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The Bearcat Debate Institute is a commuter debate camp offered July 27-31, 2026 by McKendree University Speech & Debate that welcomes all skill levels of high school competitors to join us in Lebanon, IL to learn transferable research, writing, and speaking skills through competitive debate exercises.

Over the last 3 years, McKendree University has greatly increased its work with local high schools through our Southern Illinois Debate League. Now, we're taking the next step and offering a camp experience at a low cost to help students keep building their skills over summer by working directly with our coaching staff and top debaters.

Camp Details
- Camp will be from 9AM-6PM each day July 27-31, 2026 on McKendree's Lebanon campus.
- Each competitor will receive a camp t-shirt and all files produced at the camp for their use during the season.
- We'll provide lunch and snacks as part of the camp experience.
- Our goal is to offer 3 tracks of debate: Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, and a novice track for students who have never debated before.
- Registration opens March 23.

Camp Costs
Early registration (on or before May 2) costs $250.
Regular registration (on or before July 3) costs $300.

What to Expect
The camp will consist primarily of practice debates, drills designed to emphasize specific skills, redo speeches, and a camp tournament. Our belief is that active learners learn more, so we want to keep you active to maximize what you take away from our camp. We will spend some time researching to make sure our practices are high quality, but the camp will focus primarily on skill development.

How to Sign Up
We'll have details for you shortly. Links will be added to this page with registration and payment information as well as any forms you will be required to submit. If you have any questions before then, contact Head Debate Coach Brent Nicholson via email at banicholson@mckendree.edu.