Instruction
VBI has some of the best instructors from around the nation as they have longtime instructors who have been in the debate community for over 10 years as well as newly graduated renowned national circuit debaters. As a VBIer, you have the option to choose between various modules, or lectures. Usually there are two in the morning and are taught by a couple of VBI staffers with expertise in the area. You can get the most of out it by having a laptop as you should be typing for the entire lecture.Lab instruction gives the individual more attention as lab leaders work to improve your weaknesses. This is where cases are edited, frameworks are brainstormed, and debate drills are carried out. You can get the most from your stay at VBI as long as you acquire a “go getter” attitude. These are some of the most qualified people in the debate community and are more than willing to help with anything, just ask. There will be people who can help you with your problem, no matter how specific. Some lab leaders don’t mind if you come to their dorms and talk to them about cases and ideas even past midnight. Sometimes lab leaders can get off topic by talking about games our movies when the atmosphere gets dull. Don’t worry, this generally brightens up the mood and gets people talking. This is also a good way to make friends, which should be another one of your goals. Building connections with debaters from all over the nation can be beneficial in numerous ways. For example if you are from the west and wish to travel to some northeast tournaments, it is often helpful to ask NE friends about the judging, which tournaments are competitive, etc.
Rooming
VBI has used different campuses during the years, such as UCLA and LMU. The general consensus is VBI housing is one of the best that you can get from debate camp. You are always allowed to request roommates and those requests are rarely rejected (you must be of the same sex). UCLA dorms are roomy, clean, and have carpet flooring. The best part about it is that it has a private bathroom for you and your roommate. Essentially the bathroom is superb hotel quality.(I will talk about LMU when I finish camp there)
Food
As a VBIer you will get a meal card. This card covers all of your daily meals (3 per day) for the duration of your stay. UCLA food is top notch, with great variety from Chinese to Italian. Standard American food obviously served on a daily schedule, which includes the burgers, curly and straight fries, and hotdogs. The meat for the burgers and hotdogs are decent and many people enjoy the french fries. The dining room is also extremely large so you will always be able to find a seat. Keep in mind that there will be other programs on campus so it may possibly get a little crowded at times.Additionally, VBI has a tradition of going into LA and watching a movie. As you can imagine, you can eat whatever you can find down there. The possibilities are endless.
Student:Lab Leader Ratio
A general lab consists of 2-3 lab leaders with 12-15 students. You can get all of the personal attention you want to just as long as you ask.Rigor
VBI’s rigor really depends on how much you want to put into the camp and learning all you can. VBI instructors are generally more flexible than NSD instructors, who always have extremely harsh standards. VBI can be just as demanding, as long as you have the motivation. Role models are everywhere you look, and so is the competition (this camp gets over +200 people every summer). You will also practice debate at least a good 9 rounds with people near your level so set a goal to win a number of them.Documentary of VBI 2008 Weeks 1 & 2
Victory Briefs Institute 2008 - Click here for funny video clips
Documentary of VBI 2008 Weeks 3
Victory Briefs Institute Week 3- 2008 - Watch more amazing videos here
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