A Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp correctional officer has gone beyond his normal duties to establish a Bible study for camp participants.
Correctional Officer Rodney Landreth is making a lasting difference in the lives of the incarcerated men he supervises.
Last Spring, Officer Landreth took the initiative to create a weekly Bible study group for the camp. The group’s idea is rooted in hope, faith, and the belief that change begins from within.
What started as a simple proposal has since grown into a meaningful space for reflection, growth, and fellowship.
Breaking cycles, learning new skills
“I see an opportunity to give the youth a way to change their mindset,” Landreth wrote. “Potentially (this will) keep them from returning to the cycle they have been caught in most of their lives.”
His vision was clear: In addition to learning work skills, the youth would also be equipped with spiritual and emotional tools to help them succeed.
Through his dedication, Landreth secured a donation of new Bibles for the participants. Each one represents a chance to build a stronger foundation for life beyond incarceration. The feedback from staff and participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have expressed appreciation for the sense of peace and connection the group has fostered.
Hugo Sanchez, a credible messenger from the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, said the group has helped him see correctional officers in a different light.
“It awakened a newfound respect in me for officers. And I believe that it has done the same for some of the (other) men your officers oversee,” Sanchez wrote to the camp commander.
He also expressed how impressed he was with the group’s attendance.
Youth Offender Mentor Gary Hillard said he looks forward to attending Officer Landreth’s Bible study. He also finds himself more engaged and appreciates the positivity it brings.
“When they leave (camp), I want to say I did my job to its fullest potential and did everything I could,” said Landreth. “(And that we) gave them the tools they need to succeed.”
His initiative reflects the heart of Pine Grove’s purpose: guide, mentor, and empower individuals toward a better path.
Submitted by Lt. Vanessa Melendez, Camp Commander
Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Read more rehabilitation stories.
Related content
Eel River hosts 18th Redwood Coast Fire Preparedness Exercise
The 18th annual Redwood Coast Fire Preparedness Exercise was successfully conducted by CAL FIRE personnel assigned to Eel River Conservation…
Watch: Transitions Reentry Program prepares students for future
Incarcerated people who are preparing for life on the outside have resources available, including the Transitions Reentry Program. The Division…
San Quentin hosts showcase for employers, community partners
In partnership with California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority (CALCTRA) and CDCR, The Last Mile (TLM) hosted a showcase event…
Watch: San Quentin Media Center celebrates grand opening
In mid-April, CDCR announced the opening of a state-of-the-art Media Center at the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC). Joined by…
Watch: Finding hope through education at CCWF College Fair
More than a dozen schools recently held a College Fair at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) to promote education opportunities.…
CSP‑Corcoran staff, incarcerated walk to fight cancer
California State Prison (CSP) Corcoran hosted the third annual Cancer Walk with staff and the incarcerated raising a record-breaking $12,900…