The 21CSA Model United Nations camp is run by Diane Haleas, director of the nationally recognized Saint Ignatius College Prep Model United Nations team (SIMUN). Her SIMUN team in 2025 again earned Best Large Delegation honors out of 170 schools competing at the North American Invitational Model United Nations Conference in Washington, DC. Ms. Haleas will be the lead instructor for all sessions.

21st Century Skills and Model United Nations Leadership Camp will provide students ages 11-15 with the opportunity to develop essential life skills through interactive, challenging, and fun activities in an open and friendly environment. Students will explore current events, global issues, and the basics of international diplomacy.

The instructor to student ratio is 1:6. Students will receive individualized instruction, work in small groups led by experienced instructors, and engage in both small group and large group skills-building activities.

There is no experience necessary. Students (ages 11-15) will be grouped according to their age and/or ability and experience. The goal is to meet students where they are in terms of their skills and work closely with them to improve their communication, writing, negotiation, and critical thinking skills. Engaging in socially interactive activities helps to build confidence in students.

Top 5 Skills of Model United Nations and Debate

1. Persuasive public speaking & presentation

Organizing ideas, speaking clearly under time pressure, using evidence, and adapting tone to the audience.

2. Research & information literacy

Finding credible sources, synthesizing complex issues, distinguishing facts from opinion, and briefing others accurately.

3. Critical thinking & argumentation

Building a logical case, anticipating counterarguments, spotting weak reasoning, and responding with precision.

4. Negotiation, diplomacy & collaboration

Finding common ground, proposing workable compromises, coalition-building, and resolving conflict respectfully.

5. Leadership, confidence & social skills

Taking initiative, facilitating group work, listening actively, navigating group dynamics, and growing poise in high-pressure settings.

Assistant instructors are highly experienced Model UN delegates who have earned top honors at premier collegiate-sponsored conferences, including Georgetown University, New York University, Columbia University, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Notre Dame, Boston College, the University of Illinois, the University of Miami, Georgia Tech, and Northwestern University—along with international conferences in China, Germany, Japan, and Russia. They have also led and competed at regional high school conferences, frequently earning awards such as Best Delegate and contributing to Best Delegation results.

More importantly, they know how to translate that experience into coaching that helps students speak with confidence, negotiate respectfully, and collaborate effectively in real-time simulations.

There are two one-week sessions:

• Session 1 runs June 22 -26, 2026 at the Hinsdale Community House.
• Session 2 runs July 6 -10, 2026 at the Hinsdale Community House.

Tuition is $850 per session and includes all materials and snacks/drinks each day.

Instructor to student ratio: 1:6

Camp hours are from 9 am to 2 pm each day.

Each day, students will engage in an on-going Model United Nations simulation in which they will act as diplomats representing the interests of their assigned country, debating pressing issues, navigating conflicting perspectives, making decisions, and negotiating solutions.

They will be exposed to the real-life challenges of solving problems and dealing with unexpected crisis situations.

To achieve success in high school, college, and the highly competitive global workforce, students must develop these essential leadership skills:

Critical thinking
Communication/networking
Innovation
Problem-solving
Collaboration
Technology literacy
Entrepreneurship

21st Century Skills and Model United Nations Leadership Camp will provide students entering ages 11-15 with the opportunity to develop these essential skills through interactive, challenging, and fun activities in an open and friendly environment. Students will explore current events, global issues, and the basics of international diplomacy.