An Affordable Summer Camp for PF and LD
By former champions, for future champions.
What is DDI?
DDI is the only debate camp teaching Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas debate in South Dakota. Over 6 days, students with any level of experience will work closely with qualified staff to learn how to effectively argue, research, and communicate. This year, we are hosting camp in person at South Dakota State University from June 25-30.


Why DDI?
Qualified Staff.
Our volunteer staff includes a 2nd-place national finalist in Lincoln-Douglas, six state champions, and a Tournament of Champions qualifier. All of our staff has graduated within the past two years, so we’re familiar with the South Dakota debate circuit.
We will also have SDSU staff and coaches at the in-person camp.
Accessibility.
Most debate camps cost thousands of dollars. We are a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to providing accessible debate education. Our camp is tuition-free (all costs go to in-person accommodations). If you need financial assistance, it is our goal to meet 100% of financial need.
Curriculum.
Our curriculum is designed to provide individually-tailored mentorship with a wide variety of workshops, ranging from debate basics to advanced strategy. Students will work one-on-one with staff and in small groups, attend lectures appropriate for their skill level, and attend electives they’re interested in.
Don’t just hear it from us.
I really enjoyed the community and catching up with friends we met at past tournaments...Doing practice cross ex's and rounds definitely helped with thinking on my feet better and seeing holes in opponents' arguments.
I'm really excited to go back this year and meet new people and get more debate experience!
Sampada Nepal
Public Forum State Champion | Brookings ‘24 (DDI 2020, 2021)
Attending DDI helped me polish up my debating skills before the actual season, giving me a “boost” ahead of my opponents.
I can honestly attribute my decent sophomore season (quarterfinals at state, National qualifier, and finals at Harrisburg) to the extra tools that DDI lent me.
Breanna Wollman
Lincoln-Douglas National Qualifier | Aberdeen ‘24 (DDI 2021)
48% of students last year had little to no debate experience.
Here’s what they had to say:
Camp Registration
Most debate camps cost thousands (plural!) of dollars, which make them out of reach for most families.
Our goal is to make debate more accessible.
Registration has closed for 2022, but sign up below to be notified when we open again for 2023.
Scholarships!
Please apply if you need it, we don't want you to commute an hour every day!
Available until May 8.
Dakota Debate Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 87-3383622). Donations are tax-deductible.
© 2022 Dakota Debate Inc