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 SCI Camp Hill Range.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at SCI Camp Hill Range 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 SCI Camp Hill Range.

Frequently asked questions about SCI Camp Hill Range

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 SCI Camp Hill Range.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to SCI Camp Hill Range?

   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 SCI Camp Hill Range?

   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 SCI Camp Hill Range. 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 SCI Camp Hill Range. 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 SCI Camp Hill Range?

   Mailing address:

   SCI Camp Hill Range
   2500 Lisburn Rd
   Camp Hill, PA 17011
   Phone: (717) 737-4531

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at SCI Camp Hill Range?

   Visiting hours at SCI Camp Hill Range 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 (717) 737-4531 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 SCI Camp Hill Range?

   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 SCI Camp Hill Range for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at SCI Camp Hill Range?

   You can send money to an inmate at SCI Camp Hill Range 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 SCI Camp Hill Range?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At SCI Camp Hill Range, 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 SCI Camp Hill Range?

   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 SCI Camp Hill Range 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 SCI Camp Hill Range, 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 Pennsylvania Correctional Industries (PCI) Vehicle Restoration Plant at SCI Forest provides inmates with valuable vocational training while serving the broader community by repairing and maintaining snow plows, rims, message boards, and other heavy equipment for state and county governments. This program currently employs many individuals with the potential to expand to 100 participants, offering hands-on experience in automotive and heavy machinery repair that can translate into employment opportunities upon release. Additionally, the facility’s Community Work Program allows inmates to contribute to local non-profit organizations through mowing and painting services, while also participating in PenNDOT’s Adopt-a-Highway litter cleanup program, fostering community connections and work experience.

SCI Forest’s commitment to successful reintegration is evident through its Reentry Service Office, which provides specialized support to inmates within 18 months of their minimum or release date. Reentry Parole Agents oversee these services and collaborate with other Department of Corrections staff to develop comprehensive transition plans. The facility also operates a Special Needs Unit to address the comprehensive requirements of inmates with specific medical, mental health, or security considerations. Like other Pennsylvania correctional facilities, SCI Forest may offer additional programming that typically includes educational opportunities such as GED preparation and adult basic education, substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling services, and various life skills workshops designed to prepare inmates for successful community reintegration.

The facility’s prototypical design, enhanced with modern security features including a wagon wheel configuration for housing units, supports both the safety and programming needs of its inmate population. With 11 housing units that include both cell and dormitory-style accommodations, SCI Forest may provide various therapeutic and educational programs tailored to different custody levels and individual needs, though specific details about additional programming would require direct contact with the facility for the most current information.

Daily Life & Visitation

At SCI Forest in Marienville, inmates wake each morning within the facility’s distinctive wagon wheel housing design, where 11 housing units accommodate residents in both traditional cells and dormitory-style arrangements. The Special Needs Unit provides specialized care for those requiring additional support, while the daily routine typically begins with count procedures and meal service. Throughout the day, many inmates participate in meaningful work through the Pennsylvania Correctional Industries Vehicle Restoration Plant, where up to many individuals repair and maintain snow plows, rims, and heavy equipment for state and county governments. This vocational program not dedicated provides valuable job skills but also serves the broader community’s infrastructure needs.

Beyond work assignments, inmates may participate in the Community Work Program, which allows them to give back through projects like mowing and painting for local non-profit organizations and participating in PennDOT’s Adopt-a-Highway litter cleanup initiatives. Educational and counseling programs typically fill afternoon hours, while recreational activities and personal time are generally scheduled in the evenings. The facility’s 45 acres within the security perimeter provide space for various activities, though specific programming schedules may vary based on security level and individual needs.

For inmates approaching release, the Reentry Service Office becomes an important part of daily life during their final 18 months of incarceration. Reentry Parole Agents work closely with residents to prepare comprehensive transition plans, connecting them with community resources and support services. Family connections remain vital throughout incarceration, with visitation opportunities and money transfer services helping maintain these crucial relationships. The facility’s 684 full-time employees work across 28 operational structures to ensure security while supporting rehabilitation efforts that prepare inmates for successful community reintegration.