Sleeping accommodations are individual cells. Meals are provided within their own dining facility. Three staff psychologists and a psychiatrist are assigned to provide intensive counseling and treatment. Current population of this lodge is 43. Wards assigned to Ponderosa Lodge receive California Department of Forestry training for fighting wildfires.
Graduates are eligible for assignment to a fire camp.
During the later part of their training cycle, these wards also perform community service in supervised work crews. Only lowest security risk wards with no history of sex crimes or arson and with six months of good behavior are eligible for assignment to this program. The wards wear military style uniforms and tight discipline is maintained. Many wear ribbons which they have earned for various accomplishments such as physical fitness or an academic achievement. A full time psychologist is assigned to this program.