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.
Justice Quest Camp Details
Camp Director: Cary Hopkins-Eyles
Location: USF Tampa and USF St. Petersburg
Grade Levels: Entering 9th - 12th
Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Dates: TBD
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
Registration and Camp Details
When does registration open for USF Justice Quest?
Registration for all 2026 summer camps will open on February 1, 2026.
What is the capacity for USF Justice Quest?
Each session of USF Justice Quest has a capacity of 30.
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 on the USF Tampa campus in C.W. Bill Young Hall (CWY).
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.
Residential Options
Are there residential options available for USF Justice Quest?
Yes, the Justice Quest Program is eligible for Rocky’s Residents, a residential add-on offered for select high school programs. This option provides 6 days and 5 nights of supervised on-campus housing, meals, and evening programming that supports community building and exposure to university life.
How can I register for Rocky's Residents residential add-on?
During registration for your day camp, you will have the option to add Rocky's Residents as part of the process. There is no separate registration required for the residential program.
How much does Rocky's Residents residential add-on cost?
The cost for Rocky's Residents is $1,395 per camper. This includes:
- 6 days and 5 nights of accommodation at Juniper-Poplar Residence Hall
- All meals provided at USF Dining Halls
- Supervision and activities led by trained counselors
- Recreation and wellness activities, including sports, fitness challenges, and more
- Access to campus facilities, such as recreational fields and study lounges
- A campus tour and presentations from USF Admissions and Student Success
- Evening events with student organizations and USF faculty
- Laundry facilities for campers' use
- '24-hour on-call emergency maintenance and support
Policies
What is the refund/cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or transfer a camp registration, please email youthxp@usf.edu.
Cancellations or transfer requests received at least 15 business days prior to the camp start date will be eligible for a refund or transfer to another available camp, minus any administrative or processing fees. Cancellations or transfer requests received within 15 business days of the camp start date are not eligible for a refund or transfer. No refunds will be issued after a camp has begun, regardless of the number of days attended or participation level. No refunds will be issued if a participant is dismissed from camp due to a violation of the camp’s conduct policy or code of behavior.
We make every effort to run all camps exactly as scheduled. In the unlikely event it becomes necessary to cancel, postpone, or combine camps, or change a camp location, you will be notified by email or phone. Please ensure your contact information is up to date. If USF cancels a camp, you will receive a full refund. If USF reschedules a camp, you will have the option to receive a full refund or transfer to the new session.
Take a look at photos from last year's USF Justice Quest
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