FAQs

Yes, WDI is tuition-free! As a 501(c)3 non-profit, the operations of the camp are fully funded by our generous donors. Lodging, meals, and all camp programming are covered. Students are only responsible for travel to Detroit, unless they qualify for a travel stipend, which are available to students who need them. Travel stipend applications will be provided to all accepted students this summer.

All admitted students will receive a travel stipend application with their admissions decision, which is typically communicated in April or May 2026. If you are awarded a travel stipend, the WDI will work directly with you and your parent/guardian to book your transportation to camp. We cover the full cost of reasonable economy-class airfare, and in most cases flights fall below $500. Our goal is always to book safe, efficient, and affordable travel for each student.
Please note: WDI is unable to provide stipends to students 14 years old or younger, as airlines require a special “unaccompanied minor” service that the WDI cannot logistically accommodate.

Applications are open from February 1st to March 31st, 2026 and are currently live for the High School and College Scholars program, as well as for our Resident Assistant and Instructor staff positions. We plan to notify students and staff of admissions decisions by end of April.

The Women’s Debate Institute is focused on empowering students who identify as women, transgender, and gender non-conforming students. As the debate community is often a cis-male-dominated space, we are focused on creating an educational space that is inclusive of gender minorites.

Our 2026 camp will be held August 5th-9th (with a training day on August 4th for all staff) at the Tamarack Adventure & Retreat Center located just outside of Detroit, Michigan. Tamarack offers a unique blend of comfortable facilities and a strong connection to the outdoors, providing the perfect environment for learning and growth. All students and staff will stay in the three guesthouses at the Butzel Retreat Center. With cozy lodging, top-notch facilities, and expansive outdoor spaces, Tamarack is the ideal setting for an impactful week focused on debate and community building. Learn more on our website.

Linens will be provided for each staff member and camper at the Tamarack Retreat Center, including pillow, blanket, sheets, bath towels, face towels, and a washcloth.

Items you may want to consider bringing to camp: Personal toiletries, flip flops to wear in the shower, layers of clothing (sweaters, jackets), footwear (for a moderate walk or hike), personal writing/briefing materials (notebooks, pens, erasers, scissors, and tape), laptop, debate items you would like to work on or discuss with staff (briefs, affirmative or negative cases, etc.), college essays you would like comments on, flashlights, card games, books, cameras, or other items that may be fun during free time.

Students arriving by plane will be met by our Resident Assistants (RAs) in the airport baggage claim area. RAs will ensure everyone gets to camp safely. All students traveling by plane (whether or not they receive a travel stipend) will have access to our free airport shuttle from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) to the camp site. Prior to camp, we will send detailed instructions about where to meet WDI staff, shuttle pickup times, and what to expect when you arrive at camp.

Students traveling by car will receive information about check-in times, arrival procedures, and driving directions to the camp. Local students may also take the airport shuttle from DTW, but must be dropped off at DTW Baggage Claim and parents/guardians must communicate with WDI staff ahead of time to confirm space.

Our 2026 instructional focus will be on Policy and Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate. Students who primarily compete in other debate formats are still welcome to apply—especially if they’re interested in developing skills that overlap with these styles, such as research, argument development, case construction, and advocacy. Many elements of our curriculum, including workshops on advocacy, leadership, and persuasive speaking, are valuable across all forms of debate.

There are no strict age limits for attending WDI—students simply need to be entering or currently in high school and have past debate experience. If you do not have prior debate experience, please address this directly in your application so our staff can better understand your background and goals.

However, there are age requirements for travel stipends. WDI is unable to provide stipends to students 14 years old or younger, as airlines require a special “unaccompanied minor” service for travelers under 15. This service varies by airline, must be booked by a parent/guardian, and typically requires handoffs at departure and arrival that we cannot logistically support. To be eligible for a travel stipend, a student must be at least 15 years old on the day of travel (August 5, 2026).