A Record of Excellence
VBI alumni have won over 50 national debate championships across the Tournament of Champions, the National Speech and Debate Association, the National Catholic Forensic League, and the National Debate Coaches Association, in addition to hundreds of national invitationals, round robins, and state tournaments—and even a world championship. What's our secret?
A Record of Excellence
VBI alumni have won over 50 national debate championships across the Tournament of Champions, the National Speech and Debate Association, the National Catholic Forensic League, and the National Debate Coaches Association, in addition to hundreds of national invitationals, round robins, and state tournaments—and even a world championship. What's our secret?
1. CURRICULUM
The VBI curriculum centers on one-on-one mentorship and active learning. Often imitated but never equaled, our flexible curriculum allows students to master whatever skills and concepts they need to achieve their goals. Many students say they learn more at VBI than in a year of school.
READ MORE ABOUT THE VBI CURRICULUM.
2. Coaches
The VBI faculty is a diverse and dedicated group of educators that care deeply about helping each debater reach their full potential. Our faculty is composed of the most accomplished debaters and coaches in the country. VBI instructors have won or coached the winners of every major national championship, in addition to dozens of other invitationals, round robins, and state tournaments.
2024 faculty lists are coming soon!
3. COMMUNITY
Our students describe VBI as a fun family environment in which they feel comfortable asking questions, making friends, and reaching outside their comfort zones as debaters. They leave camp with lifelong friendships and a love for debate, which leads many students to return for two, three, or four summers.
Read what our students have to say about VBI.
2024 Sessions
We are back to three sessions in 2024 with the addition of VBI San Diego in July!
We are now offering World Schools Debate at VBI San Diego!
2024 Sessions
We are back to three sessions in 2024 with the addition of VBI San Diego in July!
We are now offering World Schools Debate at VBI San Diego!
We’re back to offering three in-person sessions!
VBI PHILADELPHIA
PF & LD
june 29 - july 12 at Swarthmore College
VBI San Diego
PF, LD, & WSD
july 14 - 27 at
University of san diego
VBI Los Angeles
PF & LD
July 28 - August 10 at the University of California Los ANgeles
VBI Philadelphia
June 29 - July 12 at Swarthmore College, PA
Public Forum and Lincoln Douglas debate
$3,350 residential and $2,550 commuter tuition
VBI Philadelphia
June 29 - July 12 at Swarthmore College, PA
Public Forum and Lincoln Douglas debate
$3,350 residential and $2,550 commuter tuition
Overview
This two-week session takes place from June 29th to July 12th at Swarthmore College In Pennsylvania. It is open to Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas debaters and is suitable for debaters of all experience levels, circuits, and competitive ambitions.It is especially recommended for students looking for a smaller environment with more individualized attention.
Swarthmore College
Just 10 miles from Philadelphia and about two hours from New York and Washington D.C., Swarthmore is the perfect site for VBI in the Northeast. Swarthmore is the #3 ranked liberal arts college in the country according to U.S. News & World Report. It has been named #1 in the country six times, and many call it one of the "Little Ivies." Swarthmore has a reputation for sending students to elite graduate programs in law, medicine, business, and academia, and its historic Peasley Debate Society is highly competitive
LODGING AND FOOD
Students and staff will stay in David Kemp, and Mertz halls. Most students will share a room with another camper. Roommate request forms will be sent out in the spring after students have registered.
VBI tuition covers three meals per day for students in the Sharples Dining Hall.
TRAVEL
Students arriving by plane should plan to land no later than 3 PM on June 29th and students arriving by car must be on campus by 4:00 PM. Students may arrive beginning at 7 AM. We recommend trying to arrive as early as possible. All students must be off campus by 12 PM on July 12th. If you are unable to make this times work, please contact us as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.
VBI will provide transportation by hired shuttle to and from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to students arriving and departing within the designated travel window (7 AM - 3PM). Students will be greeted at baggage claim by staff wearing VBI t-shirts and holding signs. The airport transportation fee is $100. Students arriving outside of the travel window are responsible for providing their own travel.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to frequent questions about VBI Philadelphia can be found HERE.
VBI San Diego
July 14 - July 27 at University of San Diego, CA
Public Forum, Lincoln Douglas, and World Schools Debate
$3,350 residential and $2,550 commuter tuition
VBI San Diego
July 14 - July 27 at University of San Diego, CA
Public Forum, Lincoln Douglas, and World Schools Debate
$3,350 residential and $2,550 commuter tuition
Overview
This two-week session takes place from July 14th to July 27th at University of San Diego in California. It is open to Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, and World Schools debaters and is suitable for debaters of all experience levels, circuits, and competitive ambitions. It is especially recommended for students looking for a smaller environment with more individualized attention.
World Schools Debate
For those unfamiliar, the National Speech and Debate Association describes World Schools Debate as the following:
World Schools Debate is a unique and dynamic form of debate, unlike any other practiced in the United States. World Schools Debate is a dynamic format combining “prepared” topics with “impromptu” topics, encouraging debaters to focus on specific issues rather than debate theory or procedural arguments. This highly interactive style of debate allows debaters to engage each other, even during speeches. This challenging format requires good teamwork and in-depth quality argumentation.
WSD is one of the most accessible forms of debate in the speech and debate community. It is the perfect format for students to learn about the world and impress themselves as they put themselves out there. It is the perfect activity for coaches looking to prove to parents and administration that debate does matter. It is a perfect format for an activity that forgets that if we do not promote accessibility in our community, none of the great values of debate matter.
university of san diego
Overlooking the city of San Diego, Mission Bay, and the Pacific Ocean, the University of San Diego creates an ideal learning environment for students. US News and World Report has USD ranked as the #98 national university, #54 best value schools, and 14th in best undergraduate engineering. The University of San Diego has received the #14 national ranking for best campus food from the Princeton Review, placing it as #1 among all west coast institutions.
LODGING AND FOOD
Students and staff will stay in USD dorms. Most students will share a room with another camper. Roommate request forms will be sent out in the spring after students have registered.
VBI tuition covers three meals per day for students in the Hahn University Center.
TRAVEL
Students arriving by plane should plan to land no later than 3 PM on July 14th and students arriving by car must be on campus by 4:00 PM. Students may arrive beginning at 7 AM. We recommend trying to arrive as early as possible. All students must be off campus by 12 PM on July 27th. If you are unable to make this times work, please contact us as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.
VBI will provide transportation by hired shuttle to and from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to students arriving and departing within the designated travel window (7 AM - 3PM). Students will be greeted at baggage claim by staff wearing VBI t-shirts and holding signs. The airport transportation fee is $100. Students arriving outside of the travel window are responsible for providing their own travel.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to frequent questions about VBI San Diego can be found here.
VBI Los Angeles
July 28 - August 10 at The University of California Los Angeles
Public Forum and Lincoln Douglas debate
$3,350 residential and $2,550 commuter tuition
VBI Los Angeles
July 28 - August 10 at The University of California Los Angeles
Public Forum and Lincoln Douglas debate
$3,350 residential and $2,550 commuter tuition
OVERVIEW
This two-week session takes place from July 28th to August 10th at the University of California Los Angeles. It is open to Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas debaters and is suitable for debaters of all experience levels, circuits, and competitive ambitions. It is especially recommended for students looking to get a head start on the September/October 2023 topics, which will be used after the new August 1st topic release date.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
Located right off of the famous Sunset Boulevard between Bel Air and Westwood, UCLA offers students the best of Southern California on one of the most beautiful and comfortable campuses around. US News and World Report has UCLA ranked as the #1 public college in the United States. Business Insider says that UCLA has the 5th best college food in the country. At UCLA student have a chance to learn while staying at one of the country’s best colleges.
LODGING AND FOOD
VBI staff and students pose outside of dorms at UCLA in 2017
Students and staff will stay in Sunset Village. Nearly all students will share a room with one or two other campers. Roommate request forms will be sent out in the spring after students have registered.
VBI tuition covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner for students in UCLA's dining facilities
TRAVEL
Students arriving by plane should plan to land no later than 3 PM on their sessions start date and students arriving by car must be on campus by 4 PM. Students may arrive beginning at 7 AM. We recommend trying to arrive as early as possible. All students must be off campus by 12 PM on their session end date. If you are unable to make this times work, please contact us as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.
VBI will provide transportation by hired shuttle to and from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to students arriving and departing within the designated travel window (7 AM - 3PM). Students will greeted be greeted at baggage claim by staff wearing VBI t-shirts and holding signs. The airport transportation fee is $100. Students arriving outside of the travel window are responsible for providing their own travel.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to frequent questions about VBI LA can be found HERE.