If your child is fascinated by true crime investigations and all things forensics, then consider enrolling them in a forensics summer camp. These summer programs give kids of all ages a chance to explore the dynamic field, learn from forensics professionals, and help them decide if a career in forensics is right for them.
Campers will get to participate in hands-on activities, work on simulated investigations, and learn all about crime scene investigation techniques. Some camps are on college campuses, so your child can get a college experience.
There are even programs for young elementary and middle school students where young detectives can enjoy age-appropriate activities. Check out these top-rated forensic summer camps for your future scientist.
Best Forensics Summer Camps
1. Embry-Riddle Forensic Science Summer Camp
This summer camp by Embry-Riddle lasts a week and is open to 14 to 18 year olds. There are hands-on activities, including a simulated crime scene investigation.
Topics like DNA analysis, psychological profiling, computer and phone hacking, ethics, and evidence collection are covered. Your tuition includes housing, meals, and materials used throughout the program.
The Forensic Science Camp takes place at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. Embry-Riddle also offers a number of other camps, including an aerospace camp, a robotics camp, and more. They dive deep into the topic and students can get a good idea of all the different careers that they can pursue in forensics.
2. National Online Forensics
Looking for an online forensics program? National Online Forensics serves elementary to college students. They have summer programs mainly geared towards kids with some previous experience.
Kids can receive one on one coaching, listen to lectures, and participate in labs from Monday to Thursday in preparation for a tournament on Friday. On Friday, they will join an online tournament with judges and awards for the top performances.
National Forensics holds events throughout the year for different age groups and levels. They make it possible for kids to compete nationally without the expense of traveling. There is a limit for each session to 15 students that are overseen by 2 lab instructors.
3. Stockton University CSI Summer Camp
This five-day CSI camp gives teens a chance to solve a murder mystery from start to finish. They search for evidence at the scene of the “crime,” interview witnesses, and prepare and try a case. Students will work alongside university professors and police and take field trips to an autopsy room, county jail, and more.
You stay on the Stockton University campus, which is located in Stockton, New Jersey. All costs are covered by the registration fee and students from all over the country are welcome to attend. Pick-up is available from the airport. You get insights into everything it takes to solve a case and see if this is the right career path for you.
4. NSLC Forensic Science Program
The National Student Leadership Conference teaches a nine-day program for true-crime-obsessed teenagers.
Working as a team to solve a murder, teens investigate the scene of the crime, practice techniques like fingerprinting and DNA analysis, and even learn how autopsies are performed by dissecting a fetal pig. Students will stay on campus with meals and course materials all provided.
The NSLC Forensic Science program is available in New York City and Washington, D.C. The National Student Leadership Conference also offers other programs in medicine, law, engineering, art, and more for middle school students too.
5. Forensic Science Academy By Georgetown University
Georgetown University offers a number of summer camps for high schoolers, including a two-week Forensic Science Academy. In this program, your teen will learn everything they need to know about the field of forensic science from professionals in the industry.
The program teaches students through a variety of lectures, field trips, exercises, mock crime scenes, and other interactive activities. Teens will meet and talk with investigators and forensic practitioners, as well as hear speakers from DC’s Department of Forensic Science and Police Department. They’ll develop their critical thinking skills and learn about career opportunities in forensics.
The forensic science program includes housing and meals, although a lower tuition fee is available for those who commute to class each day. Georgetown University also offers other programs on different subjects, as well as online courses and college prep.
6. University of Toronto Mississauga
Younger kids can join the fun at the University of Toronto Mississauga. The university is located in Mississauga, Ontario. Lunch and materials are included in the cost.
The university offers a unique option for young forensics fans. Forensics I is for kids ages 9 to 11, where they get an introduction to the science behind it with age-appropriate activities. Additional activities include physical training and swimming.
After completing the first part, your children can join the second Forensics II program, where they dig deeper and learn more advanced subjects. Campers will learn more complex methods in addition to the same activities above. The program is designed for older students 10-13.
7. WVU Forensic Science Summer Camp
High school students in grades 9th to 12th will participate in various sessions during WVU’s forensic science camp. They cover methods used by scientists and get a chance to try them out for themselves with real-world examples.
Different aspects of forensic science are covered, including psychology, biology, and chemistry. There are two options for campers to choose from, either the day camp or overnight camp. The day camp includes lunch, while overnight camp includes all meals, lodging, and evening activities.
The camp sessions take place on the West Virginia University campus in Morgantown, West Virginia. For teens coming from another state, airport pickup from the Pittsburgh International Airport is provided. The camp works in collaboration with the Next Generation Forensic Science Initiative, which also provides other science classes at the university campus.
8. DNA Learning Center Science Camps
DNA Learning Center offers a variety of science camps for middle and high school students that focus on topics like DNA, genome science, and forensics. The institution is dedicated to providing eager learners with a foundation in molecular biology and genetics education.
For your aspiring detective, check out their Forensic Detectives camp. It’s a week-long camp for kids entering 9th and 10th grade where they can see what it’s really like to work in forensic science.
Instructors teach about different areas like pathology, entomology, and forensic profiling. Campers learn about DNA analysis techniques and do real analysis themselves. The last day of camp is Parent Day, where parents join the kids for some special activities.
DNA Learning Center has multiple locations in the New York metro area, so you can choose a location closest to you. Students 6 through 12 are welcome to the virtual camps too.
9. CSI Academy of Florida Camp CSI
Camp CSI is a Monday through Friday day camp for high schoolers with an interest in criminal investigation. They will practice all kinds of skills and techniques from fingerprinting to doing a blood spatter analysis.
Camp CSI also teaches students to work together as a team and collaborate in the investigation process. There are opportunities to work with real crime scene investigators in realistic simulated scenarios.
CSI Academy of Florida is located in Alachua, Florida. CSI Academy also has courses for law enforcement officers and people interested in the field.
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