Florida Atlantic University (FAU) offered its first-ever Criminal Justice Summer Camp for high school students in July 2016. The concept was inspired by John Smykla, Director and Professor of FAU’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (SCCJ). He knows that many high school students are interested in this subject, so he wanted them to get a better understanding of how the criminal justice system really works. He said, “While this is a fascinating field, it’s complex, and things don’t happen as quickly as shown on TV or in the media.”
FAU is located near The GEO Group Headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida. Mr. Smykla reached out to Dr. Zoley, the Founder and CEO of The GEO Group, to see if the company was interested in being a sponsor of the event. Dr. Zoley agreed, and provided a donation used towards scholarships for families who couldn’t afford the fee. The camp fee included a wide variety of activities jam-packed into each day of the camp, social activities, two camp T-shirts, and room and board. The students stayed in a dorm at the University which also gave them an idea of what college life is like.
The schedule included presentations regarding crime scene forensics, a tour of a 911 call center, and demonstrations from the SWAT team, K-9 unit, and bomb squad. That was just the first day. The rest of the camp involved activities that included a visit to marine units, an underwater search and recovery demonstration, State Fish and Wildlife presentation, and a tour of the FBI offices – all giving the students an opportunity to see these aspects of criminal justice in action.
Back at campus, the participants took part in a mock criminal trial, where the students were assigned roles and staged a trial with a real judge, state attorney, and public defender taking part. Students also participated in a mock crime scene investigation, toured the FAU stadium arrest and processing area, and were given a behind-the-scenes view of what it takes to keep the campus as safe as possible. Even with these eventful days, the students had free time where they were able to unwind with an ice cream social, a pool party, a pizza dinner, and other activities.
FAU's SCCJ looks forward to putting on another summer camp next year, and appreciates the participation from the many agencies and other participants who contributed to the camp’s success!
For more information, visit: www.fau.edu/sccj
