CDCR

Conservation (Fire) Camps

Welcome to Pine Grove
Conservation Camp

13630 Aqueduct-Volcano Road, Pine Grove, CA. 95665
PH: 209-296-7581

Camp Staff

See facts and figures section

 

Camp History

Pine Grove Conservation Camp is located in a small valley along Grass Valley Creek, two miles east of Pine Grove, Amador County, in the heart of the historic Mother Lode.

Pine Grove was the first of six Youth Conservation Camps dedicated to the rehabilitation of our young men and the conservation of California’s natural resources.  Pine Grove Camp opened in 1945 and is the oldest fire camp in continuous operation in the country.  The camp is operated jointly by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Justice (CDCR-DJJ) and presently houses 80 wards, ranging in age from 18 to 24 years old.

Inmate Programs

Formalized Substance Abuse Counseling

Learning how to live a life free of substance abuse and non-criminal thinking is the goal of this program.  Small group counseling emphasizing life style positive changes, drug education classes, relapse management, domestic violence, and conflict resolution are also conducted.

Weekly Small Group Counseling
Life skills, decision making skills, defense strategies, parole plans and life plans are issues addressed in small groups.   Through group interaction and counseling, wards learn how to be successful on parole.

Gang Awareness
Wards gain a better understanding of themselves and why they joined a gang.  They discover positive alternatives to avoid returning to a gang lifestyle.

Victim Awareness
Victim’s issues are presented in order to raise the ward’s level of awareness concerning the impact of crime on victims (now called Special Victim’s Unit).

Anger Management
Wards develop coping skills to deal with stress pressures of every day life.  These include YOGA, a joining of Mind, Body, and breath for volunteers wanting to stretch, and relaxation practices.

Parenting
Wards learn models for effective parenting.

Wounded Inner Child
Discovery/Healing of the world of the Wounded Child within.

Pre-Parole Program
Wards obtain a list of jobs and phone numbers in their community for follow up job opportunities upon parole, learn to create resumes, and perform mock interview.

EDUCATION

High School Diploma
Calif. High School Proficiency Exam
GED
Skills Improvement (I.A.S.A.)
Resource Program
Special Education
Community College Courses
Employability Skills
Community Volunteer and Peer Tutors
Journalism and Creative Writing
Computer Literacy

WORK PROGRAMS (paid)
Fire Fighting
Community Service Crew
Maintenance
Food Service

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Posse:  Drug presentation to schools and community groups by wards using puppet shows, skits, rap music and straight talk.

Toastmasters Club:  Wards learn the art of communication and leadership through this international public speaking program.

Religious Services:  Various outside groups offer religious support and instruction by conducting meetings and special events.

Leisure Time Activities:  Library, games, sports, singing groups, arts and crafts, and participation in County softball and basketball leagues.