The return of the Pyles Boys Camp and the BBQ: an event with an impact

annual Pires Boys Camp Barbecue has been a Bakersfield staple for decades, not only because of its delicious three-trip and brisket, but also because of its impact.

“It’s a difficult experience to explain. Emiliano Gamez, 16, explained when he first went to the Pires Boys camp in 2019. The camp allows him to mentally connect with himself. He said it was helpful. When he came back his mother saw his changes, he said:

“Not everyone has the opportunity to go to a camp like this, so I have learned to be more grateful to those around us,” said Emiliano.

According to Alan White, president of Pyles Boys Camp BBQ, a multi-year boys camp has been more than just a field trip since it began 70 years ago.

“The vision was to take underprivileged boys who were getting into trouble, who had difficult family lives or who were part of a gangster family. [and give them] A chance for the family to go to the mountains for free for 2 weeks. [They’d] Learn to work in a team, trust each other, work together, [and have] A series of structured tasks that you do every day. [They’d do] Fun things like ropes and horseback riding. “

According to White, each of the four years is aimed at developing self-confidence and leadership skills as they grow into younger men.

Leaving the wilderness, boys of all disciplines have the opportunity to participate in mentoring programs and receive $ 25,000 in college and vocational scholarships. Campers have become doctors, lawyers, judges and engineers.

“So that gives them a path from start to finish: from being a camper to what they want to be,” White said.

Pires Boys Camp was unable to camp in the Khan River Valley due to last year’s pandemic and accompanying barbecue fundraising activities, but the two are back. About 2,000 community members attended the barbecue on Saturday afternoon.

According to White, the organization’s goal in 2022 is to serve 450 boys in Southern California, including Kern County. The barbecue aims to raise approximately $ 125,000 each year. The money comes from sponsors, raffles and a $ 15 per plate tri-chip dinner.

“This is one of the biggest fundraising events of the year so we’re all so happy to be back and restarting camp and having this barbecue,” White said. ..