Debate Camps
Debate Camps
Basics
What is Debate Camp?
Debate camp is an intensive program, usually held during summer, where students of all levels learn, practice, and refine their debate skills.
Why should I go to Camp?
Skill Development – Debate camps provide intensive, focused training that helps you sharpen critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation skills, which are valuable in both academic and real-world scenarios.
Networking and Community – Debate camps offer the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships with peers and mentors who share a passion for debate.
Competitive Edge – Attending a debate camp can give you an edge in competitions by exposing you to advanced strategies, coaching, and feedback, helping you improve your performance and gain confidence in your debating abilities.
Tips
Consider Your Skill Level and Goals – Choose a camp that aligns with your current skill level and your goals for improvement. If you're a beginner, look for camps with structured learning and a focus on fundamentals. For advanced debaters, select a camp offering specialized coaching or a more competitive environment.
Look for Experienced Coaches and Staff – Research the qualifications and experience of the coaches. Camps with experienced coaches who have a strong track record in debate can provide valuable insights and personalized feedback.
Evaluate the Camp’s Structure and Schedule – Check if the camp provides a balanced schedule that includes both instruction and practice. A well-structured camp should offer time for hands-on practice, individual feedback, and opportunities for competitive simulations to apply what you've learned.
DO NOT JUST PICK A CAMP BECAUSE IT’S FROM A GOOD UNIVERSITY
Best Camps to Attend this Summer
Climb the Mountain Camp
Locations and Dates:
July 21-25, 2025: Online and Bellevue options.
August 11-15, 2025: Online and Seattle options.
Affordable Access: Fee reductions available for low-income families and Rainier Scholars.
Sign up by May 31
https://www.climbthemountain.us/camps
Capitol Debate
Dates: July 27 to August 7, 2025
Location: University of Washington, Seattle
Programs: Public Speaking and Debate Camp
Accommodations: Modern residential experience in Willow Hall with diverse dining options at Center Table
Residential Program: Includes tuition, room, and all meals
Core Program: Daytime academic sessions from 9 AM to 5 PM with optional lunch plan
https://www.capitoldebate.com/
National Symposium for Debate (NSD)
Flagship LD Camp – In-depth training at Bryn Mawr College, Philadelphia, with workshops, practice rounds, and expert coaching.
Philadelphia PF Camps – Two summer sessions at Bryn Mawr College, focusing on PF strategies, argumentation, and competitive skills.
Texas LD & PF Camps – Hosted at St. Edward's University in Austin, offering tailored coaching and intensive practice.
Online LD & PF Camps – Virtual programs covering fundamentals and advanced debate techniques with interactive learning.
Topic Prep Weeks – Specialized training for LD and PF topics, including research, case development, and strategy.
The Debate Intensive (TDI)
Five-Week Intensive – Comprehensive Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate training, combining both the Core and Second Sessions for a complete experience.
Core Session – Three-week LD program covering all skill levels with a structured curriculum.
Second Session – Two-week focused LD program with a Policy Debate lab for beginner and intermediate students.
Public Forum Session x Libertas Debate – Specialized training in Public Forum debate strategies and argumentation.
Location – All sessions are hosted at the University of California, Riverside.
https://www.debateintensive.org/
Debate Institutes at Dartmouth (DDI)
DDI (Debate Institutes at Dartmouth) – Four-week intensive policy debate program for high school debaters with at least one year of experience.
GDDI (Georgetown-Dartmouth Debate Institute) – Seven-week collaborative program with Georgetown University, featuring three weeks of skills development at Georgetown and four weeks of team-based research at Dartmouth.
Location – Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire.
Tuition – DDI costs $7,200, and GDDI costs $10,500. Need-based financial assistance is available.
https://www.ddidebate.org/
University of Michigan Debate
Michigan National Debate Institute (MNDI) – A policy debate workshop for high school debaters of all experience levels, from novices to varsity competitors.
Classic – A four-week policy debate workshop for students aiming to compete at an advanced level.
Classic Plus – An extension of the Classic program, providing additional training and resources for participants.
Seven Week Program – A comprehensive, intensive program for rising juniors and seniors, offering in-depth debate training.
Kritik Lab – A specialized lab focusing on kritik arguments, for debaters looking to deepen their understanding of this aspect of debate.
Location – All programs are held at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
