WHY CHOOSE RDI
Academic Achievement
Multiple cross-national studies show that students engaged in speech and debate on average earn higher grades, perform better on standardized tests, and are preferred candidates among college admissions counselors.
Friends and Community
Students create lasting friendships as speech and debate partners and competitors, in an environment that promotes teamwork, curiosity, and collaboration.
Life Skills
We guide students to think critically from multiple lenses. Students engage in research to write well-crafted arguments, and learn to defend both sides of a topic.
AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
RDI’s Overnight Scholars Camp offers teenage students an immersive experience focused on improving public speaking and presentation skills. Students stay in the Gladding Residence Center and receive catered breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Each day includes structured workshops on public speaking and persuasion, along with evening activities such as movies, games, and social events. The week concludes with a camp competition and award ceremony that recognizes student participation and progress.
July 27th to August 2nd, 2025
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
$1,650 (six night room and board and all meals)
Courses in Public Forum Debate, Lincoln Douglas Debate, and Policy Debate Debate
Session Dates
Location
Tuition
Classes
8AM
Wake Up Call
Students are woken up for morning showers, breakfast, and team huddle before walking to class
1-Hour
9AM
Walk to Snead Hall
Commuter students join our residential students to begin their scheduled day of classes
15-Min.
9:15AM
Topic Analysis Lecture
Students hear from our PhD lecturers about complex debate topics to understand multiple angles of the resolution.
45-Min
10AM
Research Lab
Work with lab leaders to conduct high quality research, and learn how to navigate evidence and briefs
1-Hour
11AM
Mock Debates
Respond to cross examination questions, and think on your feet!
1-Hour
12PM
Lunch
Enjoy hot catered lunch inside the building, alongside all other debate peers.
1-Hour
1PM
Speaking Drills
Practice speaking exercises which enhance your articulation and clarity.
1-Hour
2PM
Intro to Case Writing Lecture
Learn how to draft a formal debate case using contentions, evidence, frameworks, and more.
1-Hour
3PM
Practice Rounds & Feedback
Perform in a full practice debate round against other students, and receive feedback from your instructors
2 -Hours
5PM
Walk to Shafer Dining Hall
Commuter students are picked up while residential Scholars walk to Shafer Dining Hall.
15-Min.
5:15 PM
Dinner
Our resident scholars enjoy a team meal with their peers and RAs. Dinners are catered, and have clear labels for allergies and dietary restrictions.
1-Hour
6:15 PM
Evening Activities
Students enjoy our planned activities like movie nights, workshops at the VCU Library, office hours with instructors, games in the building lobby, college prep seminars, or lounging with friends!
2-Hours
9:15 PM
Quiet Hours
Students begin to prepare for the night by taking showers, and getting organized for the following day.
1-Hour
10:15 PM
Room Checks
Students are asked to stay in their rooms after RAs inspect all rooms.
1-Hour
EXAMPLE CAMP SCHEDULE
ABOUT US
Richmond Debate Institute is a nationally recognized speech and debate summer camp program for middle and high school students. Our community of seasoned coaches, PhD lecturers, and resident assistants make our camp a lively and engaging summer experience. We are dedicated to making our camps an inclusive community, where students can make life long friends and express their curiosity.
