The main focus is on establishing good work habits and decision making skills. Most of the time the wards are off-site in work crews, returning in time to shower before dinner. Classes are held in the evenings after dinner. Wards have the opportunity to improve their education through a High School diploma program and may even pursue an AA degree. Wards are regularly sent out in work crews on brush clearing and other community service projects accompanied by a fire captain, camp staff and a city or county agent.
Crews carry their fire fighting gear along so that they can be dispatched directly.
Walk- aways or escapes are rare. Only one walk-away occurred in 1996. These funds are credited to each ward's account and no cash is distributed. The wards can save the earnings or spend it in the Camp store. They must buy their own personal hygiene articles after initial issue and can buy snacks and other personal items.