FAQ
What are your COVID policies and procedures?
For more information, see our page on COVID Policies & Procedures.
Is the CNDI an overnight/residential camp?
Yes – our in-person camp is a residential camp, including weekends, for the duration of each session. Room and board are included in the tuition. If you live locally in the Bay Area and would like to commute to the camp, email us to discuss options (though we unfortunately cannot offer a tuition discount to commuters).
Are there any experience requirements?
There are no experience requirements, we have programs available for all different levels. We have had students attend with no experience whatsoever and we have had students attend who are in the late elims of national tournaments.
I don’t have a partner coming to camp. Will that be a problem?
That’s no problem at all. Most students coming to our camp don’t have a prearranged partner. We will match you up with a partner in your small working group within the first week of camp.
What do I need?
You should have a computer with access to the internet.
What does the daily schedule look like?
Each day of the camp is different, comprised of a mix of scheduled practice debates, tournaments, large group lectures, small group labs, research sessions, etc.
Most days, there are three lab sessions (times approximate):
Morning Lab: 9am-12pm
Lunch: 12pm-1pm
Afternoon Lab: 1pm-5pm
Dinner: 5pm-6:30pm
Evening Lab: 6:30pm-8:00pm
Each lab session will be a mix of practice debates, lectures, one-on-one skills work with instructors, rebuttal redos, research time, etc. The lab leaders are very good at mixing things up to keep activities fresh and avoid students getting burnt out. There are also breaks mixed in for fun activities.
Weekends are usually a lighter schedule (e.g. longer breaks on Saturdays, half-day labs on Sunday).
Can I get a refund?
Payments are non-refundable since our costs all need to be arranged in advance. In the unlikely event we are forced to cancel the camp in advance due to COVID conditions, we will issue a full refund.
Do you have any discounts available?
Early Bird Discount: $100 deduction if deposit is paid before March 5th.
School Group Discount: 5% discount if 4 or more students from your school are attending our camp. Students must list the names of other attendees in the notes section of the application.
Financial Aid: We will be offering a 50% off scholarship and two 25% off scholarships for the 3-week camp and the 5-week camp (six scholarships total).
Apply by e-mailing camp@berkeleydebate.com with an explanation of your financial need and tax documents. We will be awarding the scholarships in mid-April.
How do I pay?
You can make payments for tuition at:
https://paypal.me/berkeleydebatellc
Other questions?
If you have any other questions, please feel free to use the Contact link or email us: