GDS FAQ

3-Week Policy Workshop: Students should arrive on June 18th and depart on July 8th. They should arrive between 4 PM and 8 PM on the 18th and must depart before noon on the 8th.
2-Week Policy Workshop: Students should communicate to camp staff whether they will attend the first two weeks or last two weeks of the camp. If attending first two weeks, students should arrive on June 18th between 4 PM and 8 PM. If attending the last two weeks, students should depart before noon on July 8th.
GDDI Fellows: Students should arrive on June 18th. On July 9th, a chartered bus will take students to Hanover, NH for the second leg of the program. Students should plan to depart from Hanover on August 5th. Information about travel from Hanover can be found here: http://ddidebate.org/transportation/

If students need to arrive exceptionally early or depart exceptionally late, we will do our best to accommodate them, but you should certainly confirm that we can assist you with the necessary arrangement before finalizing your travel details.

The closest airport is Reagan National Airport (DCA). (new window)
A cab from airport to campus should cost about $15-30, including tip. DC cabs generally do not take credit cards, so please bring adequate cash if that is your plan.
The second closest is Dulles National Airport (IAD). (new window)
A cab from airport to campus should cost about $60. Booking a SuperShuttle (new window) may also be economical. It is possible to economize a great deal by taking a public bus (new window) from the airport to Rosslyn, then taking the GUTS bus (new window) to campus from the Rosslyn location. (new window)
Given the inconvenience and potential confusion, however, using bus lines isn’t recommended. If your student does encounter any problems en route, we will provide a phone number for students to call on the first day of camp.
Traveling into and out of the Baltimore-Washington Airport (new window) is less convenient, and thus not highly recommended. It does, however, service several discount airlines, such as Southwest Airlines. The cab will be quite expensive, but this might represent a net cost savings if you’re a frequent Southwest customer.

Parking is $25 per day in the Southwest Garage. Otherwise, there is two-hour street parking near campus. If you wish to help your child move in, you may want to find street parking close which is on 35th St. between N and O, but be aware that this can be tricky.

My child would like to take the train. How should this proceed?
Amtrak services Union Station (new window) in DC, which is a possible travel option for students on the East Coast. Upon arrival in Union Station, proceed to the cab line immediately outside Union Station. A cab to the front gates of Georgetown University should cost under $20.

Students will be strongly encouraged to call their parents/guardians immediately upon arrival. We will quickly follow up on any significant discrepancies between expected arrival and actual arrival.

Georgetown is an extremely safe campus, and students are never permitted to go anywhere by themselves. Instructors and Residential Assistants supervise students throughout the day and night. Dorms may only be entered by authorized personnel, and are staffed by additional security staff.

Dormitory Information has not been finalized yet. https://residentialliving.georgetown.edu/communities/firstyear/newsouth/#

Students will need to bring bedding (the beds are twin XL), a pillow, towels, clothes, and toiletries. There are laundry facilities in the basement of the building that use the funds on the Georgetown ID cards that students will receive at check-in.
We strongly recommend bringing a laptop, as evidence will be provided electronically, in addition to your usual debate supplies (pens, flow paper, timer, etc).
Dress at the Seminar is kept casual, with the exception of one field trip if your child is attending the GDDI 7 week program, in which case the student should bring one nicer outfit. Keep in mind that D.C. is known for its hot, humid summers!

Each student is provided with a GOCard with his/her name at the beginning of the camp. The card is used to access the dorm, gym facility, etc.; it also has a declining balance that can be used across Georgetown’s campus dining facilities. Students are responsible for monitoring their own balance and ensuring that they have enough money left on the card.

There are laundry facilities in the residential dormitory. The student’s GOCard will be needed to use the washing machines and dryers.

For the 2023 GDS, all labs will focus on Policy Debate. We hope to grow Public Forum and Public Speaking camps in the future!

The Policy Debate camp is highly recommended for all students, regardless of their debate background. The speaking, research, and critical thinking skills strengthened in Policy Debate translate well to other debate events!