USF Justice Quest is a unique opportunity for high school students in grades 9-12 to dive into the world of criminology. Held on the Tampa campus, this week-long program allows participants to engage in interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and real-world case studies, all while exploring various degree programs and career paths within the criminal justice system.
Led by USF faculty and industry professionals, the camp offers a blend of academic and practical experiences. Whether students are interested in forensic science, law enforcement, or criminal profiling, USF Justice Quest provides an insightful overview of the diverse fields that contribute to the pursuit of justice.
USF Justice Quest Camp Details
Camp Director: Cary Hopkins-Eyles
Location: USF Tampa
Grade Levels: Entering 9th - 12th
Dates: TBD
Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Cost: TBD
What to Expect
Criminology and Criminal Behavior
Campers will gain an understanding of the complexities of criminal behavior, exploring the psychological, social, and environmental factors that influence criminal actions. Through evidence collection, investigation, and real-world case studies, they’ll analyze different types of crimes, focusing on the means, methods, and opportunities involved in criminal activities.
Forensic Science and Investigation
Campers will engage in hands-on activities related to forensics, learning how evidence is collected, analyzed, and presented in court. They’ll explore techniques such as fingerprint analysis and examining shoe and tire treads, gaining insight into how these methods help forensic scientists solve criminal cases.
Criminal Justice Career Paths
With field trips to the Hillsborough County Courthouse and the HCSO Forensics Lab, campers will explore career options with various degree programs within the criminal justice field, including law enforcement, legal studies, forensic science, and criminal profiling. By learning from professionals in these areas, campers will understand the unique responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of each career path.
Practical Application of Criminal Justice Concepts
Through real-world case studies and instruction from industry experts, campers will see how criminology and forensic science are applied in solving crimes and ensuring justice. They will learn how different professionals—such as police officers, detectives, forensic scientists, and lawyers—work together to investigate crimes and prosecute offenders.
Give your child the chance to explore the world of criminology through hands-on activities like evidence collection and real-world case studies. Campers will gain insights into criminal behavior, forensic science, and investigation techniques such as fingerprint analysis, all while learning how professionals solve crimes.
With field trips to the Hillsborough County Courthouse and HCSO Forensics Lab, campers will also discover career paths in law enforcement, forensic science, and legal studies. Led by industry experts, this camp provides an exciting, practical introduction to the criminal justice field.
Useful Information
When does registration open for USF Justice Quest?
Registration for all 2025 summer camps will open on February 1, 2025.
What is the capacity for USF Justice Quest?
Each session of USF Justice Quest has a capacity of 30.
What is the refund/cancellation policy?
USF reserves the right to cancel camps, in which case registration fees are fully refunded. If it becomes necessary for USF to cancel, postpone or combine camps, or change a camp location, you will be notified by email or phone. It is important that we have your current contact information. If a camp is cancelled, you will receive a full refund. If a registration is received after the enrollment limit has been reached, a full refund will be issued.
If you need to cancel a camp registration, please email USF Youth Experiences. If the cancellation occurs 10 days prior to camp start date a full refund will be received with the exception of administration fees. However, if the cancellation is received within 10 business days of the camp start date, no refund will be given. No refunds will be issued after the start date of the camp.
Who are the USF Faculty/Staff that lead USF Justice Quest?
USF Justice Quest is led by Cary Hopkins Eyles, MA, CAP, a Visiting Assistant Instructor in the Department of Criminology at USF. With 20 years of experience as a certified addictions professional, she brings a wealth of expertise in substance use disorders and criminal behavior. Cary teaches a wide range of courses, including Drugs and Crime, Criminality, Domestic Violence, and Trauma in the Criminal Justice System, ensuring students receive comprehensive insights into the field.
Where is USF Justice Quest located?
USF Justice Quest will be held at the USF Tampa campus. We are in the process of finalizing the exact location and will update you as soon as it's confirmed.
What time is drop-off and pick-up for USF Justice Quest?
Our staff will be ready to welcome your child for drop-off at 8:50 AM in front of the yet to be deteremind camp location, with pick-up starting at 4:00 PM. If you are running late for drop-off or pick-up, please call our office at (813) 974-3355 to let us know.
After registering for USF Justice Quest, when will I start receiving logistical details, including drop-off and pick-up times?
You will receive several reminder emails leading up to the camp start date. Emails will be sent 60, 30, 14, 7, and 1 day prior, each containing important information to ensure a successful experience at USF Justice Quest.
Take a look at photos from last year's USF Justice Quest
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