FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 26, 2019
Contacts:
R.M. Pyles Boys Camp - Adam Bell, (661) 294-1394, ext. 1, adam@pylescamp.com
S. Mark Taper Foundation – Alyssa Villaire, (310) 476-5413, alyssa@smtfoundation.org
PROGRAM FOR DISADVANTAGED YOUTH RECEIVES $50,000 IN SUPPORT FROM THE S. MARK TAPER FOUNDATION
R.M. Pyles Boys Camp is pleased to announce that it has received a $50,000 grant from the S. Mark Taper Foundation. These funds will directly support the boys who participate in R.M. Pyles Boys camp’s Youth Development Program.
The multi-year wilderness camp experience, located in the Sequoia National Forest, is a leadership program that teaches at-risk youth the values of hard work, education, respect for the environment, themselves, and each other, and making good life choices (such as staying in school, avoiding gangs and drugs). Boys participate in the program at no cost. The camp is funded entirely by charitable donations.
Since the camp’s inception in 1949, R.M. Pyles Boys Camp has served more than 27,000 California boys. Each camper has heart-wrenching stories of their struggles, such as living in neighborhoods with gang violence, attending low performing schools, and being exposed to substance abuse and domestic violence. Former campers have gone on to achieve numerous successes including becoming the first college graduate in their families, serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, and returning to work at the camp as counselors.
The Camp’s work does not end once the boys leave the campground. The experience is supplemented with year-round mentoring and young men may earn scholarships for college or vocational training. Almost 500 boys and young men attended the camp last summer. Program leaders have set a 2019 goal to serve more than 500 boys and provide $30,000 in scholarships.
Former camper Julio "Matrix" Chavez, who is currently attending UCLA and considering a career in law or medicine, said, “R.M. Pyles Boys Camp provided me with more than just a camp for the summer, it provided me a home for life. For the first time in my life I met others who cared about me like family. I met those that pushed me, and others who taught me. I figured if I could climb a mountain, I can really do anything.”
For more information, visit: www.pylescamp.org