SUMMER ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT CAMPS AT AUGSBURG UNIVERSITY
REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER 2025 RESIDENTIAL CAMP IS OPEN NOW!
Attend Our Camps for Middle and High School Students
RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUTER OPTIONS AVAILABLE
HS POLICY DEBATE CAMPS
Policy Camp – Core – Residential
Learn MorePolicy Camp – Core – Commuter
Learn MorePolicy Camp – Quick Start – Beginner
Learn MorePolicy Camp – Quick Start – Advanced
Learn MorePolicy Camp – Comprehensive (with partial residential option)
Learn MorePolicy Camp – Comprehensive – Commuter
Learn More
Policy Camp - Core - Residential
Policy Camp – Core – Residential
Dates: June 22nd – July 3rd
Price: $1850
This camp is designed for students interested in high school policy debate and is for all levels of experience. A two-on-two debate that focuses on a policy question for the duration of the academic year, this format tests a student’s research, analytical, and delivery skills. This session provides a more developed introduction to the national policy debate topic. Participants will engage in a combination of extended topic discussions, skill development-focused speaking exercises, mini-debates, and staff-directed topic research sessions aimed at having students complete full practice rounds very quickly. Each student will engage in at least 10 practice debates, participate in the camp tournament, and leave camp with a set of practice files and lecture notes. Students will be placed in learning labs based on previous debate experience (so all levels are welcome from beginner to intermediate and advanced.) Students will make new friends and have fun as they get to know others in the MN debate community. Camp director is Dr. David Cram Helwich, Director of Forensics at the University of Minnesota. Instructors will include teachers and coaches of policy debate.
Scheduling Notes: There will be half-day programming on Saturday and Sunday (1:00-5:00pm). Students will check into the dorms on the afternoon of June 22nd, and will check out on the afternoon of July 3rd. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are included in the residential experience. 9am-6pm; Social programming in dorms in the evening
Policy Camp - Core - Commuter
Policy Camp – Core – Commuter
Dates: June 23rd – July 3rd
Price: $1250
This camp is designed for students interested in high school policy debate and is for all levels of experience. A two-on-two debate that focuses on a policy question for the duration of the academic year, this format tests a student’s research, analytical, and delivery skills. This session provides a more developed introduction to the national policy debate topic. Participants will engage in a combination of extended topic discussions, skill development-focused speaking exercises, mini-debates, and staff-directed topic research sessions aimed at having students complete full practice rounds very quickly. Each student will engage in at least 10 practice debates, participate in the camp tournament, and leave camp with a set of practice files and lecture notes. Students will be placed in learning labs based on previous debate experience (so all levels are welcome from beginner to intermediate and advanced.) Students will make new friends and have fun as they get to know others in the MN debate community. Camp director is Dr. David Cram Helwich, Director of Forensics at the University of Minnesota. Instructors will include teachers and coaches of policy debate.
Scheduling Notes: There will be half-day programming on Saturday and Sunday (1:00-5:00pm). Lunch from the Augsburg cafeteria is included in the tuition cost as well as snacks. 9am-6pm
Policy Camp - Quick Start Beginner
Policy Camp – Quick Start Beginner
Dates: July 7th-July 11th
Price: $600
This camp is designed for students interested in high school policy debate. A two-on-two debate that focuses on a policy question for the duration of the academic year, this format tests a student’s research, analytical, and delivery skills. The Quick start session is designed to help students start debating the national policy debate topic right away using a “boot camp” style format. This five-day camp combines speaking exercises, topic discussions, and short research sessions scaffolded to enable students to complete full practice rounds by the third day of the session. Each student will engage in at least 5 practice debates and leave camp with a set of practice files and lecture notes. Camp director is Dr. David Cram Helwich, Director of Forensics at the University of Minnesota.
Instructors will include teachers and coaches of policy debate. Lunch from the Augsburg cafeteria is included in the tuition cost. 9am-6pm
Policy Camp - Quick Start Advanced
Policy Camp – Quick Start Advanced
July 7th-July 11th
Price: $600
This camp is designed for experienced policy debaters who want to bring their skills to the next level. Students must have at least one year of high school policy debate experience to be accepted into this course. The Quick start session is designed to help students start debating the national policy debate topic right away using a “boot camp” style format. This five-day camp combines speaking exercises, topic discussions, and short research sessions scaffolded to enable students to complete full practice rounds by the third day of the session. Each student will engage in at least 5 practice debates and leave camp with a set of practice files and lecture notes. Campers will receive advanced instruction on the NSDA topic, leadership training, argument preparation, and speaking skills, focused on national-level competition. Students will experience in-depth lectures and labs instructed by Dr. David Cram Helwich, Director of Forensics at the University of Minnesota, and teachers and coaches of policy debate. Lunch from the Augsburg cafeteria is included in the tuition cost.
Schedule: 9am-6pm
Policy Camp - Comprehensive (with partial residential option)
Policy Camp – Comprehensive (with partial residential option)
June 22nd – July 11th
Price: $2,400
This camp is designed for students interested in high school policy debate and is for all levels of experience. A two-on-two debate that focuses on a policy question for the duration of the academic year, this format tests a student’s research, analytical, and delivery skills. The Comprehensive Session provides our most in-depth instruction in policy debate, where students will spend 15 days honing their debate skills using the upcoming national debate topic. Preparation sessions include a combination of discussions about debate theory and strategy, topic lectures, mini-debates, speaking exercises, staff-direct research sessions, and practice debates. Both experienced and novice debaters will sharpen their critical thinking, organization, research, and speaking skills. All students will have the opportunity to engage in at least 14 full debates, including participating in our camp tournament. Students will be placed in learning labs based on previous debate experience (all levels are welcome from beginner to intermediate and advanced.) Camp director is Dr. David Cram Helwich, Director of Forensics at the University of Minnesota. Instructors will include teachers and coaches of policy debate. Schedule Notes: There will be half-day programming on Saturday (28th) and Sunday (29th) from 1:00-5:00pm. There will be no programming July 4th-6th. Students will check into the dorms on the afternoon of June 22nd, and will check out on the afternoon of July 3rd. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are included in the residential experience. The third week of comprehensive is a commuter experience.
Scheduling Notes: 9am-6pm; Social programming in dorms in the evening.
There will be half-day programming on Saturday (28th) and Sunday (29th) from 1:00-5:00pm. There will be no programming July 4th-6th. Students will check into the dorms on the afternoon of June 22nd, and will check out on the afternoon of July 3rd. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are included in the residential experience. The third week of comprehensive is a commuter experience.
Policy Camp - Comprehensive - Commuter
Policy Camp – Comprehensive – Commuter
June 23rd – July 11th
Price: $1,850
This camp is designed for students interested in high school policy debate and is for all levels of experience. A two-on-two debate that focuses on a policy question for the duration of the academic year, this format tests a student’s research, analytical, and delivery skills. The Comprehensive Session provides our most in-depth instruction in policy debate, where students will spend 15 days honing their debate skills using the upcoming national debate topic. Preparation sessions include a combination of discussions about debate theory and strategy, topic lectures, mini-debates, speaking exercises, staff-direct research sessions, and practice debates. Both experienced and novice debaters will sharpen their critical thinking, organization, research, and speaking skills. All students will have the opportunity to engage in at least 14 full debates, including participating in our camp tournament. Students will be placed in learning labs based on previous debate experience (all levels are welcome from beginner to intermediate and advanced.) Camp director is Dr. David Cram Helwich, Director of Forensics at the University of Minnesota. Instructors will include teachers and coaches of policy debate.
Schedule Notes: There will be half-day programming on Saturday (28th) and Sunday (29th) from 1:00-5:00pm. There will be no programming July 4th-6th. Lunch is included with tuition. 9am-6pm
RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUTER OPTIONS AVAILABLE
LINCOLN DOUGLAS DEBATE CAMPS
Lincoln Douglas Camp – Core – Residential
Learn MoreLincoln Douglas Camp – Core – Commuter
Learn MoreLincoln Douglas Camp – Quick Start – Residential
Learn MoreLincoln Douglas Camp – Quick Start – Commuter
Learn More
Lincoln Douglas - Core - Residential
LD Camp – Core – Residential
June 22nd – July 3rd
Price: $1850
Lincoln Douglas Debate (LD) is a one-on-one event where debaters argue against one another on a specified resolution. Many people refer to LD Debate as a “values” debate, as questions of morality and justice are commonly examined. Over this multi-week intensive, students will hear lectures on the topic that will start the school year, debate theory, and skills development. Students will also experience many practice rounds, as well as a camp-wide tournament, and end of camp celebration. Students will be broken up into learning labs based on previous debate experience. Students will develop their research, listening, and public speaking skills. Students will make new friends and have fun as they get to know others in the MN debate community. The daily schedule will include topic lectures by licensed teachers, university instructors, and mentorship by college students. Students will collaborate and learn in research groups and have daily speeches and skill building development. Scheduling Notes: There will be half-day programming on Saturday and Sunday (1:00-5:00pm). Students will check into the dorms on the afternoon of June 22nd, and will check out on the afternoon of July 3rd. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are included in the residential experience. 9am-6pm; Social programming in dorms in the evening
Scheduling Notes: There will be half-day programming on Saturday and Sunday (1:00-5:00pm). Students will check into the dorms on the afternoon of June 22nd, and will check out on the afternoon of July 3rd. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are included in the residential experience.
Lincoln Douglas - Core - Commuter
LD Camp – Core – Commuter
June 23rd – July 3rd
$1250
Lincoln Douglas Debate (LD) is a one-on-one event where debaters argue against one another on a specified resolution. Many people refer to LD Debate as a “values” debate, as questions of morality and justice are commonly examined. Over this multi-week intensive, students will hear lectures on the topic that will start the school year, debate theory, and skills development. Students will also experience many practice rounds, as well as a camp-wide tournament, and end of camp celebration. Students will be broken up into learning labs based on previous debate experience. Students will develop their research, listening, and public speaking skills. Students will make new friends and have fun as they get to know others in the MN debate community. The daily schedule will include topic lectures by licensed teachers, university instructors, and mentorship by college students. Students will collaborate and learn in research groups and have daily speeches and skill building development.
Scheduling Notes: There will be half-day programming on Saturday and Sunday (1:00-5:00pm). Lunch is included with tuition. 9am-6pm
Lincoln Douglas - Quick Start - Residential
LD Camp – Quick Start – Residential
June 22nd – June 27th
Price: $1,000
Lincoln Douglas Debate (LD) is a one-on-one event where debaters argue against one another on a specified resolution. Many people refer to LD Debate as a “values” debate, as questions of morality and justice are commonly examined. During this session, students will focus on developing their research, writing, and public speaking skills. Students will also deepen or develop their listening, note taking, and critical thinking skills. Quick start camp is meant to get students debating quickly. Over five days students will have active participation in speaking exercises, topic discussions, and research sessions. The daily schedule will include topic lectures by licensed teachers, university instructors, and mentorship by college students. Students will collaborate and learn in research groups and have daily speeches and skill building development.
Scheduling Notes: Students will check into the dorms on the afternoon of June 22nd, and will check out on the afternoon of the 27th. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are included in the residential experience. 9am-6pm; Social programming in dorms in the evening Students will check into the dorms on the afternoon of June 22nd, and will check out on the afternoon of the 27th. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are included in the residential experience.
Lincoln Douglas - Quick Start - Commuter
LD Camp – Quick Start-Commuter
June 23rd – June 27th
Price: $600
Lincoln Douglas Debate (LD) is a one-on-one event where debaters argue against one another on a specified resolution. Many people refer to LD Debate as a “values” debate, as questions of morality and justice are commonly examined. During this session, students will focus on developing their research, writing, and public speaking skills. Students will also deepen or develop their listening, note taking, and critical thinking skills. Quick start camp is meant to get students debating quickly. Over five days students will have active participation in speaking exercises, topic discussions, and research sessions. The daily schedule will include topic lectures by licensed teachers, university instructors, and mentorship by college students. Students will collaborate and learn in research groups and have daily speeches and skill building development. Lunch from the Augsburg cafeteria is included in the tuition cost. 9am-6pm
RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUTER OPTIONS AVAILABLE
STUDENT CONGRESS & PUBLIC FORUM CAMPS
Congress Camp – Residential
Learn MoreCongress Camp – Commuter
Learn MorePublic Forum Camp – Residential
Learn MorePublic Forum Camp – Commuter
Learn More
Congress Camp – Residential
June 22nd – June 27th
Price: $1000
Congressional Debate Camp is designed to help congressional debate students gain competitive success at the local and national level. Students will grow as leaders while they learn strategies and techniques to help them develop the hard skills of congressional debate (research, writing, delivery, and round strategy). Students also learn the soft skills of congressional debate (being empathic listeners, promoting dockets, gaining consensus among peers, and learning to read judges). Students will collaborate and learn in research groups and have daily speeches and skill building development. Students will check into the dorms on the afternoon of June 22nd, and will check out on the afternoon of the 27th. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are included in the residential experience.
Scheduling Notes: 9am-6pm; Social programming in dorms in the evening Students will check into the dorms on the afternoon of June 22nd, and will check out on the afternoon of the 27th. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are included in the residential experience.
Congress Camp – Commuter
June 23rd – June 27th
Price: $600
Congressional Debate Camp is designed to help congressional debate students gain competitive success at the local and national level. Students will grow as leaders while they learn strategies and techniques to help them develop the hard skills of congressional debate (research, writing, delivery, and round strategy). Students also learn the soft skills of congressional debate (being empathic listeners, promoting dockets, gaining consensus among peers, and learning to read judges). Students will collaborate and learn in research groups and have daily speeches and skill building development. Lunch from the Augsburg cafeteria is included in the tuition cost.
Scheduling Notes: 9am-6pm
Public Forum – Residential
June 22nd – June 27th
Price: $1000
At High School Public Forum Debate Camp, students will learn the fundamentals of public forum debate and develop the skills they need to become more competitive as debaters. In public forum debate students write a pro and a con speech on a topic that changes during the school year. Public forum debate is typically focused on a hot-button issue, where students debate both sides and develop perspective taking, critical thinking, and listening skills. The daily schedule will include topic lectures by licensed teachers, university instructors, and mentorship by college students. Students will collaborate and learn in research groups and have daily speeches and skill building development. Over five days students will have active participation in speaking exercises, topic discussions, and research sessions to advance your skills in preparation for a successful school year.
Scheduling Notes: Students will check into the dorms on the afternoon of June 22nd, and will check out on the afternoon of the 27th. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are included in the residential experience. 9am-6pm; Social programming in dorms in the evening
Public Forum – Commuter
June 23rd – June 27th
Price: $600
At High School Public Forum Debate Camp, students will learn the fundamentals of public forum debate and develop the skills they need to become more competitive as debaters. In public forum debate students write a pro and a con speech on a topic that changes during the school year. Public forum debate is typically focused on a hot-button issue, where students debate both sides and develop perspective taking, critical thinking, and listening skills. The daily schedule will include topic lectures by licensed teachers, university instructors, and mentorship by college students. Students will collaborate and learn in research groups and have daily speeches and skill building development. Over five days students will have active participation in speaking exercises, topic discussions, and research sessions to advance your skills in preparation for a successful school year. Lunch in the Augsburg Cafeteria is included in the tuition cost.
Scheduling Notes: 9am-6pm
RESIDENTIAL & COMMUTER OPTIONS AVAILABLE
SPEECH & ARGUMENTATION
High School Speech I – Residential
Learn MoreHigh School Speech I – Commuter
Learn MoreHigh School Speech II – Commuter
Learn MoreHigh School Debate & Argumentation
Learn More
TBA
HS Speech I – Residential
June 28th – July 3rd
Price: $1,000
Please note: High School Speech Camp – Speech Camp Session I is the only option for residential. Please only register your student for ONE of the two session options.
Are you considering trying Speech for the first time or maybe you have lots of experience, but you want to continue to build your skills or try a new event. Come check out Speech Camp, build your skills and develop your talent for a fantastic 2025-26 competitive season. Students will work with licensed teachers and community coaches. Students will participate in lectures to develop their skills, but most of the learning will be by doing. Students can expect lots of practice rounds and skill sessions. Camp will culminate in a student showcase.
Schedule Notes: Students will check into the dorm Saturday morning and will have programming from 1:00-5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday, with full day programming (9am-6pm) Monday – Thursday. Students will check-out of the dorm on the afternoon of July 3rd. 9am-6pm; Social programming in dorms in the evening
TBA
HS Speech I – Commuter
June 28th – July 3rd
Price: $600
Please note: High School Speech Camp – Session I and Session II are the same class, just held at different times. Please only register your student for ONE of the two session options. Are you considering trying Speech for the first time or maybe you have lots of experience, but you want to continue to build your skills or try a new event. Come check out Speech Camp, build your skills and develop your talent for a fantastic 2025-26 competitive season. Students will work with licensed teachers and community coaches. Students will participate in lectures to develop their skills, but most of the learning will be by doing. Students can expect lots of practice rounds and skill sessions. Camp will culminate in a student showcase.
Schedule Notes: Students will have programming from 1:00-5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday, with full day programming (9am-6pm) Monday – Thursday. Lunch is included in the tuition cost. 9am-6pm
TBA
HS Speech Camp II – Commuter
July 7th-July 11th
Price: $600
Please note: High School Speech Camp – Session I and Session II are the same class, just held at different times. Please only register your student for ONE of the two session options.
Are you considering trying Speech for the first time or maybe you have lots of experience, but you want to continue to build your skills or try a new event. Come check out Speech Camp, build your skills and develop your talent for a fantastic 2025-26 competitive season. Students will work with licensed teachers and community coaches. Students will participate in lectures to develop their skills, but most of the learning will be by doing. Students can expect lots of practice rounds and skill sessions. Camp will culminate in a student showcase. Lunch is included in the tuition cost.
Schedule: 9am-6pm
TBA
HS Debate & Argumentation
June 16th – June 21st (no programming on the 19th)
Price: $550
NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO PROGRAMMING THURSDAY, JUNE 19TH FOR THE JUNETEENTH FEDERAL/STATE HOLIDAY.
Are you interested in building your public speaking, refutation, research, and cross examination skills? This camp is for you! Students will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of debate that will prepare them for classroom debates, presentations, or joining their school’s competitive debate team. Instructors include licensed teachers and debate instructors. Lunch is included in the tuition cost.
Schedule: 9am-4pm
COMMUTER OPTIONS ONLY: SAVE THE DATE!
MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMPS
MS Congress Session I – June 9th-June 13th
MS Policy Session I – June 9th-June 13th
MS Policy Session II – June 16th-21st (no programming on June 19th)
MS Speech (Interp) – June 16th-21st (no programming on June 19th)
MS Speech & Debate Sampler – June 30th-July 3rd
MS Speech (Public Address) – July 7th-11th
MS Congress Session II – July 7th-11th
CHECK THIS OUT
NEW THIS YEAR:
MS Mock Trial (New!)
June 16th-21st
(Programming will not be held on Juneteenth.)
MS Spanish Debate (New!)
June 16th-21st
(Programming will not be held on Juneteenth.)
Residential Camps (for High Schoolers Only)
We are so thrilled to be able to welcome high school speech and debate competitors to the Augsburg University dorms in 2025! This opportunity will allow students from across Minnesota (and the nation!) to join us.
Notes On Registration For Summer 2025
Fund-A-Friend at Registration
We use registration dollars to pay for the expenses related to camp, and where possible, to fund scholarships that make camp access easier for all interested families. If you can afford full pay for camp, consider making a gift that would help make camp accessible for more families with a one-time or monthly gift.
Important Deadlines to Know
The early bird discount deadline is March 31st.
The scholarship has a rolling deadline with priority for consideration by April 14th.
We will share the status of your application by May 19th.
Registration deadlines range from May 31st-June 27th.
You may cancel your registration up to Friday, May 2nd without penalty. After this date, we will only provide refunds due to extraordinary circumstances.
Financial Aid for Camp
Students should apply for a scholarship during the registration process.
The application is contained in the last 6 questions on the registration form.
You may register and apply for a scholarship with $5 down if you are applying for financial aid!
WHY AUGSBURG’S SPEECH & DEBATE CAMP?
Our Format Encourages Skill-Building
We offer instructional workshops tailored to specific age groups. We work with area educators to provide a comprehensive curriculum that readies students at every level with evidence and skills for the next debate season.
Our Students Get TONS of Practice
We offer practice debates and skill-building drills nearly every day of camp. Middle school students find friendly competition in a full length debate at the end of their weekly sessions – so students can get a feel for the tournament experience. For high school students each session offers a number of full-length debates throughout their camp stay. In addition to this, staff facilitate re-dos, provide feedback, and create concrete steps for the student to continue improvement while at camp, carrying those skills into the competitive season.
Our Faculty Work Hard
We have incredibly experienced, talented folks working with students on a day-to-day basis. We make sure that students are exposed to a variety of styles while ensuring they can focus on skills and strategies they’ll use throughout the year. Our goal is to attract the best talent to our workshop so that students who attend MDAW will be prepared to have a successful season and build community.
Our Camp is Budget Conscious
Our workshop operates on a not-for-profit basis. We run MDAW out of a desire to increase local opportunities for excellent debate instruction, not to make money. Tuition and room/board expenses are pegged to cost of running the workshop and providing fair salaries for staff. Scholarships are available, so don’t hesitate to contact us even though financial constraints may be a problem. We are committed to making sure no student is prevented from attending due to challenging economic circumstances, to the extent possible.
Bring urban debate to your school
Contact Amy Cram Helwich at cramhe@augsburg.edu to
learn more about how to bring these outcomes and more
to your school through debate.
