Unique Summer Activity for Teens: Spy Camp at the Washington, DC University

School starts in two weeks. Your teenager has been a pain all summer. He waited too long to look for a summer job in the Washington, DC suburbs.

The entire time off school can best be summarized by, "Hey, I'm bored."

Chances are, you're just trying to get through the rest of summer vacation but also thinking about what to do with your son or daughter next year.

For the past three years, Trinity University in Washington, DC has hosted a unique option. High schoolers for across the United States have gathered for the Summer Seminar in Intelligence. Previously dubbed the Trinity Spy Camp, it lasts one week. And kids from across the country love what they learn about intelligence gathering, counter terrorism, and national security.

Trinity University was founded in 1897 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Located in the heart of Washington, DC and easily accessible to public transportation to all parts of the nation's capital, it sprawls across a picturesque campus.

While the Roman Catholic school has been a university since September 4, 2004, its College of Arts and Sciences maintains its original status as a women's liberal arts college. However, men are admitted to The School of Education and The School of Professional studies for both graduate and undergraduate classes.

Trinity has a total enrollment of about 2,000 students. One of its most famous graduates is Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi.

Students who learn how to be super sleuths range in age from 15 to 19. They arrived this year with an impressive knowledge of topics such as jihadist ideology and global events since September 11, 2001. One of this year's speakers, Walid Phares, is considered an expert when it comes to global terrorism and Middle Eastern affairs. He was very impressed with the kids' initiative at doing their own research.

Faculty members also point to heightened overall awareness of today's teenagers, who are interested in iPods, computers in general, cell phones, and video games. Many of the students saw the July 19-23 camp as a stepping stone on the way to where they want to go in life.

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Credit: Frank Hermers

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