Our students speak for themselves. They haven’t been able to get enough of our summer program. Debate camp gives them a unique space where it is cool to be smart and to meet other driven students who share your passion for the world around us. The large numbers of returning students, siblings, and alumni on staff are a testament to how much students have enjoyed themselves.

Our students speak for themselves. They haven’t been able to get enough of our summer program. Debate camp gives them a unique space where it is cool to be smart and to meet other driven students who share your passion for the world around us. The large numbers of returning students (and large numbers of alumni on staff) are a testament to how much students have enjoyed themselves.

This is debate camp, so you’ll be speaking and debating every day.  Speech re-dos, cross-examination practice, partial and full practice rounds — we do them all, every day of camp, at all levels, and only have lectures when necessary. 

We don’t have large lectures where folks talk at you, we prefer direct engagement and active learning for all participants. All labs have a faculty-student ratio of 8-1 or less;  

A coach is only as valuable as their ability to help you, regardless of their own personal accomplishments.

We prioritize debate expertise AND actual teaching experience, and hire many alumni / staff from other urban debate leagues. Previous faculty members have won or coached award winners at every major high school and college competition, including the NDT, CEDA, Baker Cup, TOC, UDNC, NSDA, NCFL, and UDL MS Nationals. 

Win More Trophies. Advance to the Next Division. Join the Travel Team. Go To Nationals. Get a College Scholarship.

Attending the summer institute puts you ahead of the competition, and gets you ready for the first tournament, regardless of where you start. 95% of High School Nationals Qualifiers and 75% of Middle School Nationals Qualifiers attended the previous summer institute. 

The issues we debate are the same that are discussed in the halls of power downtown, and we bring those diverse viewpoints and expertise to you. Washington DC is the global center of public policy. With 9 large universities, the world’s leading think tanks and the federal government, we have thought leaders at our doorstep. Past guest speakers have included:

• Members of Congress, the DC Council, and the DC Board of Education
• Congressional Staffers, Lobbyists, Consultants, Journalists, and leaders of federal agencies.
• Thought leaders and senior scholars from the top think tanks
• Assistant Attorneys General, Judges, and Attorneys from the legal community
• Executives from  Fortune 500 Companies
• Community activists and human rights advocates

Competing on the regional level requires dedication, practice, and extra preparation. The Institute will give you a leg up on the competition and have you ready to hit the ground running.

Students interested in attending the first travel tournament of the season, Georgetown Day in September, are expected to attend the summer institute in one of the most advanced labs.

​Read the letters from Secretary of State Clinton and former President Obama regarding the Matthew Harris Ornstein Summer Debate Institute.