Teens arriving at Jim Peters' summer camp will discover a crime scene at Cleveland State Community College - and that's just the start of the fun.
Just like "CSI" television investigators William Petersen and Marg Helgenberger, campers must think like Grissom and Willows to investigate the yellow-taped crime scene and its "murdered" mannequin.
"We're going to comb the scene in a grid pattern, looking for evidence," says Peters. "We'll look at markings on the bullet casing, check fingerprints and DNA evidence. We'll do blood typings from the victim's clothes (which will be doused with synthetic blood) and we will do DNA analysis using come of the college's equipment."
That same week at Crabtree Farms, campers will learn how to grow and cook their own food and how sustainable farming leads to a healthier life.
"We're giving these kids skills to produce their own food, cook and prepare that food, and how to live in harmony with the earth they are inheriting," says Chrissie Plew, camp organizer and manager of the urban farm. "Camp will show kids the unpackaged and unprocessed version of food that nourishes and sustains."
There are lots of sports camps, tech camps, nature and arts camps offered around the Tennessee Valley every summer. However, these two are examples of new camps with specialized themes that have the potential to make a longer-lasting impact on youth than the traditional weeklong day camp with swimming, baseball and arts and crafts. These Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) camps are not just making science fun for kids, they are designed to introduce a vocation as well.
Lee Ann Lowe, Cleveland State's continuing education coordinator, says the college is hosting 15 camps this summer, many of which give students the chance to try on a possible career for a week to see how it fits. Students might discover that their interest in a particular subject doesn't surpass hobby-level, or they may decide they like it enough to pursue the subject in college.
"We recently had a welding camp for rising high school seniors that drew 13 teenagers with an interest in that field," she says. "This forensic science camp is new as well as an Equine Science camp we are offering."
Below is an overview of three new camps, all taking place the week of July 18, that pitch more than just tents.
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.
Area Career Camps
Forensic Science Camp› Where: Cleveland State Community College, 3535 Adkisson Drive, Cleveland, Tenn.› When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., July 18-22› Fee: $250, includes lunch, T-shirt, lab coat, gloves, mask› Ages: 11-16› To enroll: clevelandstatecc.edu/stem/camp/bio-chemistry-camp. This camp has filled, but there is a waiting list.› Camp theme:“The entire week is a big whodunit?” says instructor Jim Peters. “Kids who watch ‘Bones’ and ‘CSI’ will love it. By the end of the week, we should narrow down our suspects to one individual. It’s not too gory, but it will be taught at a pretty high level.”Students learn skills employed by crime scene investigators through hands-on experience. Camp concludes with a trip to the Bradley County Crime Laboratory to see how crime-scene investigators and law enforcement work together to solve crimes.Equine Camp› Where: Tri-State Therapeutic Riding Center, 200 Nature’s Way, Exit 20 off Interstate 75, McDonald, Tenn.› When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., July 18-22› Fee: $240› Ages: 15-18› To enroll: clevelandstatecc.edu/stem/camp/equine-science. This camp is not recommended for students with animal or hay allergies.› Camp theme: “This collaboration between Cleveland State and Tri-State Exhibition Center provides a unique opportunity for youth to be immersed in everything equine,” says Denise Lineberry, Tri-State Therapeutic Riding Center director. “We dive into topics such as horse management, riding, nutrition, horse careers and training.”Campers will care for their own horse for a week, create care and maintenance plans, learn different styles of horseback riding and training practices.Summer Farm Camp› Where: Crabtree Farms, 1000 E. 30th St.› When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., July 18-22› Fee: $400, includes T-shirt, snacks and lunch on Friday. Campers bring their own lunch Monday-Thursday.› Ages: 7-9› To enroll: 423-493-9155, ext. 19.› Camp Theme: “This camp will show kids the unpackaged and unprocessed version of food that nourishes and sustains,” says Jennifer Blair, Crabtree’s education and outreach coordinator.Young farmers will plant, maintain and harvest fresh produce working alongside Crabtree Farm staff. They will take part in making healthy snacks and learn the journey of food from farm to fork.