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

We are fortunate to have a dedicated Residential Life Director, Anna Johnson, who will be working in her fifth year at the National Debate Forum this summer. Anna graduates with a degree in Psychology and works at the Youth Emergency Shelter Services providing care and outreach for displaced children. 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. 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.) 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.

Commuters

Students who live in the Boston area can also attend NDF as commuters.  Commuters should expect to be on Emerson’s campus from 9AM until 9PM each camp day; they must sign in when they arrive, and sign back out when they leave campus.  Parking is minimal around Emerson, so expect to take the T or be dropped off and picked up. Commuters are welcome, but not required, to join residential students in Boston for free day activities.