We are excited to announce the dates and locations for this summer’s Victory Briefs Institute.

We kick off the summer right after NSDA Nationals with VBI Chicago from June 19 to July 2 at Loyola University. We had a great time at Loyola in 2014, and we look forward to returning there in 2016. Like last year, VBI Chicago will feature both Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas debate.

After Chicago is VBI Philadelphia from July 3 to 16 at Swarthmore College, our most scenic campus and fastest-growing location. This session is for LD only and is capped at 100 students.

The rest of the summer will be in Los Angeles. VBI LA Session I is for LD only and will take place at Occidental College from July 17 to August 6. That’s right: three weeks of VBI.

A growing number of students are looking for a way to delve into greater depth than is realistic during typical two-week camps. The only existing options for those students are optional extention weeks or signing up for a second camp altogether, both of which require starting from scratch with new instructors, new labmates, and a new curriculum. Instead, VBI LA Session I will offer a comprehensive and continuous three-week program.

Oxy has offered us new housing options, including their newest and most recently renovated residence halls, and an updated dining experience with greater food quality and diversity (especially for those with dietary restrictions), in addition to many other improvements.

VBI LA Session II will be at UCLA from August 7 to 20, and will feature both PF and LD. The first week of Session II focuses on core debate skills; the second week focuses on the September/October topic released on August 15.

Registration opens in December and is first come, first served. Last year, VBI filled up faster than ever—we had to start a waiting list in March—so sign up ASAP. Remember:

VBI Chicago (Loyola University) – June 19 to July 2, PF & LD

VBI Philadelphia (Swarthmore College) – July 3 to 16, LD only

VBI Los Angeles Session I (Occidental College) – July 17 to Aug 6, LD only

VBI Los Angeles Session II (UCLA) – Aug 7 to 20, PF & LD

All sessions, as in 2015, will feature a 4:1 student-instructor ratio (or better). This ratio allows each student to work closely with a dedicated mentor throughout camp and to design their own curriculum.