. housing & meals), $750 (No housing or meals)
Lincoln-Douglas Debate-
2 Weeks: July 21- August 1
$350 (No housing or meals- Resident plans are NOT available for LD)
Discounts- Financial assistance requests are due by June 6, 2016 (Deposits MUST be received by this date to apply for financial assistance.)
Scholarships- None.
Samford Summer Debate Institute
Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama
Policy/CX Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate-
Two Weeks: June 26-July 9
$1400 Residents (Incl. housing & meals)
$1100 Commuters (Incl. meals, no housing)
Public Forum Debate, Public Speaking-
One Week: June 26-July 2
$700 Residents (Incl. housing & meals)
$550 Commuters (Incl. meals, no housing)
Discounts- 25% discount for returning students
Scholarships- Limited financial aid is available.
South Dakota Debate Workshop (SDDW)
South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota
Policy/CX Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate-
5 Days: July 5-July 9
$450 (Incl. housing & meals), $250 (Incl. meals, no housing), $200 (No housing or meals)
Discounts- $25 discount for students registering and paying in full by June 1.
Scholarships- None.
Contact- See website.
Spartan Debate Institute (SDI)
Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan
Policy/CX Debate-
2 Weeks: July 10- July 22
$1450 (Incl. housing & meals)
3 Weeks: July 10- July 29
$2500 (Incl. housing & meals)
4 Weeks: July 10- August 5
$3900 (Incl. housing & meals)
7 Week “Hoya Spartan Scholars” (split between Michigan State and Georgetown University): June 19-August 5
$6090 (Incl. housing & meals)
Coach’s Clinic: July 10 -July 15
$600 (Incl. housing & meals)
Discounts- Early bird discount for students submitting their deposits by April 8.
Scholarships- Available, based on need. Scholarship application deadline of April 24.
Stanford National Forensic Institute
Stanford University in Stanford, California
Policy/CX Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, Parliamentary Debate, Congressional Debate/Student Congress, IE’s, Middle School Debate, Argumentation & Debate for Beginners, Coaches’ Workshops-
Various dates & pricing options available.
Discounts- None.
Scholarships- None.
Statesman Debate Camp
Multiple locations (Delaware, D.C., New Jersey, Pennsylvania, & Virginia)
Policy/CX Debate, Public Forum Debate, & Congressional Debate/Student Congress-
Multiple dates & pricing options in July 2016.
Discounts- Early Bird prices through May 1.
Scholarships- Available, based on need.
SUDL Summer Debate Institute (SSDI)
Einstein Middle School in Sacramento, California
Policy/CX Debate, Middle School MSPDP Debate-
2 Days: August 6-August 7
Free, or a suggested donation of $50/day
Texas Speech & Debate Camp
East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas
Policy/CX Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Congressional Debate/Student Congress, IE’s-
One Week: July 10-July 16
$600 (Incl. housing & meals), $350 (Incl. meals, no housing)
Coaches’ Workshop-
One Week: July 10-July 16
$350 (Incl. housing & meals)
Discounts- $50 discount if registering and paying deposit before May 10.
Scholarships- None.
Touchstone Speech & Debate Camp
Courtyard Marriot in Denton, Texas
Policy/CX Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, Congressional Debate/Student Congress-
2 Weeks: July 18-July 30
$1900 (Incl. housing & meals)
Middle School Debate (LD & PF)-
1 week: June 24- July 1
$1400 (Incl. housing & meals)
Interp Events-
1Week: July 18-July 23
$1050 (Incl. housing & meals)
Discounts- None.
Scholarships- None.
UMKC Summer Debate Institute
University of Missouri-Kansas City in Kansas City, Missouri
Policy/CX Debate-
Four Weeks: June 25-July 23
$2500 (Incl. housing & meals), $1,400 (No housing or meals)
Two Weeks: July 9-July 23
$1300 (Incl. housing & meals), $675 (No housing or meals)
Various meal plans also available for commuter students.
Discounts- Register before March 1 for early bird discount.
Scholarships- None.
University of Texas National Institute of Forensics (UTNIF)
University of Texas in Austin, Texas
Policy/CX Debate-
Many configurations of schedules available between June 23-August 4
$1250-$5350 (Incl. housing & meals)
Labs for novices, sophomores, topic intensive, skills intensive, and “6 week survivors”
Lincoln-Douglas Debate-
2 Weeks: July 17- July 31
$1600 (Incl. housing & meals)
2.5 Weeks: July 17- August 4
$2075 (Incl. housing & meals)
Public Forum Debate-
2 Weeks: June 22-July 14
$1900 (Incl. housing & meals)
IE’s-
2 Weeks: June 25- July 9
$1525 (Incl. housing & meals), add on 2nd event for additional $200
Discounts- None.
Scholarships- Available, based on need. Additional application & documentation required. May 15 deadline.
Victory Briefs Institute (VBI)
Multiple locations (California, Illinois, Pennsylvania)
Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate-
Multiple sessions available, between June 19 and August 20
2 Weeks: $2795 (Incl. housing & meals), $1995 (Incl. meals, no housing)
3 Weeks: $3995 (Incl. housing & meals), $2995 (Incl. meals, no housing)
Discounts- None.
Scholarships- Available, on a first-come-first-served basis.
Weber State Debate Institute (WSDI)
Weber State University in Ogden, Utah
Policy/CX Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate-
2 Weeks: July 10th- July 23rd
$1250 (Incl. housing, two meals per day, + 3 college credits)
Policy/CX Debate Only-
3 Weeks: July 10th-July 30th
$1875 (Incl. housing, two meals per day, + 3 college credits)
Discounts- None.
Scholarships- No, but Voices Foundation eligible.
Women’s Debate Institute (WDI)
Long Lake Conservation Center in Palisade, Minnesota
Policy/CX Debate-
5 Days: August 6-10
FREE for those accepted
Scholarships- Camp is free to attend, but travel stipends are available, based on need.
Young Genius Bay Area Speech & Debate Academy
Young Genius Educational Center in Saratoga, California
Policy/CX Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, Congressional Debate/Student Congress, Parliamentary Debate, Speech, IE’s-
Multiple scheduling options available for all events, for grades 4-12
$300-$600 per week
Discounts- None.
Scholarships- None.
Other Camp Resources
- 9 Ways to get the most out of debate camp (An article on making your experience at debate camp the most it can be.)
- 5 Ways to keep improving over the summer (An article on using your summer to improve your debate skills, with or without camp.)
- Last Year’s Camp Guide (The 2015 verson of this directory)
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.
Camp directors—if you’d like to be added to our listings, please click here for submission instructions.
Where do you plan to go for debate camp this summer? Did we forget to include your favorite institute? Want to find out where other debaters are going? Write to us in the comments!
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