Youth Forestry Camp #2

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.