Daring boys to become men.
A no-cost, multi-year wilderness and leadership program that pairs summer camp with year-round mentoring, helping campers build confidence, responsibility, and the skills to lead.
More than 28,000 campers have participated since Pyles was founded. The point is not scale for its own sake. It is what those young people carry back to their families, schools, jobs, and communities.
Some campers simply need someone to believe in them.
Selection is based on potential and fit. Campers are chosen for Pyles because someone saw real potential in them, not because of trouble they're in.
Not a boot camp
Pyles isn't about discipline through punishment. It's about building confidence through real challenge, support, and responsibility.
Not a corrections program
Campers come to Pyles because someone saw potential in them, not because of trouble they're in.
Not just a summer camp
Pyles is a multi-year path. The mentoring and support continue long after a camper goes home.
The mountain is where the work starts.
At Pyles, a camper isn't told about confidence: he builds it himself. He hikes farther than he thought he could, learns to depend on the people around him, and discovers what happens when he's trusted with real responsibility.
He solves problems. Makes mistakes. Tries again. And little by little, "I can't do this" becomes "maybe I can." Then Pyles brings those lessons home through reunions, mentoring, leadership development, service, and a path back to camp as staff.
See how the program worksOne summer is only the beginning.
Returning participants take on more independence, service, leadership, and responsibility every year.
The program is designed as a progression. A first-year camper can return as a Lioneer, Voyager, Trailblazer, leadership trainee, counselor, and eventually a mentor for someone following the same path.
Explore the growth ladderGrowth gets harder. And more meaningful.
Each stage adds challenge and trust. The destination is not a badge. It is the ability to lead yourself and show up for others.
Camper
Confidence, teamwork, camp traditions, outdoor skills, and a five-day wilderness experience.
Lioneers
More time in the backcountry with a deeper focus on teamwork, initiative, and leadership.
Voyagers
Role-modeling, service, work ethic, and preparation for the transition from camper to staff.
Trailblazers
Service, life skills, financial literacy, career readiness, and personal responsibility.
Leadership Training
First aid, outdoor skills, conflict resolution, cabin culture, communication, and camp philosophy.
Counselors
Alumni return as mentors and leaders, with access to Pyles scholarship opportunities.
“Believe in yourself, believe that there is hope.”Wally, Pyles camper
Pyles asks young people to work, contribute, solve problems together, and discover that they can do hard things. The wilderness is the setting. Growth is the goal.
Read stories from PylesStart with the path that fits you.
Choose the path that matches where you are today. Families exploring Pyles and families already selected for camp have different next steps.
Help the next camper discover what he can do.
Pyles is offered at no cost to families. Donations and community partnerships make the wilderness program, mentoring, transportation, equipment, and scholarships possible.