Growlersburg Conservation Camp #33

Visiting Growlersburg Conservation Camp #33

This is what the institution publishes, in the order you will meet it: when visits run, how to get approved, how to book, when to arrive, what you may carry in and who may come with you.

When visits run

Conservation camps offer in-person and hybrid video visiting on Saturdays and Sundays. Open-phase in-person sessions may run between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.; visitors must confirm directly because fire crews can deploy on short notice. Source: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/visitors/schedule-visitation/scheduling-visits-at-conservation-fire-camps/

Getting approved first

You have to be an approved visitor before you can book anything. Approval starts with a Visitor Questionnaire, CDCR Form 106.

How to get the form: You cannot download it and send it yourself. The incarcerated person has to send the form to you, and they must sign it first — that signature is what confirms they want you added to their visiting list.

Filling it in: Fill it in completely. The questionnaire asks for every criminal conviction AND every arrest, including arrests that never led to a charge. CDCR runs a background check and will deny approval if the check turns up something the form left out, so list everything. If you cannot recall the details of an old arrest, give the approximate date and the reason as precisely as you can.

Where to send: Mail the completed questionnaire to the Visiting Sergeant or Lieutenant at the institution where the person is housed, addressed to the attention of “Visiting”.

Warning: Most prisons use a DIFFERENT address for mail to staff than for mail to an incarcerated person. Use the staff address. A questionnaire sent to the inmate mail address does not reach Visiting.

What not to do: Do not send the questionnaire to the incarcerated person. It will not be accepted.

How long: Processing time varies by institution, depending on how many forms it receives and how many staff are cleared to review them. CDCR publishes no standard turnaround.

Booking a visit

Because camps cannot use VSA reliably, schedule an in-person weekend visit by calling or emailing the camp Monday–Friday. Video requests are emailed from 8 a.m. Saturday through 8 a.m. Monday for the following weekend. Source: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/visitors/schedule-visitation/scheduling-visits-at-conservation-fire-camps/

Non-contact and restricted-housing visits

Non-contact visiting is not a choice — it is what applies while someone is in reception (newly admitted to CDCR, or just transferred between prisons) or is segregated.

Who: Reception status, Administrative Segregation, Security Housing Units, Adjustment Centers, someone pending specific rules-violation charges, or anyone assigned to a Behavior Management Unit.

Conditions: The visit happens through a glass partition. Staff escort the incarcerated person in handcuffs, and the handcuffs come off only once they are secured on their side of the booth.

With children: If you would rather a child did not see someone in restraints, wait away from the booth until they are settled.

Limits: Three visitors, not five. Length is limited — usually one to two hours, depending on the prison and on why the visit is non-contact.

How early to arrive

CDCR says visitors should confirm current status before travel. Many facilities allow vehicles onto grounds only about one hour before visiting starts; processing waits can occur, so follow posted times and local staff directions. Source: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/visitors/arrival-for-visiting/

Identification

Every adult must present a valid, current photo ID: a state driver's license or DMV ID, armed-forces photo ID, ICE ID, U.S. or foreign passport with photo, or Mexican Consulate photo ID. Source: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/visitors/identification-required-for-visiting/

How many people may visit

In-person visits are limited to five visitors at a time. Non-contact visits are limited to three visitors and usually one to two hours. Source: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/visitors/types-of-visits/

Bringing a child

A visitor under 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult. A certified birth certificate is required; a guardian also needs proof of guardianship, and another accompanying adult needs the annual original notarized parental/guardian consent naming the incarcerated person, escort, and proposed dates. Source: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/visitors/identification-required-for-visiting/

What not to wear

Dress conservatively. CDCR bars clothing resembling incarcerated-person, law-enforcement, or military attire; strapless, halter, bare-midriff, sheer/transparent, excessively short, revealing, or very tight clothing; most hats/gloves; shower shoes; and items that cannot clear a metal detector. Local rules may be stricter, so call ahead and bring a spare outfit. Source: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/visitors/attire-restrictions/

What stays in the car

Visitors and possessions are searched. Only a narrow list is allowed without prior approval, including valid ID, a small clear bag, two keys, limited cash, specified documents/photos, and specified baby or medically necessary items. Drugs, weapons, and unauthorized items are prohibited. Source: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/visitors/items-a-visitor-may-bring/

Video visits, and what a visit costs

CDCR states incarcerated people with tablets are eligible for one free 15-minute video call every two weeks. Source: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/visitors/schedule-visitation/scheduling-visits-at-conservation-fire-camps/

Source: CDCR · CDCR — How to Get Approved to Visit an Incarcerated Person · CDCR — Types of Visits

Phone calls and money

Phone calls

Incarcerated people initiate calls; CDCR says all audio calls from California state prisons have been free since January 1, 2023 and calls are limited to 15 minutes. Source: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/family-resources/how-to-contact-an-incarcerated-person/

Putting money on the books

CDCR permits electronic transfer through approved vendors (fee; generally 1–3 days), JPay lockbox payments (no fee; personal checks held 10 business days), or checks/money orders mailed to the institution (no fee; 30-day hold). Include the incarcerated person's name and CDCR number and review restitution deductions. Source: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/family-resources/send-money/

Source: CDCR

Getting there, and staying

Parking

CDCR says prisons provide separate visitor parking, including marked accessible spaces; parking may be a long walk or require an institution van/bus. Obey posted restrictions and traffic laws. Source: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/visitors/arrival-for-visiting/

Worth knowing before you go

Call or email before departing: camp fire crews can be activated with little notice, which can affect a scheduled visit. Source: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/visitors/schedule-visitation/scheduling-visits-at-conservation-fire-camps/

Source: CDCR

Inside the institution

The camp occupies 80 acres and includes an enlarged dormitory, kitchen, dining room, wastewater treatment plant, two mobile sawmills, and a cabinet shop.

Source: CDCR

Health care, programmes and release

Health care

CDCR states that mental-health and dental services are provided through its Division of Health Care Services and medical care through the federally appointed Receiver; the statewide mental-health program provides access based on clinical need. The facility page should be consulted for any site-specific services. Source: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/dhcs/ Source: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/dhcs/mental-health-program/

Education, training and work

Programs include GED and college courses, substance-use programs, and religious services.

Preparing for release

The official page says emergency and program participation is intended to build work ethic and prepare participants for successful community reintegration.

Source: CDCR