R.M. Pyles Boys Camp, which allows at-risk youth to attend a multi-year summer wilderness camp and receive mentorship throughout the year at no cost, recently appointed two new members to its board of directors: George Salata, of Orange County, and Emelie Macpherson Smith, of Santa Monica.

George Salata is retired from a family-owned underground construction company, Salata Inc. and San Plant, El Toro Materials Company. His long history with the R.M. Pyles Boys Camp began when he was a 13 year-old camper in 1951. His selector was a police officer named Tom Bradley, who later became Mayor of Los Angeles. His work with the camp continued until 1965. Beginning as a camper, Dining Room Steward, Cook’s Helper, Camp Counselor, Assistant Camp Director, and Full Time Camp Director, all under the watchful eye of Mr. Pyles. Today he is still involved with PACM (Pyles Alumni Committee Members) as Vice President.

Emelie Macpherson Smith is the third generation to work for the family-owned oil producer in California, Macpherson Energy Corporation. Emelie is currently the Business & Treasury Manager. During her career with Macpherson, Emelie has managed the company’s public relations, overseen financial reporting and forecasts and has reviewed and negotiated land leases. Before working for the family business, Emelie worked in the child development field as a preschool teacher for special needs children. In her free time, she likes to spend as much time as possible outside with her husband and three dogs.

Since the camp’s inception in 1949, R.M. Pyles Boys Camp has served more than 28,000 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 attend the camp annually. Program leaders have set a 2021 goal to serve more than 500 boys and provide $15,000 in scholarships.