Step onto the world stage with Best Delegate’s Model UN Institute

Best Delegate’s Model UN summer program is the most trusted and widely recognized Model UN Institute for students ages 9–18 in the United States. Founded over 14 years ago and now having served more than 13,000 students, the MUN Institute combines rigorous diplomatic training with genuine summer camp fun — giving young people the tools, confidence, and global perspective they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Whether your child is a complete newcomer to Model UN or an experienced delegate looking to win awards at competitive conferences, Best Delegate has a program designed for them.

What is Model United Nations?

In Model United Nations, students step into the roles of world leaders, representing countries in simulated United Nations committees. They research global issues, write resolutions, deliver speeches, negotiate with peers, and collaborate to find solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. It’s one of the most powerful academic enrichment experiences available to high school and middle school students — building public speaking, critical thinking, leadership, and diplomacy skills that translate directly into college applications, internships, and careers.

A track record of impact

Best Delegate’s MUN Institute has been recognized by TeenLife as a Top 100 Summer Program and featured in the New York Times and Education Week. The program holds a 4.8/5 rating from thousands of alumni families, and 96% of parents recommend it to others. Alumni have gone on to attend universities including Princeton, Georgetown, Harvard, and Columbia — crediting MUN with the confidence and skills that got them there.

On-campus summer camps at top universities

Best Delegate’s flagship on-campus camps take place at some of the most prestigious universities in the country, giving students a genuine taste of college life alongside world-class MUN training. Each week-long camp includes 40 hours of live programming, personalized daily feedback from expert mentors, a campus experience with dining hall meals, a limited-edition t-shirt and swag bag, and an official MUN Institute certificate. Overnight campers also enjoy residence hall housing and structured evening programming led by trained residential counselors.

2026 on-campus camp locations and dates:

• Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.: Overnight June 21–27, June 28–July 3, and July 5–11 | Day Camp June 22–26, June 29–July 3, and July 6–10
• Columbia University, New York City: Day Camp July 13–17 and July 20–24
• Boston University, Boston, MA: Overnight and Day Camp August 2–8
• UCLA, Los Angeles, CA: Overnight July 19–25 | Day Camp July 20–24
• UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA: Overnight and Day Camp July 26–August 1 and August 2–8
• UC Irvine, Irvine, CA: Day Camp July 13–17
• Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ: Day Camp July 27–31
• Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX: Overnight June 14–20 | Day Camp June 15–19

Day Camp tuition starts at $1,550; Overnight Camp tuition starts at $2,700. Financial aid is available.

On-campus camp levels:

Middle School MUN Institute (Ages 11–13)
Designed for students new to MUN, this beginner program introduces the fundamentals of debate, diplomacy, and UN procedures through interactive simulations, public speaking labs, improv games, and a two-day final simulation where students represent a country and work collaboratively to draft a resolution.

Middle School Advanced MUN Institute (Ages 11–13)
For students with prior MUN conference or camp experience, this program dives into crisis-style committees, advanced negotiation, Security Council dynamics, and fast-moving simulations that require creative, in-the-moment leadership. Prerequisite: 2 or more MUN conferences or camps.

High School MUN Institute (Ages 14–17)
The ideal entry point for high schoolers new to MUN. Students explore global and U.S. political issues, sharpen their public speaking and research skills, and participate in three unique MUN simulations across the week, culminating in a final simulation open to parent observers.

High School Advanced MUN Institute (Ages 13–17)
Built for experienced delegates who want to compete at the highest levels. Students master crisis committees, game theory, advanced resolution writing, portfolio power strategy, and impromptu speaking — the skills needed to win awards at major national conferences, including NAIMUN, WAMUNC, and NHSMUN. Prerequisite: 2 or more MUN conferences or camps.

🏆 Tournament of Champions (Ages 13–17)
The ultimate challenge for dedicated MUNers. Students compete across five distinct committee simulations — including the General Assembly, Security Council, Crisis, Fantasy, and a Cabinet/Board-style committee — earning daily awards and competing for the prestigious Tournament of Champions title. Prerequisite: Prior award at a MUN conference or prior MUN camp experience. Available at Georgetown University only.

Virtual summer camps — same skills, from anywhere

For students who prefer the flexibility of online learning, Best Delegate offers a robust virtual MUN Institute available at multiple skill levels and age groups throughout the summer. Virtual camp runs Monday through Friday from 1–4 p.m. ET and features 15 hours of live programming led by USA-based mentors from top universities. Interactive activities like Shark Tank Diplomacy, UN Jeopardy, and Sell Me Something keep students engaged — no Zoom fatigue here.

2026 virtual camp programs and dates:

• Elementary School – Mini Diplomat (Ages 9–10): June 22–26, July 6–10, July 20–24, and August 3–7 | Starting at $359
• Middle School – Junior Diplomat, Beginner (Ages 11–13): June 15–19, June 29–July 3, July 13–17, July 27–31, and August 10–14 | Starting at $509
• Middle School – Junior Ambassador, Intermediate (Ages 11–13): July 6–10 and August 3–7 | Starting at $509
• High School – Diplomat, Beginner (Ages 14–18): June 15–19, June 29–July 2, July 20–24, and August 10–14 | Starting at $509
• High School – Crisis, Advanced (Ages 13–18): June 22–26, July 13–17, and July 27–31 | Starting at $509

Virtual camp tuition includes Best Delegate-certified mentor instruction, all learning materials, and a digital certificate of completion. Financial aid is available for families who qualify.

Specialty virtual camps:

• Virtual Public Speaking Camp: June 22–26, July 6–10, and July 20–24
• Virtual Social Skills Camp: June 15–19 and July 13–17
• Virtual US Politics Camp: June 29–July 3 and July 27–31

Mentors who make a difference

Every Best Delegate camp is led by USA-based adult instructors recruited from top universities like Harvard and Georgetown. All mentors undergo rigorous background and reference checks, extensive in-person and virtual training, and adhere to American Camp Association guidelines. Students receive individualized daily feedback in a low-ratio environment — the on-campus program maintains a 1:12 staff-to-student ratio with a maximum class size of 34.

Beyond the summer

Best Delegate’s reach doesn’t end when camp does. Students who complete the MUN Institute are automatically qualified to attend Best Delegate’s online and in-person MUN conferences during the school year. Families can also enroll in year-round MUN clubs, personalized tutoring, MUN workshops, and the Club Accelerator program for schools looking to start or grow a MUN team.