Summer Programming
Looking ahead to summer 2026!
Applications for High Schooland College Scholars programs are open from February 1st-March 31st. This year, the WDI will be returning to the Tamarack Adventure & Retreat Center, located just outside of Detroit, Michigan from August 5th-9th.
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. Check out the Tamarack facilities to learn more about our camp’s home for 2026!
IMPORTANT DATES
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01
Feb
Applications Open
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31
Mar
Applications Due
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30
Apr
Application Decisions Communicated
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04
Aug
Instructor and Staff Prep Day
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05
Aug
First Day of Camp!
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09
Aug
Final Day of Camp
TRAVEL STIPENDS FOR SUMMER CAMP:
The WDI offers full and partial travel stipends to high school students who, due to their financial circumstances, will have difficulty covering their travel expenses to the WDI.
Students interested in travel stipends should fill out the travel stipend portion of the admissions application. The WDI will evaluate all travel stipend applications and will award up to $6,000 worth of travel stipends to students in amounts that it deems appropriate. Students will be informed of whether they have been approved for a travel stipend and will be told the amount of the stipend within approximately two weeks of receiving an email accepting the student into the WDI.
Students who receive travel stipends will receive a link to a form that they will need to fill out prior to receiving their stipend.
LODGING AND TRAVEL:
Students and staff will stay at the Tamarack Adventure & Retreat Center near Detroit, Michigan. Students will be housed in one of the Butzel Retreat Center lodges, which host 2-3 students per room. Travel information will be updated in Spring 2026, including airport details and check-in and check-out times.
Linens, a pillow and blanket, and towels are provided. Camp includes dinner on the first evening, all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the week, and breakfast on the final morning. Students will be asked to indicate any dietary restrictions or preferences after they have been accepted to the summer 2026 program.
2023 Camp
Highlights
Our 2023 camp at Camp Wasewagen was a tremendous success! We welcomed participants from across the country for a week filled with skills development and community building.
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