In August of 2019, I had the pleasure of being the Registered Nurse for Pyles Boys Camp’s last session of the summer. After reading about the legacy of Pyles Camp, and speaking with former Camp Director, Dale “Bamm-Bamm” Decker, about what the program entails, I knew that I was about to be a part of something extraordinarily impactful. However, the transformation that I witnessed largely exceeded my expectations. It was a deeply inspiring and meaningful experience, that has left a lasting impression on me.

I fondly remember the evening I arrived at the main campsite. After a lengthy drive down from the Bay Area, it was the ultimate breath of fresh air when I stepped out of my car, into the Sequoia National Forest. My senses were immediately soothed with the scent of fresh pine, the sound of water softly trickling down the stream, and the sight of the splendorous Sequoia trees towering overhead. The children had yet to arrive, and the night was still and quiet. I remember gazing at the rows of vacant wooden cabins, imagining who would potentially fill those empty spaces. It was not long before a bus full of excited, chattering children engulfed the silence and the campsite exploded with life. It was then, that the real magic began.

From what I observed, there are multiple contributing factors that make Pyles Boys Camp so highly effective at transforming groups of approximately 75 disadvantaged, low-income boys into responsible young men in only 12 days. For starters, it is known that getting children out of the city and into nature, on its own, reaps numerous mental, physical, and emotional health benefits. But this camp is unique, in that it builds upon this therapeutic advantage with a curriculum that is strategically designed to promote positive behavioral growth and develop the core principles of integrity and leadership. There was a lesson ingrained into every activity that the boys participated in. For example, climbing to the top of a mountain was not merely about physical achievement, but instead, was presented as a metaphor for accomplishing great feats in life through hard work, determination, and self-discipline. In addition, through the provision of ample social support, love, and acceptance, Pyles Camp encourages bonding and brotherhood. Between family-style meals, singing and dancing around the campfire, story-telling, and being called by camp-given nicknames, Pyles Camp ignites a strong sense of belonging and community. Ultimately, it is this multifactorial masterpiece that motivates these boys to discover their true potential and aspire to become the best versions of themselves.

I was incredibly impressed by the level of dedication and engagement displayed by the staff members of Pyles Camp. Having started there as campers themselves, it is evident that they are fully invested into the Pyles Camp mission, and are committed to helping one generation, after the next, to grow and thrive. They serve as excellent role models for the boys to look up to, and balance authority with compassion to maximize their impact.

When the groups left the main camp to go on their backpacking trip, I was available by radio 24/7 to provide assistance when needed. The counselors quickly had my trust, as they were consistent in communicating significant information, asking appropriate questions, and following my directions as instructed. It brought me peace of mind to know that the boys were in good hands while they were out there, in the wilderness. Furthermore, while at the main campsite, the counselors always ensured that the campers came to me right on time for their scheduled medications. I looked forward to seeing their sleepy faces waiting patiently outside of my cabin, first thing each morning.

It brought me so much joy to see the boys who initially presented to my office with severe cases of “homesickness,” progressively warm up and allow their authentic personalities to shine through. When they returned back to the main campsite after their backpacking adventure, it was as if a light had been switched on inside of them. While they were out in the mountains, beneath the stars, something had drastically changed within them. The difference that I noticed in each of them was nothing short of miraculous. After returning, the same boys who were initially desperate to go home, were eagerly telling me about their experiences, and wishing that they never had to leave camp.

By far, the most powerful aspect of camp that I observed was the “Pine Cone Ceremony” during the last campfire. During this ceremony, each of the boys had the opportunity to stand up in front of their peers and share their story, their struggles, and what they learned from their camp experience. One by one, they stood in the center of a circle of pine cones, tossed a large sugar pine cone into the fire, and expressed themselves as it burned. It was by far the most emotionally cathartic moment that I had witnessed throughout the duration of camp. The magnitude of healing taking place at that ceremony was almost palpable. I had full-body chills the entire time, and probably went through an entire box of Kleenex. I believe that this level of self-expression and human connection is absolutely invaluable. It offers the boys a chance to feel seen, heard, and accepted, while sharing some of their darkest moments and deepest truths. Many of them discovered through this process that they are not alone in their feelings and experiences. I was floored by some of the profound wisdom that was coming out of the mouths of these young men. It reminded me of how much we, as adults, have to learn from our youth. So often, the innate emotional intelligence we have as children gets lost beneath the rubble from the obstacles we face over the course of our lives. I believe that by encouraging this type of self-expression early on, we are setting them up for a lifetime of healthy coping mechanisms and introspection.

Words cannot express how much I respect and admire the work that is being done at Pyles Boys Camp. Our children are our future, and it is so imperative to provide them with this type of guidance, while they are still in such an impressionable and highly neuroplastic state of mind. It is when we have the potential to make the greatest impact on the direction that their lives take. Pyles Camp provides underprivileged boys with the knowledge, structure, and support that is necessary for them to flourish in life and pursue their greatest dreams. And the ongoing, year-round mentorship and job opportunities that they offer further strengthen and solidify the progress made at camp. I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to play a part in this program, that has had such a tremendous impact on so many young lives. Pyles Boys Camp will always hold a very special place in my heart. My hope is that this program will receive adequate funding and support by generous donors and foundations, so that we can continue to share this gift with our underprivileged population of young men.

Warmly,

Sara “Willow” Ferreri, BSN, RN

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