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Music allows a child’s heart to sing.

Kids Deserve Compassion

We equip youth for today and empower them for life.

The Salvation Army ensures kids are equipped with the tools they need to succeed, which starts by meeting their basic needs.

But, providing a safe place to play and a warm bed to sleep in for youth is just the start. We take a holistic approach by providing programs with life-long impact such as character-building programs, summer camp opportunities, sports activities, music education, Kroc Community Centers, after-school tutoring, mentorship and more. At the core of all that we do for youth, fighting for them is synonymous with sharing God's love and grace.

 

Finding what speaks to youth

One way that we empower youth is through music education, working in every community to bring the power of music to thousands of children across the Midwest. Music is more than a tune, it's structure and healing. Youth can learn to play instruments, sing, perform on stage, and even write music at our worship and service centers, plus many locations offer special music-themed youth camps each summer.

See how our camps impact youth in urban communities

The Salvation Army recognizes the growing income gap among working families and the effect it has on youth. Working families in the U.S. headed by racial/ethnic minorities are two times more likely to face poverty when compared with non-Hispanic white families. Watch the video below to see how our summer camps help urban kids break out of the hardship of everyday life to discover who they are.


What empowering youth looks like:

After-School Programs

We bring children into an environment where the learning continues long after the bell rings. The Salvation Army operates hundreds of after-school programs to give kids a safe place to play, do homework and pursue extracurricular goals. During a time where they could otherwise be at risk, we open our doors to kids for growth in literacy, sports, arts and music skills.

Summer Camps

For many kids, summer camp is the first time they will see the world outside of their neighborhood. Each year, we enable thousands of children from low-income families to enjoy fresh air, exercise and new friendships through our annual summer camp programs. This camping experience is more than just a few days away from home. Here, children learn new skills and self-reliance. Trained counselors who understand their emotional needs and problems help them mature and grow. Camp activities include learning to swim, scouting, arts and crafts, music development and sports.

Sports, Clubs and Extracurricular Activities

Healthy minds and healthy hearts are vital for kids at every age. We provide safe activities that are either free or at a low cost to meet the needs of youth in each community.

Dance, Art and Music

The arts are being cut from schools facing budget restraints or treated as an elective. We disagree.

Music, dance, and art are crucial for youth development and enrichment. Our diverse programs offer instrument training, painting, drama, dance, poetry, and more.

Character-Building

Building character starts young and helps determine who a child will become in life. Our programs help develop a child's unique personality and individual strengths, based on Biblical principles.

Girls can attend Moonbeams (preschool to Kindergarten), Sunbeams (first through fifth grades) and Girl Guards (sixth through 12 grades). Boys can attend Moonbeams (preschool to Kindergarten), Adventure Corps Explorers (first through fourth grades) and Rangers (fifth through eighth grades).

Kroc Community Centers

Salvation Army Kroc Centers provide children and families with opportunities to discover and develop passions and talents within their own neighborhood. These state-of-the-art community facilities provide arts, education, and athletics opportunities for children, adults, and families in underserved communities. Find one near you.

Mentorship and Family Support

At The Salvation Army, we provide counseling and teaching assistance to empower kids of every age. A critical piece of this is our ability to recognize what level of assistance is needed, which varies drastically depending on socioeconomic conditions. We work closely with parents to develop trusting relationships and encourage support that continues at home.

Give Now to fight for our kids.
Your love and support will prepare them for tomorrow.

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Read about how we're empowering Youth


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Hungry kids can't focus on learning.

Kids who suffer from chronic hunger perform at much lower rates than their non-hungry peers. Regular nutritious meals are important for academic and social success.

When you give a $50 donation to The Salvation Army, you provide funding for meals and after-school programs that help them succeed in life.Donate now.

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Music gives at-risk youth a voice.

Low income and at-risk youth are often swept up in the social and economic struggles they are raised in. Music gives these kids an escape and a voice.

When you give a $50 donation to The Salvation Army, you provide funding for music programs that help support kids feel that there is more in life to aspire to and be heard.Donate now.

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Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

31% of young adults without a high school diploma currently live in poverty. When you give to The Salvation Army, you provide funding for programs that help support kids' educational needs and vital character building skills.

A donation to The Salvation Army helps provides music lessons in communities across the Midwest Donate now.

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Other Ways We Meet Needs