How we help empower youth

The Salvation Army in Cedar Rapids, IA has been actively serving area youth for over 125 years. The Salvation Army offers Christ-based character-building ministries that can include Sunday school, youth troops, sports programs, arts and crafts, camping, and more.

Many of the youth who participate in our programs do not have access or opportunities to have these experiences otherwise. They have not experienced the peace or safety of camping in the rural countryside. Many have never had the opportunity to play a musical instrument or to make crafts and play competitive games in a protected setting.

The Salvation Army gives all youth a chance to experience educational enrichment, life skills development, and spiritual and physical wellness. Such experiences allow our children and adolescents to envision and pursue promising futures.  These youth enrichment programs are offered in conjunction with other family services that promote healthy families. By offering helpful alternatives and hope.

Salvation Army youth programs place special emphasis on activities that encourage the development of faith, character, and life skills development. Through mentoring and education, children and teens are shown the possibility of a future with endless possibilities. 

The 2024 registration link is at the bottom of the page.

1. Tuesday Youth Programs (K-12):

Tuesdays during the school year | 4:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. (dinner served at 5:00 p.m. to youth)

Elementary School:  Elementary School students will spend time in worship, age-appropriate Bible lessons, activities, and games.

Students will also have an opportunity to earn badges through The Salvation Army’s Character Building program

2. Friday Middle/High School Open Gym & Recreation

Most Fridays during the school year from 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Middle & High School students are welcome to come to The Salvation Army on early release Fridays for our Christ-centered Friday open gym & recreation time including: food, open gym time, computer lab access, video game time, homework help, and other focused activities.  Students are supervised by Salvation Army staff

Starting at 4:00, students will have an opportunity to engage in honest discussions about God, life, and relationships.  Dinner is served at 5:00 p.m. before heading home.

3. Summer Camping at Western Plains Camp 

Located just west of South Sioux City on more than 100 acres. the camp provides a chance for kids to be outdoors, learn new skills, and enjoy God's creation.  Western Plains Camp is a ministry of The Salvation Army, that exists to provide an opportunity for all to encounter Jesus Christ and enrich their lives through exposure to God's Word, His Creation, and His People.

We send many children from ages nine to seventeen to various camps lasting from 5 to 7 days throughout the summer months.

4. Day Camp

The summer day camp ministry provides an atmosphere where children can develop or enhance social, emotional, and physical abilities through a variety of activities. Operating from June through August, some of the activities include chapel, educational guest speakers, swimming, arts and crafts, use of the computer lab, music, picnics, and tours of area businesses. This day camp service is available only to children whose parents/guardians are employed or are continuing their formal education on a full-time basis.

**Registration for the 2024 session of day camp has closed 

5. Music School

The Salvation Army offers free music and worship arts courses through our regional music school.  Students can take classes in guitar, piano, brass instruments, worship dance and so much more.