This year's camp will be from July 28th through August 1st at USC!

The LAMDL Summer Debate Institute offers students an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming debate season. Students will be taught by some of the country’s leading debate experts and will get a jumpstart on the upcoming debate topic. In addition, students will have an opportunity to utilize the amazing research and lecture facilities at the University of Southern California.

The schedule each day will be divided into two portions: seminars and lab groups. Students will participate in large group seminars where they will learn about the upcoming debate topic. In addition, students will receive expert advice on how to improve the key skills that are necessary to be successful in debate. 

In the afternoons, students will be placed into smaller lab groups where they will receive more personalized instruction and have an opportunity to practice and build upon the knowledge they gained from the seminars. Students will participate in a wide variety of activities ranging from speaking drills, argument construction and debate games to practice speeches and full practice debates. 

On the last day of the institute, students will participate in a 3 round practice tournament followed by an awards ceremony where the best competitors will be honored. 

Attending a summer debate institute is among the most meaningful and influential experiences that a debater can have. Students from all backgrounds and experiences will benefit from the individualized instruction and the expert analysis provided by the staff of the LAMDL Summer Debate Institute. Students will work on developing the skills needed to be successful in college and beyond, while enjoying the campus of one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It is an opportunity that both new and experienced debaters will benefit from academically and socially. 

Eligibility to Attend Camp

LAMDL SDI is free to any student who has joined the debate team at a LAMDL school. While space is limited, we will have enough space for all of your new and returning students who apply by the priority deadline. The Priority Deadline to apply for camp is June 10, 2026. 

If you do not attend a LAMDL School, we do have limited space available for guest attendees. There is a $400 tuition fee to attend the LAMDL SDI for these guests. Your tuition is used to cover the cost of attending camp. The cost of attending LAMDL SDI is still well below the cost of camps that are comparable in quality and proven success. Payment details will be shared with the acceptance letter that will be emailed to you and your parent(s). If your school is not a member of LAMDL, but you want to become one, please email joseph@lamdl.org with your name and school.

Location of Camp

LAMDL SDI will be held on the campus of The University of Southern California.

Dates & Times of Camp

Tuesday, July 28th through Saturday, August 1st, 2026

9 AM - 5 PM, Tuesday through Friday of Camp

9 AM - 6 PM Saturday of Camp (Tournament Day)

Costs of Camp

LAMDL SDI does not charge tuition or fees to LAMDL debaters, though students may need money to purchase lunch each day (See "Meals" section below). There is a $400 tuition fee to attend the LAMDL SDI for guest participants from non-member schools. 

Schedule & Divisions of Camp

A detailed schedule of camp will be sent to coaches and registered students as we get closer to camp. We will offer 3 divisions for students: Novice, JV, and Varsity. Novice will focus on brand new debaters, JV on returning debaters, and Open on experienced debaters.

Transportation to and from Camp

This is a commuter camp (not overnight). There will be bus pick-ups with limited stops that will be released to coaches and registered students. Unlike at tournaments, not all schools will have pick-ups. Students can commute to and from the campus independently.

Meals at Camp

Lunch will be provided to students who opt in on the application. Otherwise, students are allowed to bring money to buy lunch on campus or sack lunch from home.