What Forensic Teams Wished for During the Reindeer Games (and What We Did About It)

It started with one holiday letter… and turned into something much bigger.

Last December, we launched a festive team-building challenge for forensic professionals across the country: The Reindeer Games. We thought it would be fun. Lighthearted. A little chaotic in the best way.

It was.

But what we didn’t expect was just how emotional it would become.

One team shared they were using personal phones to capture crime scene photos—and asked Santa for a Nikon crime scene camera.

That wish—and the dozens of others we received—sparked something in our team, our community, and our mission.

Now, as we celebrate Christmas in July, we’re revisiting those stories, sharing the impact, and showing you how one small idea is growing into something bigger:

✨ The Reindeer Games will be back in December 2025.
✨ The Forensics on a Budget Summit is happening this September—and it’s free to attend.
✨ And yes—we’re already working to fulfill even more forensic wishlists.

The Reindeer Games: A Holiday Challenge for Forensic Professionals

The Reindeer Games is a challenge where teams of up to five members participate in daily holiday-themed activities with a forensic twist. Think:

• Crime scene gingerbread builds
• Forensic-themed playlists
• Meme-making contests
• Creating holiday cards and decorating your office

The goal? Bring joy, connection, and a little competition to forensic professionals working in high-stress environments.

Want a closer look at each of the daily challenges, what teams submitted, and who took home prizes?
👉 Check out the full recap in Inside the Reindeer Games: The Holiday Challenge Bringing Forensics Together

But the first challenge wasn’t just fun—it was revealing.

The Letter to Santa That Changed Everything

Sleigh Stop #1: Write a Letter to Santa

Here’s a glimpse at what forensic professionals across the country asked for:

• New vehicles
• Money for training
• More staff
• A vacation
• IDEMIA desktop license
• A well-deserved raise
• Gap Science swag
• Black powder
• A drug terminator
• Permanent markers

And then came the letter that hit us hardest:

“We’re writing from a tiny police department—just five of us trying to cover everything on a shoestring budget. Fancy equipment like crime scene cameras? Not in the cards. We’re using our personal phones to photograph footprints at 2 a.m. Santa, if it’s not too much trouble… we’d love a Nikon crime scene camera.“

That letter hit us right in the feels.

We couldn’t promise new vehicles or extra staff… but a camera? That felt doable.

And that’s exactly what we set out to do.

From Wishlist to Reality: What We Were Able to Fulfill

That letter sparked something in us—and it sparked something in our community, too.

Here’s what happened next:

✅ Gently used cameras

Thanks to an agency that was upgrading their equipment, we were connected with a department willing to donate not just one—but three—of their older crime scene cameras for a good cause. Our partners at Versaterm stepped in to cover shipping—and the camera made its way to that small team who had been relying on smartphones.

They even sent us a thank-you card and included their agency challenge coin with a card with a sweet message:

“Erin, Ashley, and Gap Science Crew, This happy dance has your name all over it. THANK YOU! Thank you so much!”

✅ A pizza party surprise

Another letter came from the Tinsel Techs, who humbly asked for three things:

We couldn’t fix items one or two… but we could throw one heck of a pizza party. So we showed up in person with Papa John’s, Klondike bars, balloons, and some fruit (because, balance).

✅ Gap Science Swag

A few other teams received boxes of Gap Science merch—because sometimes, a sticker or notebook is all it takes to feel seen and appreciated.

Celebrating Christmas in July

We’re sharing these stories now, in the middle of summer, because honestly… it’s still on our minds.

These letters didn’t just spark a few small surprises.

They reminded us that behind every lab bench, evidence locker, and field kit is a human being trying to do their best with what they have.

Sometimes all they need is a little boost.

What participants had to say

“YOU AND ASHLEY HAVE US ALL IN OUR FEELS TODAY! OFFICIALLY CRIED TWICE TODAY…. I’M NOT A CRIER!”

“I like seeing my team come up with ideas. They are really getting into the spirit.”

“Ever since we submitted our letter, the unit group chat is now blowing up. I’d like to attribute this week’s lack of production to Gap Science Reindeer Games.”

Want to Help Us Make More Magic?

There are still wishlists to fulfill.

If you’re a business, agency, or individual who wants to help bring some forensic holiday magic to life this year—we’d love to hear from you.

And the support is already rolling in:

“I would love to help with Reindeer Games or wishlists if I’m able!” – Gap Science subscriber from Alaska

“OMG cell phone cameras! I wanted to cry reading this! I was SO spoiled. Yes, I would like to help.” – Gap Science subscriber from California

We’re hoping to fulfill even more wishlists before Reindeer Games 2025—with your help.

Whether it’s donating gear, sponsoring prizes, or helping us spread the word, there’s a role for everyone.

📝 Send us an email at info@gapscience.com

Final Thoughts: One Letter. Big Impact.

Sometimes, it starts with one small wish.

A camera. A pizza party. A little forensic joy.

The Reindeer Games reminded us that connection, community, and compassion go a long way—especially in a field where so many are asked to do more with less.

We expected fun. What we didn’t expect was how many forensic professionals felt unseen or unsupported. These letters reminded us why advocacy, community, and a little magic still matter in this field.

And we learned something else too:

The gear you think is outdated or unnecessary—some other team may be desperate to have it.

We’d love to keep building bridges between the agencies that have and the ones who need. If you’re upgrading, cleaning out, or simplifying, we’d be happy to connect you with someone who could use what you’re letting go.

We hope you’ll join us this year to make even more of those wishes come true.

Until then, stay safe out there!