How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Quehanna Boot Camp.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Quehanna Boot Camp is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Quehanna Boot Camp.

Frequently asked questions about Quehanna Boot Camp

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Quehanna Boot Camp.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Quehanna Boot Camp?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Quehanna Boot Camp?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Quehanna Boot Camp. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Quehanna Boot Camp. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Quehanna Boot Camp?

   Mailing address:

   Quehanna Boot Camp
   4510 Quehanna Hwy
   Karthaus, PA 16845
   Phone: (814) 263-4125

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Quehanna Boot Camp?

   Visiting hours at Quehanna Boot Camp vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (814) 263-4125 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Quehanna Boot Camp?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Quehanna Boot Camp for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Quehanna Boot Camp?

   You can send money to an inmate at Quehanna Boot Camp through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Quehanna Boot Camp?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Quehanna Boot Camp, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Quehanna Boot Camp?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Quehanna Boot Camp for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Quehanna Boot Camp, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

The Boot Camp Program at Quehanna Boot Camp operates as a six-month military-style disciplinary and training program that combines physical conditioning with comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment. Participants, referred to as “teammates,” engage in daily physical training, educational opportunities for those without high school diplomas or GEDs, and cognitive therapy sessions designed to build discipline and work ethic. Those who successfully complete this intensive program receive automatic parole and continue serving their sentence under community supervision. The facility also serves as the primary location for Pennsylvania’s State Drug Treatment Program (SDTP), accommodating both male and female inmates with significant substance abuse treatment needs through a structured program lasting at least seven months.

Beyond these core rehabilitation programs, Quehanna Boot Camp typically provides reentry services to help prepare participants for successful community integration. The facility may offer vocational training opportunities, life skills workshops, and counseling services that support the cognitive therapy components of both programs. Educational services often include literacy programs, adult basic education, and GED preparation for those working toward their high school equivalency. The military-style structure of the boot camp program emphasizes personal accountability and teamwork, while the drug treatment program focuses on addressing the underlying substance abuse issues that often contribute to criminal behavior.

Support services at the facility may include mental health counseling, family communication programs, and pre-release planning assistance. The privilege system within the boot camp allows teammates to earn additional benefits as they progress through the program, encouraging positive behavior and program participation. Both programs emphasize preparing participants for successful reintegration into their communities, with the goal of reducing recidivism through comprehensive treatment and skill development during their time at the facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

The rigid structure begins before dawn at Quehanna Boot Camp, where inmates—referred to as “teammates”—follow a demanding six-month military-style program that opened in June 1992. Each day typically includes physical training sessions, structured work assignments or educational classes for those without a high school diploma or GED, and comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment services. The facility serves as Pennsylvania’s primary location for both the Boot Camp Program and the State Drug Treatment Program (SDTP), accommodating both male and female inmates under the Justice Reinvestment Initiative framework.

Teammates may earn increasing privileges as they progress through the disciplinary and training program, which emphasizes discipline, cognitive therapy, work ethic, and reentry preparation. The facility operates under a structured environment where successful completion of the boot camp program results in automatic parole, allowing participants to serve the remainder of their sentence in the community. For those in the State Drug Treatment Program, the minimum institutional period extends to at least seven months, focusing on addressing significant substance abuse treatment needs.

Family connections remain important throughout the program, with standard visitation procedures and money transfer services available to support inmates during their time at the facility. The boot camp’s approach combines the intensive structure of military-style training with therapeutic interventions, creating a comprehensive program designed to prepare participants for successful reintegration into their communities upon release.