YOP success catches interest of Kardashians

Editor’s note: The Kardashians visited Growlersburg Conservation Camp to learn more about the Youthful Offender Camp Pilot Program (YOP). Acting Press Secretary Pedro Calderón Michel was on hand to facilitate the tour and document their visit.

Spotlight: Growlersburg’s youthful offender pilot program

The Youthful Offender Camp Pilot Program (YOP) has shown remarkable success, a testament to the dedication of those who are committed to transforming their lives.

CDCR staff’s unwavering support and empathetic interactions with the incarcerated population are truly inspiring.

These healthier interactions within the correctional setting contribute to the rehabilitation of individuals. The incarcerated firefighters’ efforts have gained so much attention that the Kardashian sisters were interested in visiting the Growlersburg Conservation Camp, located in Georgetown in El Dorado County.

Watch the video (story continues below):

“They got a firsthand look at what is the absolute best rehabilitative program in the state of California,” said Correctional Capt. Fred Money.

Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and their friends observed the valuable work being carried out by incarcerated individuals. The program gives participants a chance to be housed at a lower security level than their classification score, improving access to programs during crucial stages of their development.

The Kardashians recorded an episode for their show at the camp, set to be featured on Hulu in late April or early May.

Camps provide vital public safety service

The success is attributed to several factors. This includes the leadership of the camp commander, who takes pride in the program’s success. He’s also proud of the personal and professional growth of the participants under his supervision as well as his staff.

“We have a reentry and care and treatment mentality which allows our in-camp support staff and firefighters to operate with higher success,” said Lt. Michael Hill, camp commander. “Our staff can lead and mentor these men which allows them to buy into our mentality and camp philosophy. In the end, they are empowered to excel. I’m proud these men know they still have value and worth and that we support them.”

“I am seeing it here as a sense of purpose that you guys might feel you have. It is really amazing to be able to say you have that,” said Kendall Jenner. “It is cool to see how this potentially changed you guys for the better.”

YOP expands access to camp programs and provides participants with access to rehabilitative programs and job skills. Additionally, the program incentivizes incarcerated people to participate in the Conservation Camp Program. The camps provide a vital public safety service to the state of California.

This program distinguishes itself by providing an opportunity for young offenders to participate, despite potential exclusion based on their classification score or the severity of their offenses.

The YOP program allows youthful offenders who are presently ineligible for regular parole participation due to a Level-III placement score, or involvement in more serious crimes, that could warrant a Violent Administrative Determinant. CDCR defines a youthful offender as an individual committed to the department who is 25 years of age or younger. 

Capt. Fred Money: ‘Best rehabilitative program in the state of California’

“The Kardashians got a firsthand look at the work the crews do on a fire line and fire suppression,” said Correctional Capt. Fed Money. “They got a firsthand look at what is the absolute best rehabilitative program in the state of California.”

Participation of incarcerated peer mentors is a vital component of the YOP camp pilot. Those aged 26 and above who are serving sentences have the opportunity to volunteer as peer mentors. These mentors offer the chance to enhance communication skills, contribute positively to the prison environment, and act as a valuable resource for the young offenders.

In addition to educational and rehabilitative programming, camp participants receive wildland firefighter training, enhancing their opportunities for future firefighting careers.

“This is like huge. This is beautiful. And I’m glad you brought the spotlight only for us,” said YOP participant Isaiah Taylor. “We are doing some of the hardest work imaginable.”

In recent years, Kim Kardashian has become an advocate for criminal justice reform, visiting multiple correctional facilities.

“I was just a little bit judgmental at the beginning of my journey, feeling like I could really only back a certain type of offense,” said Kardashian.

Public safety has changed

“The narrative of public safety has changed dramatically throughout the years,” said Lt. Vanessa Melendez, camp commander of Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp. “What that looks like for me actually, is to ensure these young men are leaving my camp and reentering society as successful members of society, giving back rather than taking away.”

Many former camp firefighters go on to gain employment with CALFIRE, the United States Forest Service, and interagency hotshot crews.

“The opportunity of bringing Kim Kardashian and her fellow cast-mates here to Growlersburg Camp in northern California, really provided an opportunity to show the partnership between CDCR and CALFIRE, and the efforts that are being made to turn these incarcerated firefighters and give them the opportunity to become professional firefighters,” said Nick Schuler, deputy director of communications for CALFIRE.

California Model promotes positive relationships

“I do believe fire camps are a definition of the California Model,” said Lt. Melendez. “One of the pillars of the California Model is dynamic security. And the fact that we are here at a fire camp, and now our youth offenders are allowed to be part of this mission, part of the fire camp mission, dynamic security is the pillar I am referring to.”

Because the success of the program, more participants were sent to Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp in Amador County. The camp is jointly operated by CDCR and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).

The primary mission of the camp is to support local, state, and federal agencies as they respond to emergencies such as fires and floods. Incarcerated hand crews also complete community service and conservation projects year-round.

The initial 17 YOP camp participants arrived at Growlersburg in November 2023 after completing training at Sierra Conservation Center in Jamestown.

Access to rehabilitative programs and job skills

“Thank you to the public for trusting us with this opportunity (with the) new pilot camp program for the youth offenders,” said Carlos Valdivia, a YOP participant.

“I believe they could honestly see how involved our staff were and what a difference that was making in the lives of our firefighters,” said Lt. Hill. “I would love to believe that they could see our passion, dedication and commitment to the fire conservation camp mission.”

Story and video by acting Press Secretary Pedro Calderón Michel
Office of Public and Employee Communications

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