When people think about summer camps, they are probably more likely to think about marshmallows than murder and the science behind it. At Trent University’s Forensics Camp, future forensic leaders get a snapshot of Trent’s leading Forensics programs, along with the unique opportunity to investigate a mock crime scene, right on campus. In July, 40 high-school age students heard from forensic professionals working in the field including police officers, the fire marshal, and forensic scientists.

The Forensics Camp has been running for 16 years, and continues to showcase Trent to the community, as well as attract students from around Ontario to experience university life at Trent firsthand.

“Students get exposed to both science and university, and specifically Trent to demystify the university experience,” explains Dr. Christopher Kyle, professor in the Forensic Science department at Trent. “Several students each year that have entered the undergraduate Forensic Science program have been to camp and it serves as a great recruitment tool.”

During the week-long camp, students spend their days in class performing experiments and hands-on activities such as investigating a mock crime scene, developing fingerprints, and DNA profiling. Campers use what they've learned to solve their own case starting from crime scene investigation to presenting in a mock trial at the end of the week.

It is not all about the guts of a career in forensics either – campers also got a real taste of campus life at Trent and in the Peterborough community. Activities include a movie night in downtown Peterborough, a bonfire evening and a scavenger hunt around campus.