Knowledge is a ticket out of poverty

How we help empower youth

We provide area youth free access to enriching programs that encourage social and spiritual growth. These programs a open to any students in 1st-12th (max 17 years of age) living in Mecosta, Osceola, Lake and Newaygo Counties. Below is the schedule we adhere to throughout the school year. We are closed for 2 weeks during the holiday break. 

Monday:          3:00pm - 5:30pm     Mom's and Kids Club

Tuesday:         3:00pm - 5:30pm     Club 412

                        5:30pm - 6:30pm     Instrumental Instruction

Wednesday:   3:00pm - 5:30pm    Youth Character Building Classes      

Thursday:       3:00pm - 4:30pm     Vocal Music Instruction & Kid?s Choir

                        4:30pm - 6:00pm    Teen/Youth Bible Study

Friday:             Youth Ministry Event Day

Tools for Schools

The Salvation Army of Big Rapids and its partners, through the Tools for School program, work together to provide local elementary students with the tools they need to succeed in school! 

The Salvation Army will be providing free backpacks and school supplies to K-5 students in need at the following back to school nights: 

• Morley-Stanwood Elementary - Aug 21st 5pm-7pm
• Evart Elementary - Aug 22nd 5pm-7pm
• Big Rapids Riverview - Aug 23 4pm-6pm
• Crossroads Charter Academy Elementary - Aug 23 6pm-8pm
• Reed City GT Norman Elementary - Aug 24 4pm-6pm
• Chippewa Hills Mecosta Elementary - Aug 24 5pm-6pm
• Chippewa Hills Weidman Elementary - Aug 28 5:30-6:30
• Pine River Leroy Elementary - Aug 29 4pm-6pm
• Marion Elementary - Aug 30 4:30pm-6pm
• Barryton Elementary - Aug 24 5pm-6pm
• Big Rapids Brookside - Aug 23 4pm-6pm

Backpacks are first come first serve. Parents must be present for students to receive backpacks. 

Sponsored by:

Summer Camp

Camping at Little Pine Island focuses on having fun in God's creation and teaching practical skills that many kids have not had the opportunity to learn. Drawn primarily from Salvation Army Community Centers, camper's physical, social and spiritual needs are met in a way they will take with them long after camp is done.

Camp Mission

The motivation of the organization is love of God and a practical concern for the needs of humanity. This is expressed by a spiritual ministry, the purposes of which are to preach the Gospel, disseminate Christian truths, supply basic human necessities, provide personal counseling and undertake the spiritual and moral regeneration and physical rehabilitation of all persons in need who come within its sphere of influence regardless of race, color, creed, sex, or age.

Camp Goals

• To promote an awareness of God, His love and, through the love of Jesus Christ, to aid toward spiritual growth and knowledge of basic human values.
• To give children, youth, and adults a fun-filled, healthy, safe, educational and inspirational experience in the out-of-doors.
• To help develop an understanding, appreciation and sense of stewardship for the out-of-doors, for the natural environment and for all living creatures.
• To help individuals grow in understanding of themselves and each other and especially for children to experience relationships with staff as caring adults and to offer opportunity for people of varied cultures to develop compassion and love for each other.
• To provide a loving and supportive environment where families can learn to cope with and solve their problems.
• To facilitate creative self-expression through worship, song, work, play, physical activity and the development of new skills.
• To allow each person to participate in planning programs and in establishing limits and responsibility for the safety and welfare of all.
• To assist in developing an appreciation of the wonder and joy of the miracles of everyday living.

To find out more about Little Pine Island Camp, click HERE!