CSI: Forensic Files
About the Camp
Tragedy has struck Happy Valley—the beloved Nittany Lion mascot has gone missing, and with football season fast approaching, the State College Police Department fears foul play. But they have no suspects, no leads, and no idea where to begin. How do you solve a crime no one witnessed? The answer lies in science. In this immersive forensic science camp, students will join Penn State’s renowned Crime Scene Investigation Unit to uncover the truth behind the Lion’s disappearance. Campers will step into the shoes of real investigators, processing a mock crime scene using actual evidence recovery techniques. From fingerprint analysis to chemical testing, they’ll examine clues in the crime lab and apply cutting-edge forensic methods to crack the case. Each experiment brings them one step closer to unraveling the mystery. Will your CSI team solve the case before the football season starts? Join the investigation—if you think you're up for the challenge.
Note: The first full day of camp is Monday, July 6, but residential campers will check in to the dorms on the evening of Sunday, July 5
Details
Day Camp
Ages: 14-17
Dates: July 6-10
Price: $425
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Please note that on the final day of camp, dismissal typically occurs earlier than 4:00 p.m.
Some camps may also include a closing ceremony or showcase for families on the final day. Specific dismissal times and event details will be shared with families closer to the start of camp.
Location: University Park (Exact locations will be communicated to registrants 2 weeks prior to camp)
Lunch: Campers will eat lunch in the dining commons Monday through Friday.
Residential Camp
Ages: 14-17
Dates: July 5-10
Price: $875
Location: University Park (Exact locations will be communicated to registrants 2 weeks prior to camp)
Meals: Campers will eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining commons Sunday evening through Friday afternoon.
More information about Science-U's residential camps can be found HERE.
Registration for 2026 camps opens on February 3rd at 12pm. Access the registration page HERE
Questions?
Contact us via email at sciencecamps@science.psu.edu or give us a call at (814) 865-0083
Office of Science Outreach, 201 Ritenour Building, University Park, PA 16802
For more information, please see Information for Parents from the Penn State Office of Ethics and Compliance.