HIGH SCHOOL CAMP
Speech & Debate Programs
Our campers can specialize on a particular format of speech or debate. For those with no experience in speech and debate, students can explore classes on the first day of camp to select their preferred subject. Below is a list of the various formats we teach.
Debate Categories:
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Lincoln Douglas Debate
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Public Forum Debate
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Congressional Debate
Speech Categories:
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Platform Events (e.g., Original Oratory, Storytelling)
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Interpretation Events (e.g., Humorous Interpretation, Dramatic Interpretation, Duo Interpretation)
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Extemporaneous Events (e.g., Foreign or Domestic Extemp., Impromptu)
To learn more about each event, check out the National Speech and Debate Association's (NSDA's) Event Guide.
Financial Aid
Need-based financial aid is offered to public school students that are members of their school's speech and debate team. Applications for student members can be found here.
Additionally, camp tuition can be financed over a number of months to reduce the burden of one-time payments. Please email us for any additional questions.
COMMUTER STUDENTS
All campers will compete at our end of week tournament. Students dress in formal attire, compete with real volunteer judges, and attend an award ceremony at the end. We welcome parents to attend our award ceremony to take pictures and celebrate their children's academic achievement.
VCU School of Business
Monday to Friday, July 29th to August 2nd
9AM to 5PM
499 $415, lunch and snacks included
*Topics Released in late June*
ABOUT RDI
Richmond Debate Institute (RDI) fosters critical thinking and public speaking through competitive speech and debate. Our community of state champion coaches, PhD lecturers, and resident counselors make our camp an enriching and memorable summer experience. We are dedicated to making speech and debate an inclusive community, where students can make life long friends and express their curiosity.
9AM
Student Drop Off
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
Student Pick Up
Commuter students are picked up while residential Scholars walk to Shafer Dining Hall.
15-Min.
Typical Daily Schedule
PARENTS TESTIMONIALS
Our son was overjoyed each day. It was such a positive and educational experience. The instructors were exceptional. This is an amazing opportunity! Thank you!
- Parent, 2023
