YOUTH FORESTRY CAMP #2

Youth Forestry Camp #2 is a public high school with about 14 students offering grade levels from 7th Grade to 12th Grade. With about 7 teachers, Youth Forestry Camp #2 has a student/teacher ratio of about 2:1. 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 #2 (YFC #2), located within the scenic grounds of Hickory Run State Park in White Haven, Pennsylvania, is a specialized residential facility operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Unlike traditional detention centers, this facility functions as a medium-secure forestry camp designed for adjudicated youth. The program integrates education, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and labor-intensive outdoor work to foster personal growth, accountability, and the development of a strong work ethic in young men transitioning through the juvenile justice system.

The core philosophy of the camp centers on the "work-study" model, where residents engage in meaningful conservation projects throughout the state park. Under the supervision of forestry professionals and facility staff, youth participate in trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and park beautification, which serves both as vocational training and a constructive outlet for energy. Complementing this physical labor is a structured academic program and intensive counseling services aimed at addressing the behavioral issues that led to their placement. By combining the natural therapeutic environment of Hickory Run with rigorous academic and behavioral expectations, Youth Forestry Camp #2 aims to rehabilitate residents and successfully reintegrate them into their communities.

For more information, contact Youth Forestry Camp #2 at (570) 443-9524 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.