What is more interesting than you? That’s the question that led Sanford PROMISE educators to offer a camp called Finding Your Roots.
This camp is modeled from a summer camp that is offered at Penn State of the same name and is inspired by the PBS TV program hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr. To offer this experience, Sanford PROMISE formed a partnership with Living DNA, a genetic testing company. Living DNA analyzes DNA samples and provides a unique ancestry report for each student.
Apply now:Finding Your Roots genetics and ancestry camp
This genetics and ancestry camp has been offered every summer since 2020 and is a one-of-a-kind experience for students.
What is Finding Your Roots camp all about?
The preparations for this camp start in the spring when campers are given a DNA collection kit from Living DNA. They submit a cheek swab and send it in. Parents of the campers will be required to create an account with Living DNA. During camp, students learn about DNA, genetic technology, evolution, and genetic counseling. They participate in a series of hands-on experiences that allow them to understand the role of DNA in their body. After campers develop this understanding, they are presented with a personalized genetic report.
What is in the personalized genetic report?
个性化报告包含三个部分。第一部分是近代祖先。它用饼状图表示露营者的祖先来自哪里。该报告提供了露营者饼状图中每个地区的简要历史。对许多露营者来说，这开启了与父母和祖父母谈论他们家庭历史的对话。第二部分揭示了露营者的单倍群。单倍群是线粒体DNA序列的变异，已经发生了超过15万年，通过母系与我们最早祖先的地理区域保持一致。第三部分揭示了一些独特的特征，比如喜欢吃香菜或有红头发的倾向。我们比较它们的基因型(DNA)和表型(生理特征)。此报告不共享任何健康信息。
What is the goal of Finding Your Roots camp?
The goal of Finding Your Roots camp is to learn about DNA by making it personal to the campers. The hope is that the campers will come away from camp with an understanding of where they come from, why they are unique, and how they are connected to all of humankind. Throughout the week, campers will work on a poster called “All About Me” where they assemble all the information they have learned. At the end of the week, they will present in a gallery walk to share the information with invited family members and guests.
How do I know my genetic data is safe?
None of this would be possible without the help of our partners at Living DNA. Located in the United Kingdom, Living DNA is one of the top five global DNA testing firms. Unlike other DNA testing firms, Living DNA does not sell data to any third parties.Read more about their privacy policy. They also offer an online portal to provide more information to the campers and their parents, including control over content features.
How do I sign up?
This camp is offered to middle school aged students one time during the summer and requires a commitment to submit a DNA sample in the spring. Camp is held at the Sanford PROMISE lab at Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. All PROMISE camps require application and have no fee. If you are interested in applying for this camp, please visitpromise.sanfordhealth.orgfor more information.
Learn more
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Posted InCommunity,Genetics,Research
