They worked the crime scene, analyzing footprints and handwriting samples, dusting for fingerprints, and interviewing suspects to figure out who committed the crime. These weren’t local law enforcement professionals, though — they were kids participating in a crime scene investigation camp at McGann-Mercy Diocesan High School here.

The camp was part of McGann-Mercy’s first summer enrichment camp series, three weeklong sessions for children ages 8-11 from local public and Catholic schools...