What does a typical day look like?
The schedule varies somewhat from day to day, but a typical day at camp includes morning lectures or lab sessions (9 or 9:30 AM-12 P.M.), afternoon lab sessions or practice debates (1:30-5:30 P.M.), and an evening session (7-9 P.M.), with meal breaks in between. (See below for more information about meals.) Students are required to be in the dorm by 9:00 P.M. and are under dorm supervision until 8:00 A.M.
How do meals work?
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 with money that can be used across Georgetown’s many campus dining facilities. Students are responsible for monitoring their own balance and ensuring that they have enough money left on the card.
On what day and time should my child arrive and depart?
Policy Workshop: Students should arrive on June 21st and depart on July 10th. They should arrive between 2 PM and 8 PM on the 21st and must depart before noon on the 10th. We are not able to check into the dorms before 2 P.M. on June 21st! Please be aware of this limitation as you make transportation arrangements.
GDDI Fellows: Students should arrive on June 21st and will depart on July 11th. They should arrive between 2 PM and 8 PM on the 21st. We are not able to check into the dorms before 2 P.M. on June 21st! Please be aware of this limitation as you make transportation arrangements.You will remain in the dorms on the night of July 10th, and depart for Dartmouth on the morning of July 11th via transportation provided by the camp.
Public Forum: Residential students should arrive on June 28th and depart on July 9th. Commuters should plan to attend every day between June 29th and July 8th.
Public Speaking: Residential students should arrive on June 21st and depart on June 27th. Commuters should plan to attend every day between June 22nd and June 26th.
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.
Which airports can we use? How should my child travel from airport to campus?
The closest airport is Reagan National Airport (DCA).
A cab from airport to campus should cost about $15, including tip. DC cabs generally do not take credit cards, so please bring adequate cash if that is your plan. Uber and Lyft are also available and easy to use.
The second closest is Dulles National Airport (IAD).
A cab from airport to campus should cost about $60. Uber and Lyft are also available and easy to use. Booking a SuperShuttle may also be economical. It is possible to economize a great deal by taking a public bus from the airport to Rosslyn, then taking the GUTS bus to campus from the Rosslyn location.
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 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.
I would like to drive my child to campus. Where should we park?
If you intend to park, you should drive in on the hospital side entrance.
The correct address for GPS is 3800 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC, 20057. Paid parking is available in the Leavey Center.
My child would like to take the train. How should this proceed?
Amtrak services Union Station 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.
How do cabs work in DC?
For travel to and from the airport, we recommend using the ride-sharing apps Lyft or Uber. Students can install the app on their phones and request a ride upon arrival at the airport/when ready to depart campus. Payment methods are linked to the app, so you don’t need to worry about carrying cash. Fares are typically lower than traditional taxis.
For traditional taxis: DC cabs rarely take credit cards. They are generally cash-only. Specify a cross-street to your driver - in this case, tell them “I am going to the front gate of Georgetown University at 37th and O Street Northwest.” The DC cab system is well-regulated. There are designated cab lines at the train station and major airlines.
How will I know that my child has arrived safely ?
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.
Which dormitory will the students be staying in?
This year, students will be staying in the upperclass dormitory LXR. Information about the dorm can be found here: https://residentialliving.georgetown.edu/communities/upperclass/lxr
What should the students pack?
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 Hoya-Spartan 7 week program, in which case he/she should bring one nicer outfit. Keep in mind that D.C. is known for its hot, humid summers.
How do students do laundry?
There are laundry facilities in the residential dormitory. The student’s GOCard will be needed to use the washing machines and dryers.
