The Residential Life experience is central to any institute; if a student doesn’t feel comfortable and relaxed and at home, that student will have a difficult time getting anything out of lectures and labs. NDF has some of the finest facilities and residential programs available. NDF also works hard to ensure that students have a fun, safe and comfortable living and working environment. A rigorous program like NDF can sometimes be intense and tough, but the residential program provides essential balance and a place for fun at camp too.

Director: Anna Johnson-Schappaugh

We are fortunate to have a dedicated Residential Life Director, Anna Johnson-Schappaugh, who will be working in her fifth year at the National Debate Forum this summer. Anna has a degree in Psychology has experience working at youth shelters where medical care was a central part of her job. She has been certified by the State of Iowa for distribution of medicine and has also received blood borne pathogens and self defense training. Anna is supported by additional staff members to ensure the security and safety of all students at the institute.

Free Day

The middle Saturday of the camp is a free day for both Fort Lauderdale and Boston. Regardless of the institute that you attend you will be able to enjoy yourself and have a great day. Students work extremely hard during their time at the institute; it’s important they take a break too. The free day is their chance to rest from debate, and explore one of the greatest cities in the country.

Boston: Students can travel in groups to see historical places in the city: visit Harvard Square or MIT, walk the Freedom Trail, go shopping on Newbury Street, get a great meal in nearby Chinatown, the Italian North End, or seafood on the waterfront, catch a movie or just relax. (Students do have to sign in and out of the NDF office, and must never go anywhere alone.)

Fort Lauderdale: Students can travel to the Sawgrass Mall (largest mall in country), a trip to South Beach for shopping, food and enjoying the sun or a trip to a water park. There are many options available that involve the sun, shopping, great food and more.

Commuters

Students who live in the Boston or Fort Lauderdale area can also attend NDF as commuters. Commuters should expect to be on Emerson or NSU campuses from 9AM until 9PM each camp day; they must sign in when they arrive, and sign back out when they leave campus. Information specific to locations is below:

Boston - Parking is minimal around Emerson, so expect to take the T or be dropped off and picked up.

Fort Lauderdale - There is parking available for you; however, you can also be picked up and dropped off right in front of the dorm.