VALENCIA : Bush Honors Camp for Needy Youths
A Valencia-based nonprofit group that runs a camp for impoverished boys was recognized Wednesday as the 722nd “point of light” by President Bush.
The Daily Point of Light Program was started by the President shortly after he took office in 1988 to promote volunteerism and encourage privately financed community service efforts.
R. M. Pyles Boys Camp has provided a free summer camp in Sequoia National Forest for 18,000 low-income youths 12 to 16 years old since its 1949 founding, said Reed Koehnen, spokesman for the White House Office of National Service.
More than 500 volunteers donated their time last year to the group, which is funded by the oil industry, said Paul Leitzell, executive director. It also provides college scholarships and a leadership training program for the youths, he said.
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