Once your boyfriend was convicted, he was evaluated for sentencing and now he must go to a federal prison camp. While still part of the federal prison system, these camps are fundamentally different from the higher security facilities in the following ways: Security Level: A federal camp is typically reserved for inmates who do not require a high security environment. If your boyfriend is being sent to a camp, it means he is not considered violent or a flight risk. Housing: Most prisons in the federal system have one-or-two-man cells. In some cases, gym-styled open areas are used to house many inmates together. A federal prison camp typically uses dormitory style housing. Grounds: In a federal prison camp, there are fewer guards assigned to each inmate because the inmates are non-violent offenders. It is a more trusting kind of facility. Fencing is limited; sometimes there is some around the border of the camp, but often it is just limited to certain areas. Work: One of the benefits of being assigned to a federal prison camp is the inmate’s ability to work. Many camps provide inmate labor to “off-grounds” companies and municipalities. If your boyfriend gets to work on one of these projects, he will be allowed to leave the grounds each day and go into town or on location to do the work. Programs: Federal prison camps offer many more programs than the other federal prisons have for inmates. Educational opportunities, substance abuse counseling, and other self-improvement programs are available at most of the camps. Final thoughts: While a camp is still a prison, it is the easiest prison setting in the federal system. Reserved for the least violent, most cooperative inmates, fewer fights or other problems occur for those housed there. You might be interested in: Work program helps parolees and the community Inmate Dog Training Programs