Junior Forensics Camp (JFC) FAQ
[forensics: (n.) The use of science and technology to investigate and establish facts in criminal or civil courts of law.]
We are excited to introduce a new member to the JMC family: Junior Forensics Camp! Students will have the thrilling opportunity to exhume their own crime scenes to solve mock murder cases. We provide a realistic forensics experience and offer both fun and learning in a college-like atmosphere. Compared to other Junior Medical Camps, the topics are more mature and the academic and physical rigors are greater. Please read this FAQ to see if the camp would be a good match for your student.
What is a typical day like at JFC?
Each day students will listen to lectures, try mini-forensics labs and view forensic science videos. Students will be expected to study bones and will be quizzed to gain greater comprehension of camp activities. The crux of the camp will be working on excavating swine burials using archaeological technique, cleaning and piecing together the bones, and looking for clues such as clothing, personal accessories and bone deformities to solve the murder mysteries.
Are there real dead bodies?
Yes. Four large swine were procured from the West Side Market and buried at Squire Valleevue Farm, more than a year before the camp. Students will be excavating the remains. We do not work with human remains. We treat all animals living or dead with the utmost respect and dignity.
Will there be bad smells?
It is possible. Most of the meat has already been cleared away by the time of burial, so the smells would be a fraction of what they could be. Students will also examine other fresher carcasses of animals to learn about the decay process and what macro-invertebrates can teach us. Occasional smells are one obstacle that scientists have to overcome in the field.
Will I get dirty?
If you are participating in the camp, then YES. At least a little bit. We will work outdoors, so please dress for the weather. Students are not required to participate in any activity that they feel uncomfortable with. However, students must remain with the group at all times.
What are the physical requirements for participation in this camp?
Students must have the ability to walk one mile on uneven ground. We will not be doing anything too physically demanding but unfortunately there are no wheelchair accessible trails to the burial sites.
What are the possible hazards to working out in the field?
Students will be working outdoors and may be subject to inclement weather, sun, insect stings, thorns, uneven ground and poison ivy. We will work through drizzle, but will take the group indoors with more precarious weather. We will provide small tents in the field to shade from sunlight. And we will point out all the poison ivy we see.
What prerequisite classes must my student have before attending the camp?
None. We will teach the students all that they have to know. We just ask that they bring an open mind and an interest for learning new things.
Where and what is Squire Vallevue Farm?
Squire Valleevue Farm is a research and education farm run by Case Western Reserve University located in Hunting Valley. The property includes fields, ponds, forests and professional science lab facilities. We will use both their natural areas as well as their lab space. Please check their website for more information and for directions: http://studentaffairs.case.edu/farm/
Will there be transportation to the Farm?
No. Students must find their own transportation to and from the Farm to attend the camp.
What are the facilities like at the Farm?
The Farm will provide clean, professional lab spaces for our use. There are full-flush toilets at the lab with sinks and soap dispensers. We will eat lunch outside on nice days and under shelters or indoors on rainy days. Students must bring their own lunch and snacks; there are no vending machines at the Farm.
What are the hours of the Camp?
9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Are there overnight arrangements for my student?
No. Students must be dropped off and picked up at Squire Valleevue Farm every day.
Will I have FUN?!
YES! Hopefully you have not been scared off by all the other questions. We aim to simulate a real forensics working environment, and it should be a fascinating experience in a beautiful location.