2025 LD Summer Camps Summer debate camps are one of the best experiences a young debater can have. You’ll be surrounded by students from across the country who are just as excited to improve as you are, and you’ll learn from some of the best instructors in the nation. These camps are immersive, high-energy, and incredibly fun. You’ll get better fast- not just at argumentation and speaking, but at organization, research, and strategy. If you’re serious about leveling up your Lincoln-Douglas skills while having an unforgettable summer, these programs are worth a look.
This article lists six excellent national LD debate camps. The details of the first three are below.
National Symposium for Debate (NSD)
Location: Bryn Mawr College, Philadelphia
Dates: June 29 – July 12
Price: $3,295 Residential / $2,895 Commuter
Details: NSD offers a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio or better, with limited enrollment (approximately 100 students). It’s a rigorous but supportive program, and they do offer need-based scholarships.
Location: Online
Dates: July 21 – August 1
Price: $1,995 (2 Weeks)
Details: Runs Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Taught by the same instructors as the in-person camps. Same low student-to-coach ratio. Scholarships available.
Institute for Speech and Debate (ISD)
Location: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Dates:
- Session 1: June 28 – July 11
- Session 2: July 13 – July 26
Price:
- $3,799 Residential / $2,499 Commuter (2 Weeks)
- $2,699 Residential / $1,899 Commuter (1 Week)
Details: This camp serves students from 6th to 12th grade, so expect a wide range of ages. The curriculum includes LD debate and individual speaking events, and the program has over a decade of experience.
Location: Online
Dates: July 14 – July 25
Price: $1,800 (2 Weeks) / $1,200 (1 Week)
Details: Students will be taught by all the same faculty as in the in-person programs.
The Debate Intensive (TDI)
Location: University of California, Riverside
Five-Week Program
Dates: July 13 – August 16
Price: $7,000 Resident / $6,550 Commuter
Details: Recommended for the most competitive students.
Three-Week Program
Dates: July 13 – August 2
Price: $4,700 Resident / $4,250 Commuter
Details: TDI’s most popular session.
Two-Week Program
Dates: August 3 – August 16
Price: $3,500 Resident / $3,100 Commuter
Details: Policy debate instruction will be included in a lab alongside LD instruction.