PINE GROVE YOUTH CONSERVATION CAMP

Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp is a public high school with about 19 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. With about 5 teachers, Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp has a student/teacher ratio of about 3:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp is a unique educational and vocational facility operated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) in partnership with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Situated in the rural landscape of Amador County, the camp serves as a supervised environment for non-violent youthful offenders. Its primary mission is to provide participants with structured discipline, character development, and rigorous vocational training, specifically focusing on wildland firefighting and forest conservation efforts.

The facility functions as both a correctional program and a functional fire camp, where residents (often referred to as wards) work alongside CAL FIRE personnel. Participants are trained in emergency response, forest management, and infrastructure maintenance, gaining hands-on experience in fighting wildfires, clearing brush, and performing community service projects. By combining intensive physical labor with educational programming, the Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp aims to instill a strong work ethic, team collaboration skills, and a sense of responsibility in its residents, ultimately preparing them for successful reintegration into society upon their release.

For more information, contact Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp at (209) 296-7581 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.