Summer Fun with The Salvation Army
“Summer afternoon -- to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language,” British author Henry James once wrote. More than 100 years after that sentiment was penned, kids of all ages across the metro and beyond couldn’t agree more. Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening with The Salvation Army’s summertime programs:
Youth Programs Make for Happy Campers
From outdoor adventures to music and sports, campers at The Salvation Army’s day and overnight camps have the opportunity to make new friends and engage in brand-new experiences.
At Camp Kroc each week, 70 kids ages 6-13 are enjoying themed camps, where they are engaged in art and science projects, library and park visits, sports and activities like making homemade ice cream, plus swimming and field trips to places like the zipline and ropes course at Mahoney State park.
“It’s beautiful to watch the kids develop their social skills as they interact with one another,” said Capt. Carolina Yanez of the Kroc Center. “They are truly enjoying their time together.”
At North Corps, Lts. Johnny Miller and Marsha Williams Miller are introducing their campers to brand-new experiences, from making fun, healthy foods like banana pudding with fruit to constructing and learning how to fly their own kites. 
“We are doing some of the traditional activities that kids expect from summer camp, like swimming and sports, but we are also being intentional about integrating as many new, hands-on experiences as possible,” said. Lt. Marsha.
Ninety minutes north of Omaha, kids from the metro and beyond are experiencing overnight camp – some, like six-year-old Brooklyn, for the first time – at The Salvation Army Western Plains Camp in South Sioux City.
“I think camp is perfect,” said Brooklyn, whose favorite activities are doing cannonballs in the pool and sleeping in a bunk bed.