Colleges throughout the United States often offer summer camps for teens. The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and Michigan State University are two prime examples of residential CSI training summer camps. Michigan State College has strict registration guidelines, which include a letter of recommendation from a teacher, grade point average of 3.5, or higher, and documentation of good standardized test scores. Stockton College admits teens from all over the country who must at least be entering ninth grade the following fall. Availability, requirements and restrictions vary from college to college. As of 2011, the average cost for a residential program is between $600 to more than $1,000.
Generally, CSI training camps are all-inclusive, including meals and after course entertainment. Students are supervised by authorized, trained campus residential advisers (RAs) at all times. An RA is a college student who demonstrates commitment to education and the ability to interact and lead young teens. RAs are trained in all aspects of safety, regulations and responsibilities relating to all campers' welfare. Students are usually expected to remain on campus during non-program time and evenings. Michigan state offers extracurricular activities in the evenings for all interested campers. Activities include gym sports, along with numerous other campus activities that students are welcomed to explore. RAs will accompany students to all campus activities.
Requirements necessary for registration in a CSI training camp dictate the type of curriculum the program provides. Stockton College has limited lab work included in their curriculum; more emphasis is placed on field work, case work, crime scene investigation and trial preparation. Michigan State provides state-of-the-art lab facilities and explores in-depth forensic procedures through true-to-life mock crime scenes. Michigan State University's program is intended for those who will, in all likelihood, go on to study forensic science in their college career; whereas, Stockton College's Summer camp is aimed toward the casual learner.
While every program has its own set of rules and regulations, there are some commonalities among most. Expensive electronic equipment should be left at home, as the program and its officials are not responsible for lost or stolen goods. Generally, televisions or stereos are not allowed. Some summer CSI camps restrict cell phone usage and request the use of on-campus phones or calling cards. Bring only enough clothing for the duration of the program and a small amount of spending money. An information package is provided prior to camp; the package lists all regulations and necessary items.