The Model United Nations Institute at Columbia University in New York City
Where Kids and Teens Step Into the Shoes of World Leaders
The MUN Institute Summer Camp is where future leaders shine! Imagine a vibrant atmosphere with flags, maps, and global icons on the walls and contagious energy. Led by passionate MUN pros from top universities, campers dive into dynamic debates and real-world diplomacy.
From stepping into the shoes of world leaders in a final simulation to engaging in exciting trivia games, learning how to navigate meaningful conversations in our polarized society, campus tours, and social events, every moment is unforgettable. It’s a launchpad for your child’s future, blending hands-on learning with new friendships and endless fun. Join us for a summer of discovery and growth!
Middle School
MUN Institute
Ages 11-13
☀️ Day Camp
July 21 - 25
High School
MUN Institute
Ages 14-17
☀️ Day Camp
July 14 - 18 or
July 21 - 25
Advanced
MUN Institute
Ages 13-17
☀️ Day Camp
July 21 - 25
Tournament of Champions
MUN Institute
Ages 13-17
☀️ Day Camp
July 14 - 18
☀️ Day Camp starts at $1,699
5 days. Lunch included
Drop-off: Monday - Friday 8:45 - 9 am
Pick-up: Monday -Friday 5 - 5:15 pm
Please note: MUN Camps sell out fast so enroll today to guarantee your child's space!
First 5 students per class save $250. Click Here to Save!
Unlock Your Child’s Potential at the MUN Institute Summer Camp at Columbia University!
Build Confidence: Share ideas, lead projects, and develop leadership skills.
Make Friends: Connect with high achievers passionate about global issues.
Express Ideas: Overcome shyness and speak confidently.
Transform Leadership: Turn arguments into collaborative leadership.
Experience University Life: Enjoy interactive classes, campus tours, and dining hall experiences.
Learn MUN: Perfect for beginners and aspiring award-winning MUNers.
What makes the Model UN Institute unique
Debate diplomatically in a polarized world
Enhance your collaboration skills & build confidence in public speaking, debate, & MUN
Receive personalized mentorship
Our MUN Mentors bring out the best by focusing on your goals & providing personalized feedback
Build lifelong friendships
Have fun and form friendships with talented students & staff who care about the world
Middle School Model UN Camp for Students Ages 11-13
Travel into the world of Model UN, U.S. politics, and global issues! Students will embark on an exciting journey to enhance their debate and leadership skills as they explore different countries and topics along with new friends! Camp is packed with interactive MUN simulations on diverse topics, public speaking labs, fun trivia and improv games, engaging lessons, daily feedback from expert Mentors, and plenty of time to socialize. On Friday, students take part in a thrilling final simulation on a current global issue. They'll represent a new country, deliver a compelling opening speech, engage in dynamic debates, and collaborate with peers to draft a resolution. Parents are welcome to observe the Friday simulation! By the end of the week, your child will be inspired to make a difference in the world and ready to excel in MUN at their school or with Best Delegate.
Students will:
● Feel a sense of belonging as they learn & roleplay with their peers,
● Learn to discuss U.S. & global issues in a diplomatic way
● Collaborate with & lead their peers,
● Learn how to be a more articulate speaker,
● Develop their confidence,
● And enjoy participating at a dream campus!
Prerequisites:
None - For Students New to MUN & Interested in Global Issues!
Age at the start of camp:
11-13
Interactive Lessons include:
● Mastering Public Speaking Structure & Style
● Debating Diplomatically in a polarized country & world
● Navigating the UN & Global Politics
● Improvisation: Think & Speak Creatively
● Building & Leading Alliances
● Creating Solutions & Writing Resolutions
● Games like: Sell me something, UN Jeopardy, Shark Tank, & How Zebras got their stripes
● 3 MUN simulations where students represent a different country & explore a new topic
Age at the start of camp:
United Nations Headquarters Tour
On Wednesday your child will spend a half day visiting the United Nations Headquarters in the heart of New York City! The group will travel together by public transportation with our staff and take a guided tour of the United Nations building. You will learn about the history and work of the United Nations and visit the famous General Assembly Hall and Security Council Chamber (meetings permitting).
Why MUN is right for your child over Debate
In MUN students don't just argue to win, they learn about US and global issues from many different perspectives
& collaborate with their peers to lead, influence others, & create solutions together to help navigate the polarized world.
▶️ Watch our 2 minute What is MUN VideoExperience the
MUN Institute
Hear what our parents have to say
A week at the
MUN Institute
Hear what our MUN Mentors have to say
Location Matters! Your Child can Learn on
Their Dream Ivy League Campus - Columbia
Learn more about the classrooms, dining halls, and how to get to campus.
- Our program in New York City is located at Columbia University. Columbia University is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan at West 116th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenues. Columbia is one of the top 20 universities in the USA.
- Students attending the MUN Institute at Columbia will enjoy the world class university campus, expansive dining halls, and inspiring classrooms.
- Please note: This program is NOT affiliated with nor endorsed by Columbia University.
The MUN Institute Difference
12,000 +
Happy Alumni from our Camps
96%
of alumni recommend us
1:10
Staff to Student Ratio
26
The Max # of Students per class
Learn from MUN Champions & Experienced Directors
Passion for world issues. Expertise in MUN. A personality that brings out the best in your child. With 12+ years of experience running outstanding MUN Camps and over 100+ years of combined experience doing MUN as students and teachers, we know there's no substitute for a great Mentor.
- 100% USA-based adult instructors
- Recruited from top universities like Harvard and Georgetown
- Rigorous background and reference checks
- Extensive in-person & virtual training on safety, curriculum, and camp fun!
- Adherence to American Camp Association guidelines
- Individual feedback provided daily by mentors
Tutoring Optional Add-On
Tutoring is a 1-on-1 personalized experience where a MUN Champion helps your child accelerate their preparation for participating in MUN.
Students will have 2 one-hour sessions with a MUN Mentor.
- Session 1: Public Speaking
- Session 2: Possible Solutions
The Tutoring Sessions will occur virtually the week or two before the in person camp.
Tutoring is $149 for 2 one-hour sessions.
Cost of the #1 Rated MUN Camp at Columbia University includes:
● 40 Hours of fun live Model UN Programing
● The best MUN Mentors on the college circuit (who we extensively train, background check, and fly around the country with us)
● Our World Class MUN Curriculum (that has been repeatedly purchased by families, governments, & even the UN)
● Official MUN Institute Certificate recognizing your skills and success
● Limited edition t-shirt
● University campus experience + lunch
● Guided tour of the United Nations Building
We know inflation is affecting everyone. We provide a premium camp experience & will not cut corners in ensuring a great camp for your child!
☀️ Day Camps: July 14 - 18 or July 21 - 25: 1,848 with Tutoring or $1,699 without
First 5 students per class save $250! Click Here to save!
Advanced programs and Tournament of Champions are an additional $100.
After you sign up for your first camp each additional camp for you or a sibling is $50 off. Use code Multiweek50 to save.
Continue Learning MUN During the School Year
Attend MUN Conferences
Attend conferences with your school or sign up as an individual for in person or virtual conferences in the area including RUMUN, Virtual Best Delegate Conferences, and more!
Best Delegate MUN Club
Drop in virtually throughout the school year to prepare for MUN Conferences, enhance public speaking & leadership skills, & hang out with friends & mentors.
$599
Personalized Tutoring
Champion MUN Mentors, customized curriculum, & topics your child can’t get enough of will help them enhance their skills & prepare for Conferences.
9 sessions for the price of 5: $499
35 sessions for the price of 24: $2,100
Get Help Starting a Club
Our Club Accelerator will provide your school with 10 hours with an Expert MUN Mentor & resources for teachers and student leaders to jumpstart a new MUN Club.
$1,500
Hear From Our Alumni Parents
Rated 4.8/5 by thousands of students & parents! Click to see our recent reviews.
"The Middle School MUN program was very fun and educational. Our son learned a lot and improved his confidence. His research and public speaking skills improved tremendously. The topics were interesting and the students were passionate during their presentations. We would highly recommend the MUN camp to others."
- Eric
"This week for my daughter was epic. Not only did she learn policies and practices, but she also had the opportunity to be exposed to so much diversity, equity, equality, and inclusion! Michelle had a blast; the teachers constantly made learning fun. She can't wait to come back next year."
- Franceska
"The camp was very well run, especially for model UN newbies. They really explained everything well to the kids and encouraged them to participate. My daughter really enjoyed it and felt much more confident about her ability to be at a model UN conference. The kids also get to eat in the college cafeteria so they get a taste of what college life could be like."
- Neha
"My son gained so much confidence from a Best Delegate’s inclusive, fun, and friendly environment. I loved how the program met each student at their unique level, with opportunities to research, take risks, and cultivate relationships through collaboration and creativity during the week-long program. Thanks to the talented young mentors’ wonderful example of positive engagement and professionalism, the atmosphere was filled with a joyful and intellectual atmosphere! I enjoyed see him make new friends while finding his voice and passion! He left with hope to come back next year and participate again! Thank you so much, Abby, Jason, JJ and Logan for your thoughtful leadership and inspiration!"
- Dana
"I could not be more satisfied with my Best Delegate experience! In addition to providing a platform for my students to experience MUN, the materials and training you provided helped me immensely when my students were learning remotely! Your customer support staff is second to none! Thanks for all you do to provide MUN to our students!"
- Elliott
Hear From Our Alumni Students
"The skills I have learned through the Model United Nations Institute such as research, public speaking, and negotiation helped me get into Princeton University.”
-Karla
Princeton University, Intern at the Global Fund
“I loved being a part of a community of dedicated munners and helping that Model United Nations community grow by sharing my passion for MUN.”
-Eric
Georgetown University, Manager at The Bridgespan Group
“I learned a lot from the Model United Nations Institute! I know how to present myself in front of other people, how to engage the audience, and be a better leader."
-Rebecca
Harvard University,
Teacher
"I learned useful strategies at the MUN Institute that improved my public speaking, critical thinking, decision making, and leadership skills.”
-Daniel
UPENN Wharton, Senior Business Analyst at American Express
“The Model United Nations Institute helped instill in me a passion for international relations along with an appreciation for diplomacy.”
-Rose
Columbia University, Political Campaign Professional
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