From Sherlock to Vera, and NCIS to Bones, everyone loves a crime show – but for 80 bright young minds from eastern Australia, they will be living the experience at The Armidale School’s annual Forensic Science Camp next week.
From July 8 to 12, the Year 8 students from 18 independent, government and Catholic schools in NSW and Victoria will be solving hypothetical crimes including murders, fraud and vandalism –along the way developing skills in laboratory techniques, critical thinking and teamwork.
For more than three decades, the camp has enthralled and engaged boys and girls from across Australia. Part of what makes it unique is that it is run by students – this year’s team comprising 17 TAS students from Years 9 and 10.
Divided into 22 ‘Crime Task Force’ teams, the Year 8 ‘campers’ will solve one of five crime scenarios that were developed and road-tested by 10 ‘camp controllers’ as part of a unique semester-long TAS Year 9/10 elective.
“The crimes are all brand new and specifically made to challenge the campers throughout the week,” said Camp Director Thomas Wade, a Year 10 TAS student who developed a scenario for last year’s camp.
“In the mix will be a few red herrings and wild cards to make it more interesting and ensure they really test all possibilities thoroughly.”
Overseeing the controllers are seven other students, responsible for various roles including recruitment, catering, accommodation, logistics and entertainment. Five adult staff members are on hand purely to supervise and offer laboratory support.
The scenario controllers will support the teams in their crime solving and case development throughout the camp. Towards the end of the week the teams will come together based on their scenarios and develop the final cases to be presented to Kingsley Chapman, Detective Inspector – Crime Manager, New England Police District at the committal hearing itself on the final morning.
“The campers will leave the experience with increased analytical skills, a new appreciation for forensic science techniques and a greater understanding of some of the issues faced when solving crimes,” Thomas said.
“Many new friendships will also be formed through the forensic science camp experience.”
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