Operating since 1945, Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp (PGYCC) in Amador County offers rehabilitation and re-entry services for incarcerated youth through career training, therapy, and teamwork.
The Pine Grove camp serves a maximum of 100 participants, who train and work as paid fire crew members with CAL FIRE, while receiving trauma-informed treatment and educational rehabilitation programming.
PGYCC participants work eight hours a day on community projects and training as certified wildland firefighters. In the off-season, they perform community service projects like fire and flood abatement.
PGYCC has a partnership with CAL FIRE, which helps the youth to learn wildland firefighting skills.
The program is designed to help participants transition successfully to the community upon discharge, with mentors and life coaches connecting with participants through treatment programs that address childhood trauma using education, individual mentorship, and group therapy.
Participants in CDCR’s Conservation Camp Program are eligible for opportunities to further their careers in the fire service profession. To be a candidate for camp placement, participants must meet certain criteria and be recommended by county probation staff.
PGYCC provides a well-rounded experience such as counseling and life skills, contributing to knowledge, ethics, and overall success.
Watch the two-part video:
Part 1:
Part 2:
Video by Clarissa Resultan, CDCR Photographer
Story by Tessa Outhyse, PIO
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