Institutes
One thing that you will probably hear about from your children, from other parents of debaters or from other debaters themselves is Debate Camp. Students who decide that they are seriously committed to excelling at the top levels of the activity hone their skills and become immersed in the topic over the summer at Debate Institutes hosted on college campuses. These can last from two weeks through a full month, and sometimes are combined for even longer camps. Coaches from the best high schools around the country, and College debaters from the most successful college programs teach at these institutes, which can be transformative experience for students. They are exposed to the best in their activity, they research in some of the best university libraries in the country, they learn to live in college dorms and be responsible in a secure environment, and they make friends whom they will know for decades to come. We have attached lists of institutes with links to their websites for you to research if you wish. We hold a meeting in the second semester for parents who have questions about Debate Camp. And we are always available to answer questions by email or phone. Below, we have attempted to answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
Recommended LD Institutes
Recommended Policy Institutes
Recommended IE Institutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Debate Camp Helpful?
Most students find it very helpful during the year. It allows them to become immersed in the topic without interfering with more important school priorities. It gives them a leg up on their competition at the beginning of the year. It exposes them to different perspectives from different parts of the country. It allows them to interact with the best students in debate. And for most students, it is enormously fun and exciting, as it is a chance for them to live in a college environment with many of their friends.
Is Debate Camp Necessary?
If it is not possible or feasible to go to camp, that does not mean that a student cannot participate in Debate. Ultimately, a student will go as far as their commitment will take them, and if they apply themselves during the year to the best of their abilities, they will be successful.
What is the Application Process for Debate Camp?
Most camps have a website with full information about application. We Highly recommend that you visit those websites and take a look around. Most camps will have application forms, with due dates, addresses and application fees, on their sites. Most camps will have applications due in Mid to Late April, and will be taking applications later than that if they are not full. A Few, like the Michigan Seven Week program and the Zarefsky Scholars program at Northwestern, are Highly competitive, and it is a good idea to apply to those earlier. Some will require a deposit, although most do not have an application fee. It is a good idea to talk to either Mr Meyers, Mr Kurth or Mr Alderete if you are interested.
Will my child get into Debate Camp?
For most debate camps, it is not difficult to get in, and the application process is a formality. Meadows students have a good track record of acceptance at Institutes. There are a few that are competitive to get into – The Dartmouth Debate Institute, The Michigan Seven Weeks program and Northwestern’s Zarefsky Scholars. Again, the Meadows has a good track record of acceptance to these programs as well.
How much does Debate Camp Cost?
Debate camp can be expensive. From $1000 for some of the two week programs, up through $3000-$4000 for the longest and most competitive camps. The specific prices are available on the websites.
Which Debate Camps do you Recommend?
For purposes of Full Disclosure, it is only fair to point out that we work at some of the summer institutes on our lists – Mr. Alderete works at the University of Michigan, and Mr. Meyers works at Stanford and the National Debate Symposium. That being said, all of the camps that we have listed are ones that we recommend. There are many that we did not list, for many reasons, so the ones that are left are all ones that we recommend. There are always specific qualities that will fit best with individual students. Those are best dealt with in specific and individual discussions.
What is the Difference between the Debate Camps?
Some are Nationally focused, some are regionally focused. Some are shorter and focus on basic skills, some are longer and focus on advanced skills. Some focus on research and evidence, others focus on practice speeches and speaking drills. Each of them is unique.
My Child wants to go to a Seven Week Camp – is that necessary?
I never recommend Seven Weeks – I think that it is too long, and that students need time off over the summer. Some students from the Meadows have attended seven weeks of camp and have thrived and enjoyed it. But I still never understand it.
Do TMS students have to go to Debate Camp together?
It is not necessary, although many do go with at least someone else who they will know. At debate camp, they will meet hundreds of new people, and become Close friends with many of them, so they do not need to worry about attending without a TMS “Crew” along with them.
Where have TMS students gone to Debate Camp before?
Meadows students have attended camps at Stanford, Yale, UCLA, Northwestern, the University of Kentucky, Berkeley, Dartmouth College, the Catholic University of Washington DC, the University of Michigan, the University of Texas, Michigan State University, and the University of North Texas. If you are thinking of sending a student to a camp, most likely a Meadows student has been there before.
How is Supervision at Debate Camp?
Supervision and safety are priorities at debate camp. Obviously, on major college campuses, it is always a concern. Supervision at the camps is usually excellent – mostly because students are working with their lab leaders and fellow students all day, they are directly supervised. During lectures, library research, practice rounds, and lab meetings, they are in direct contact with their lab leaders in small groups of ten to twelve students. At the dormitories at night, there are dorm checks, room checks and curfews. There is always a full dorm staff with resident assistants to maintain supervision at night in the dorms. Obviously, some students have gotten in trouble at debate camp, but it is extremely rare, and dealt with quickly by the institute.
What is a typical day like at Debate Camp?
A typical day at camp has students attend lectures in the morning on the topic – between two to three hours of lectures. After lunch, students typically meet in the library with their small groups to conduct research and to discuss strategies against cases. This usually goes until dinner. After dinner, lab groups will usually meet with their leaders in classrooms for individual work on specific skills, on writing briefs, or on holding practice rounds. This goes until 9-10 PM, when students are escorted back to their dorms and checked in by the dorm staff. They typically with have 2-3 hours of reading and writing to do back at the dorm before curfew.
Last Updated Tuesday, May 30, 2006 @ 11:44 PM PDT 
