Amped about Camp
The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal order believing in benevolence, friendship and charity. A good story must be told.
The Pythian Youth Camp, a non-sectarian camp, is located 7,000 feet high in the magnificent Sequoia National Forest. Sixty-two years ago President Truman designated 19 acres to the Pythian Order, which is the only fraternal order chartered by Congress. The President said: “I will give you 19 acres or more if you, the Pythians of California, will create a Pythian Youth Camp for inner-city children. You are to mentor their growth in an environment of fresh air and give them the experience of sharing the outdoors and the wonderment of the magnificent wilderness.” Let it be known that for the past seven years children have been sent, at no expense to the children’s families from Long Beach and Signal Hill. All of the children’s expenses have been paid for by community donations.
This year, we would like to acknowledge the citizens and businesses of Signal Hill and Long Beach for their kind contributions so that we could send 40 children to the Pythian Youth Camp. All of the children, as well as the directors, would like to thank these donors. Your Signal Tribune and its editor, Neena Strichart, as well as her staff, have shown a warm concern for the deeds of the Pythian Youth Camp. The Signal Tribune has shown great foresight in publishing information pertaining to the camp. You and your staff recognize that a child that shares good life experiences has a better chance to contribute to the good of its community. The Signal staff and businesses in Signal Hill and surrounding areas of Long Beach have come together for the benefit of our children.
These children will spend eight days hiking, swimming, climbing, stargazing, and learning about the forest and the animals. They will travel by bus and train and eat a well balanced diet for 8 days— an experience of a lifetime.
Sir Melvin Pinkham
Chancellor Commander
Knights of Pythias
