The GDI looks forward to welcoming our students to the Summer 2026 Programs!
Five Week Sophomores CX/Policy Program
The GDI Five Week Sophomores Program is a cornerstone of our summer institute and a destination for rising sophomores. For nearly two decades, it has drawn some of the most talented and driven students in the activity.
Participants learn from a dedicated faculty with extensive teaching experience and work within a supportive peer lab that fosters growth, confidence, and collaboration. You’ll engage in nearly daily practice debates, speech redo’s, as well as engage in targeted research, attend lectures/workshops, while continually receiving individualized feedback from an expert staff.
Throughout the program, you will strengthen essential skills such as crafting persuasive, well-supported arguments, adapting to a wide range of judging styles and executing effective strategies. Lectures and discussion groups deepen your understanding of debate theory and help you meet your personal goals.
Combining challenge, growth, and community, the Five Week Sophomores Program offers a transformative summer experience. Join us to elevate your skills, build lasting friendships, and take your debate journey to the next level.
Three Week CX/Policy Program
Our Three Week Policy Debate Lab strikes the perfect balance between the speed of a two-week program and the depth of a five-week intensive. Designed for students seeking a rigorous but manageable summer experience, this program focuses on building core skills and strategic understanding for competitive success.
Participants engage in daily practice debates, speech re-dos, and targeted drills that develop fundamental techniques and provide consistent, individualized feedback. Interactive lectures cover all major aspects of policy debate—including argument construction, refutation, strategy, and round vision—with instructors tailoring content to meet the needs of both newer and advanced debaters.
Whether you’re gearing up for the upcoming season or aiming for a breakthrough in skill and strategy, the Three Week Lab provides the structure, support, and expert guidance to get you there.
Two Week CX/Policy Program
As the inaugural offering of the first-ever GDI more than 50 years ago, our Two Week CX Program continues to provide an exceptional debate experience for students of all skill levels. Designed for those seeking a high-impact, immersive camp in a shorter format, the program delivers maximum growth in just two weeks. Key features include skill based grouping and focused skill development. With limited time, the curriculum centers on core activities such as practice debates, speech re-dos, speaking drills, and other essential exercises.
If you want to make the most of two weeks at camp, this is the program for you. A distinctive, high-quality institute experience that benefits both beginners and seasoned debaters alike.
Two Week Public Forum Program
Are you ready to sharpen your skills, make your voice heard, and tackle the world’s most pressing issues? Join the Public Forum Program at GDI this summer. This dynamic program is designed to ignite your passion for debate and prepare you to excel in your chosen format. In this immersive experience, you’ll learn to craft compelling arguments, develop critical thinking skills, and confidently articulate your perspective, dive into current events and global issues, refining your ability to analyze and debate both sides of the most relevant topics, work alongside award-winning coaches and accomplished debaters who will mentor you every step of the way. From research and teamwork to public speaking and strategic thinking, the tools you gain will empower you long beyond the debate stage. You will also put your skills to the test in practice debates and the GDI Tournament.
Whether you are new to academic debate or an experienced competitor, this program welcomes students of all levels. You will leave with a developed skill set, new friendships, and the confidence to make an impact in your school, community, and beyond.
Two Week Lincoln Douglas Program Programs
The Lincoln-Douglas Debate Lab at the GDI is the perfect destination for students of all experience level. Whether you are stepping into the world of debate for the first time or looking to refine your competitive edge. In this immersive program, you will reinforce the essentials and gain a solid foundation in Lincoln-Douglas debate, including case construction, argument development, and effective rebuttal techniques. For experienced debaters, take your skills to the next level with training in advanced frameworks, philosophy, and judge adaptation. You will engage in numerous practice debates, drills, and peer critiques to build confidence and hone your craft as you work closely with our experienced faculty who provide personalized guidance and feedback.
If you enjoy debating thought-provoking resolutions and engaging with philosophical and ethical questions that challenge your perspective then this program and format are well suited to your interests. The Lincoln-Douglas Debate Lab emphasizes hands-on learning in a supportive and collaborative environment. From beginners to seasoned competitors, every student will find a place to grow, challenge themselves, and thrive.