YOUTH FORESTRY CAMP #3

Youth Forestry Camp #3 is a public high school that is part of the Youth Forestry Camp #3 school district, located in James Creek, PA with about 28 students offering grade levels from 7th Grade to 12th Grade. With about 8 teachers, Youth Forestry Camp #3 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.

Youth Forestry Camp #3 (YFC #3), located within the scenic landscape of Trough Creek State Park in James Creek, Pennsylvania, is a specialized residential facility operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Unlike a traditional academic school, it functions as a highly structured juvenile rehabilitation center. The facility is designed to provide adjudicated youth with a blend of vocational training, academic education, and intensive counseling in a non-traditional environment.

The core philosophy of the program centers on the "work-hard" ethic and the therapeutic benefits of nature. Residents participate in meaningful forestry projects and land stewardship tasks within the state park system, which helps them develop physical stamina, professional skills, and a sense of personal responsibility. By integrating state-mandated schooling with rigorous outdoor labor and behavioral management, the camp aims to help young men successfully reintegrate into their communities, address the root causes of their behavioral challenges, and establish a constructive path forward.

For more information, contact Youth Forestry Camp #3 at (814) 658-3492 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.