What is CDSI?
Chicago Debates Summer Institute (CDSI) is a two week immersive debate camp that empowers students to build key leadership, argumentation, research, public speaking, and critical thinking skills.
When is the CDSI?
CDSI will run from Monday, July 17, 2023 to Friday, July 28, 2023. Both the Policy and Public Forum camps will run for two-weeks regardless of grade level.
Who is CDSI for?
CDSI is open and available to students ranging from 5th grade through 12th grade. You do not need to be a Chicago Public School student to attend. The camp is open to anyone in the greater Chicagoland area, and beyond!
Will CDSI run virtually or in-person this year?
CDSI will be entirely in-person this year. We will not be offering a virtual option.
Where will the in-person debate camp be held?
The camp location is TBD. We will notify all registrants as soon as that location is finalized.
Will food be provided during the in-person debate camp?
Yes! Students will receive breakfast and lunch daily while at camp, along with snacks as needed.
How long does debate camp run each day?
In-Person Debate Camp runs from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM for both Public Forum and Policy Debate.
What does a typical camp day look like?
A typical day at camp starts with breakfast followed by instruction. During each lesson students will focus on a variety of skills specific to their level and experience with debate. After the lesson students will break for lunch and recess. The day will wrap up with community building activities and offer the chance for students to meet other debaters from across the city.
How much will camp cost?
Depending on your financial situation and association with the Chicago Public School district your cost for camp will vary. This year the registration fee is embedded in the total cost. Full camp scholarships are available for Title 1 CPS students. There are 50 total scholarship available for Policy Debate and Public Forum students. To apply for the camp scholarship, start here.
Early bird pricing for all camp offerings has been extended through May 15. For more details on pricing, see below.
Policy Debate Camp - Early Bird Pricing if Registered by May 15
- Non – CPS Student – $650
- CPS Student – $400
- CPS Student (Title 1)* – Full scholarship available up to 50 students
Public Forum Debate Camp - Early Bird Pricing if Registered by May 15
- Non – CPS Student – $650
- CPS Student – $400
- CPS Student (Title 1)* – Full scholarship available up to 50 students
Policy Debate Camp - Regular Pricing
- Non – CPS Student – $700
- CPS Student – $450
- CPS Student (Title 1)* – Full scholarship available up to 50 students
Public Forum Debate Camp - Regular Pricing
- Non – CPS Student – $700
- CPS Student – $450
- CPS Student (Title 1)* – Full scholarship available up to 50 students
* Title 1 registrants will need to verify their status with Chicago Debates staff. Failure to do so will result in being charged the full CPS Student price.
How do I know if I qualify as a Title I student?
Regardless of what CPS school you or your student attends, any household meeting the following United States Department of Agriculture income guidelines would qualify. There are 50 scholarship spots available for Title 1 students. These spots are applicable for either camp and will be awarded on first-come, first-served basis. If all 50 spots are filled, Title I students will have to pay a reduced registration fee. If you qualify and would like to apply for a full camp scholarship, start here.
When is the last day to register for CDSI?
CDSI registration will close on July 1, 2023, 11:59 PM CST.
What should a debater expect to receive from CDSI – Chicago Debates Summer Institute?
During the two-week CDSI experience students will engage with top debate instructors from around the country. By the end of camp, students will have increased their public speaking, critical thinking, argumentation, research, writing, and persuasion skills. Students who participate in the two-week Policy Debate camp will engage with the 2022 – 2023 Policy Debate topic, and get a head start in engaging with the Core Files. Students who participate in the two-week Public Forum camp will start researching and building knowledge on the upcoming season’s topics. The aforementioned skills and experiences will directly impact students academic performance and success in the upcoming school year. Most importantly, participants will build new relationships with students from across the region through active listening and civil discourse.
What is your refund policy?
- You will receive a full refund of the camp fee if you cancel any time before July 14.
- You will receive 50% of the camp fee if you start camp and withdraw immediately after the first day.
- You will receive no refund after the halfway point of your camp experience. The halfway point is the Wednesday of the one-week camp experience or by July 24 for the two-week camp experience.
What if I’m having trouble paying for camp or need more time to pay for camp?
It is within the mission of Chicago Debates to ensure every student who wishes to attend camp has the option to do so. If the financial cost of attending camp is preventing you from registering and you do not qualify as a Title 1 student, reach out to info@chicagodebates.org for assistance.
What if I have to miss part of camp?
Missing days will impact the experience of a student and for that reason we prefer students do not miss any days of camp. If a student must miss days of camp, Chicago Debates can send resources to help your student stay on track. Please inform us by July 7th of any absences to obtain the needed materials. There is no prorated price for students who miss camp.
What if I’m interested in becoming an instructor?
We are actively recruiting for camp instructors for both the Policy Debate and Public Forum camps. If you have experience with either format and are interested in helping lead one of our camp sessions, email Flynn Makuch.
“Reviewing terms was a good way to bounce back into debate especially after summer.”
“I really love the energy and humor of my lab leader. I also think that it’s also really great to get back at the fundamentals.”
“I liked this camp day because I made new friends and it was super fun!”
