Middle School Advocacy Program

Our new Middle School Argument & Advocacy program is intended for rising middle school students. 

This is not a traditional debate camp!

The program will focus on improving student skills in public speaking, argument, and refutation. It is appropriate for ANY middle school student, even if they have no prior experience in competitive speech or debate. 

Although the program is taught by the same faculty who teach in the MSDI debate camps, students will not be focused on the coming season's debate topic. Instead, we will program a range of fun and engaging activities to help students express themselves, brainstorm and refute arguments, and increase their comfort with speaking in front of others.

Email Dr. Eric Morris if you have any questions. 

This is a commuter camp only, without a dorm option. It will convene July 13-15, 1-4pm daily, in Strong Hall on the MSU campus. Students can be dropped off and picked up from the Strong Hall driveway (900 S Holland Ave, Springfield, MO 65897) without parents needing to purchase a parking permit. 

The price for the program is $350. If scholarship support is needed, you may use this form. This includes the $100 deposit (due June 5), with the $250 remainder due by the 1st session on July 13. If you cover the remainder with a check, make it out to Missouri State Debate Institute. The quickest deposit option is: https://commerce.cashnet.com/Debate_Pay

We are creating a separate registration from other MSDI programs because we do not need all of the information required for residential high school programs. Please register here by June 5, 2026.