HDI SUMMER CAMP
**The 2026 University of Miami’s Hurricane Debate Institute (HDI) instruction will be in person again at UM’s School of Communication on the Coral Gables Campus this summer! All rising 6-12 graders are invited to learn public speaking, improve their argumentation skills, and debate with us!**
ABOUT THE HDI SUMMER CAMP
The University of Miami Debate Team invites Middle School and High School students of all experience levels to participate in the 35th Hurricane Debate Institute offering instruction and practice in: Public Speaking, Argumentation, Debate, and Public Forum.
The Hurricane Debate Institute is an official University of Miami summer camp sponsored by the School of Communication. The instructors are current and former professors, coaches, and debaters from the University of Miami.
The University of Miami Debate Team are the 2025 Social Justice Debates Fall Championship Runners Up and 3 Time ACC Debate Champions!
–Click the pictures below to read more about the HDI–
MEET THE DIRECTOR
Patrick Waldinger is the Director of the Hurricane Debate Institute. Patrick is the Director of Debate and a Distinguished Senior Lecturer in Communication Studies at the University of Miami. He has 25+ years of experience in the activity. He currently is the President of the American Debate Association (ADA) and was the former President of the Cross Examination Debate Organization (CEDA). He is on the Board of Directors for the Miami Dade Urban Debate League (MDUDL) and a member of its Consultative Committee. Patrick works closely with the National Prison Debate League (NPDL), including coaching debate teams of incarcerated individuals.
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
Davalyn Suarez is currently the Assistant Director of Debate and an adjunct professor in Communication Studies at the University of Miami. Davalyn has over 10+ years of experience in debate. For the past 5 years, she has been a Head Instructor at the HDI and was previously the Debate Coach at her alma mater, Miami Senior High, before practicing law. As an attorney she worked in the field of Personal Injury Protection and was a Tenant Rights attorney at Legal Services of Greater Miami. Davalyn has since returned full time to Miami Senior where she currently is the English Department Chair while teaching English and Dual Enrollment Law classes.
Sophia Lopez graduated from the University of Miami in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Communication Studies. She received departmental honors in Political Science and was named to the Dean’s List every semester. Her coursework focused heavily on analytical writing, public speaking, and critical thinking, helping her develop strong communication and advocacy skills. Sophia’s involvement with the Hurricane Debate Institute (HDI) began in the fifth grade and continued throughout college and eventually as an instructor. She plans to pursue a career in law and is currently preparing for law school.
Yolanda Del Pino is an undergraduate student at the University of Miami, majoring in Public Relations, on the pre-law track. She will be joining the HDI summer 2026 session as a student instructor. She is a current member of the UM Debate team and has experience in Policy, British Parliamentary, and Civic Debate. Yolanda has previous experience working with middle school and high school students to better their public speaking skills. She loves debate and is excited to help students grow in the activity.
PROGRAMS OFFERED
The HDI offers several programs for students. Click below for more information.
Middle School Public Speaking & Argumentation
High School Public Speaking & Argumentation
2026 DATES & TIMES
Classes will be hosted Monday to Friday from 9:00am-3:00pm ET.
Week 1 – June 8-12 – **[6/5] Middle School Week 1 is FULL! High School Week 1 is almost full! We have room for weeks 2 & 3 for all the programs. Contact hurricanedebate@gmail.com before you apply for High School Week 1.**
Week 2 – June 15-19
Week 3 – June 22-26
TUITION
**There is a non-refundable $75 application fee that is in addition to the price of tuition.**
Tuition for one week is $550
Tuition for two weeks is $1,000
Tuition for three weeks is $1,500
Tuition includes quality instruction and materials that are unique to the Hurricane Debate Institute. Each week covers unique and different information. Students will receive assessments of their skills and areas for improvement. Students will receive a certificate of completion.
Deposit & Full Payment Info Deadlines
Full payment is due the Friday before your child’s program begins.
Week 1 (June 8-12) – Full Payment due June 5
Week 2 (June 15-19) – Full Payment due June 12
Week 3 (June 22-26) – Full Payment due June 19
Early Bird – by May 8
Those submitting the non-refundable $100/week deposit by May 8 will receive 5% off of the overall tuition per child.
Note: The deposit is in addition to the $75 application fee, but the deposit itself counts toward your tuition payment.
Discounts
UM Employees (all campuses): 10% discount on overall tuition for your child.
Siblings: A $50 sibling discount on tuition for each sibling per week.
APPLICATION & PAYMENT
**There is a non-refundable $75 application fee that is in addition to the price of tuition.**
There is a two step application process:
1. Click the “Apply Online” button below to fill out the application.
2. Click the “Pay Online” button below to pay the application fee.
**Registration is not complete until both the application and non-refundable $75 application fee have been received.**
**[6/5] Middle School Week 1 is FULL! High School Week 1 is almost full! We have room for weeks 2 & 3 for all the programs. Contact hurricanedebate@gmail.com before you apply for High School Week 1.**
Payment instructions:
Click the “Pay Online” button below or visit http://www.com.miami.edu/payment. When there click on “Access the SOC Marketplace”.
Select “Hurricane Debate Institute” from the categories enter the amount and finish the transaction.
Please remember to confirm payment. An email receipt will be sent as soon as the payment goes through.
All major credit cards accepted.
Questions? Please email hurricanedebate@gmail.com
