When people think of summer camp, they often focus on the fun, the friendships, and the personal growth that campers experience.

At R.M. Pyles Boys Camp, we’re proud of the life-changing impact our programs have on underserved youth. But our commitment doesn’t end when the last campfire is extinguished. Through our Pyles Scholarship Fund, we are investing in the continued growth and future careers of our staff — showing that working at camp is not only a meaningful summer job, but a critical stepping stone toward higher education and/or long-term professional success.

A Real Pathway to Success

Since its inception, the Pyles Scholarship Fund has awarded approximately $1.2 million to staff members pursuing accredited college degrees or trade school certifications. The scholarship fund was started by a very generous donor and now continues through various fundraising and development events. At its core, this initiative aligns perfectly with ACA’s Project Real Job campaign: it acknowledges that working at camp isn’t just a temporary gig, but an experience that can shape futures, foster professional development, and help staff move forward on their career paths.

Many of our staff members, often former campers themselves, come from backgrounds where advanced education might not have seemed attainable. By providing them with scholarships, we open doors to opportunities previously out of reach. This is a powerful demonstration that camp positions do more than just build character — they also serve as launchpads for academic achievement and professional growth.

Scholarship Eligibility

To be eligible for the Pyles Scholarship Program, applicants must meet a few prerequisites.

• High school graduate or GED.
• Recommended by the camp director.
• Member of camp staff or PLT (Pyles Leadership Training); staff members who were not former campers at Pyles Camp are eligible for scholarship funds only after their first summer working.
• Demonstrate a financial need.

There are two application deadlines — one in the fall and one in the spring. Applications are reviewed by the scholarship committee and awardees are notified. Eligibility for a base scholarship ($1,000) depends on the number of sessions worked, GPA, grades, and additional units taken beyond a 12-hour semester. Additional funds may be awarded once the scholarship application is reviewed and unmet financial need is determined.

More Than Just a Scholarship

To ensure that recipients are fully engaged and growing, the scholarship comes with a set of expectations:

• Demonstrated Commitment: Staff must have worked at Pyles for at least two sessions (with rare exceptions approved by the camp director). This ensures that scholarship recipients truly understand our mission and have contributed meaningfully to the camp community.
• Academic Accountability: Recipients maintain at least a “C” average and submit unofficial transcripts each semester. By requiring consistent academic progress, we’re reinforcing the idea that working at camp is part of a bigger journey toward personal and intellectual advancement.
• Ongoing Involvement: Scholarship recipients remain active supporters of camp-related events — fundraisers, reunions, staff training sessions, and more. This keeps them connected to the culture of service and leadership cultivated at camp.
• Clear Communication: Frequent and timely communication with our scholarship committee ensures that recipients stay on track with their goals, share accomplishments, address obstacles, and celebrate milestones. It’s a two-way street of mentorship and support.

Why This Matters

The ultimate goal of the Pyles Scholarship Fund is to encourage and enable at-risk youth to think beyond the summer.

Each summer, these scholarship recipients return with greater knowledge and expanded horizons. They come back not only as counselors and role models but as living proof that education, hard work, and perseverance pay off. This cycle motivates new staff to see camp employment as more than a short-term position — it’s a key step in building a brighter future.

For us at R.M. Pyles Boys Camp, “summer job” and “career pathway” are not separate ideas. They’re part of the same story—one where a few summers by the campfire can light the way to a lifetime of success.

This blog was written on behalf of ACA's Project Real Job, whose goal is to support camps in their efforts to recruit, hire, and retain staff. 

About the Author

Brandie “Peaches” McAdams is a former critical care nurse turned non-profit Executive Director. Whether assisting refugees along the Syrian border, mentoring young leaders, or singing campfire songs under the stars, her heart has always been dedicated to helping and serving others. As the Executive Director of R.M. Pyles Boys Camp, Brandie leads a transformative program that serves at-risk youth through wilderness experiences designed to foster character, leadership, and self-reliance.

When she’s not leading camp initiatives or advocating for underserved youth, Brandie can be found devouring a good trash novel or being the loudest and proudest fan at her kids’ games. She loves connecting with others who share her passion for building brighter futures and welcomes any questions or ideas. You can reach her at [email protected].