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.
2025 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.
2025 Sessions
This year, we will be offering three sessions:
• July 13-July 26 at Occidental College
• July 28-August 10 at the University of San Diego
***A session from June 28th to July 11th will be announced shortly.***
2025 Sessions
This year, we will be offering three sessions:
• July 13-July 26 at Occidental College
• July 28-August 10 at the University of San Diego
***A session from June 28th to July 11th will be announced shortly.***
VBI 2025
TBA East Coast Session
PF & LD
june 29 - july 11
VBI Los Angeles
PF, LD, & WSD
july 13 - 26 at
Occidental College
VBI San Diego
PF & LD
July 28 - August 10 at the University of San Diego
VBI Los Angeles
July 13 - July 26 at Occidental College
Public Forum and Lincoln Douglas debate
$3,495 residential and $2,650 commuter tuition
VBI Los Angeles
July 13 - July 26 at Occidental College
Public Forum and Lincoln Douglas debate
$3,495 residential and $2,650 commuter tuition
OVERVIEW
This two-week session takes place from July 28th to August 10th at Occidental College in Los Angeles. It is open to Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, and World School Debaters debaters and is suitable for debaters of all experience levels, circuits, and competitive ambitions.
Occidental College
This year VBI LA is returning to Occidental College! Occidental (Oxy) is a small liberal arts college in Los Angeles. It has graduated 10 Rhodes Scholars since 1908, has top quality professors according to the Princeton Review, the 8th best college food in America according to Daily Meal, and the 6th most beautiful campus according to Newsweek.
LODGING AND FOOD
VBI staff and students at Occidental College in 2015
Students and staff will stay in Newcomb Hall and Oxy's newest dorm, Berkus Hall. Nearly all 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 Occidental's Marketplace dining hall, located in the Johnson Student Center. The Marketplace will be taking suggestions for food that students would like to eat, so we'd be happy to share your preferences and recommendations with them.
TRAVEL
Students arriving by plane should plan to land no later than 3 PM on July 13th, and students arriving by car must be on campus by 4 PM. We recommend trying to arrive as early as possible. All students must be off campus by 12 PM on July 26th. . 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 Interantional Airport (LAX) 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 $120. Students arriving outside of the travel window are responsible for providing their own travel.
VBI San Diego
July 28 - August 10 at University of San Diego, CA
Public Forum and Lincoln Douglas,
$3,495 residential and $2,650 commuter tuition
VBI San Diego
July 28 - August 10 at University of San Diego, CA
Public Forum and Lincoln Douglas,
$3,495 residential and $2,650 commuter tuition
Overview
This two-week session takes place from July 28th to August 10th at University of San Diego in California. 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.
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 28th 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 August 10th. 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 $120. Students arriving outside of the travel window are responsible for providing their own travel.