Summer youth programs a boon across MN, ND (video)
Summer in Minnesota and North Dakota is supposed to be the most enjoyable three months of the year. But for many low-income families, it’s the most stressful.
With school not in session, some parents have a difficult time paying for the added expenses of child care, weekday lunches and summer activities.
Thankfully, The Salvation Army offers fantastic solutions. We provide quality summer camps, meal programs and more, from Williston, N.D., to Rochester, Minn., and everywhere in between.
“Thanks to Salvation Army donors, these programs are offered free or at a substantially reduced cost,” said Lt. Col. Robert Thomson, Salvation Army commander of Minnesota and North Dakota. “The kids enjoy fun, food and sun, along with spiritual lessons that will last a lifetime.”
You can give to support youth in need in your community. Here’s a closer look at how we’re putting your donations to work through quality youth programming:
Summer Day Camps
Six Salvation Army locations in the Twin Cities offer weekday summer camps with sports, field trips, yummy food, and a positive environment.
The camps feature themes that intertwine education and the Bible. At the Minneapolis E. Lake Street Salvation Army, for example, the theme is “Traveling Around the World in One Summer.” Each week, kids learn about a new culture and how The Salvation Army serves in that area of the world through our World Service Office.
“The kids will not fall behind this summer, but instead will thrive while learning God’s word,” said Brooke Tilstra, who oversees the program.
Here’s a glimpse at what a typical day at camp is like, told through the kids and staff at the St. Paul West 7th Salvation Army:
Many of our greater Minnesota and North Dakota locations operate week-long Vacation Bible School programs that aim to teach kids about God’s love.
Free Meals
Six Salvation Army locations in North Dakota and Greater Minnesota add free meals during the summer months that feed hundreds of out-of-school children.
Some meals are served at Salvation Army operation centers, while others are served to kids in their very own neighborhoods (pictured).
“The summer meals are so important,” said Lt. Sean Wise, administrator of The Salvation Army in Virginia, Minn., where free lunches are served weekdays June 8 to Sept. 4. “Many children rely upon school-provided meals during the week. But when school is out, many kids go without. This program fills the gap.”
The Salvation Army offers these meal programs in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The lunch program in Fargo has been a big help to Caroline Fehr and her six kids, ages 3 to 14. Watch her explain:
Youth are always welcome at year-round meals served throughout the two states too. Six of our Twin Cities locations regularly offer meals, including breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, that can help supplement when school’s out (view Twin Cities meals).
Northwoods Camp
The Salvation Army Northwoods Camp in Finlayson, Minn., is 280 acres of awesomeness. Kids enjoy a petting zoo, fishing, boating, archery, ropes course adventures, and much more (see photos).
For many children, it’s their first time experiencing any of those things.
“We give campers all the love and one-on-one attention that we possibly can,” said camp counselor Janelle Booze. “Some of the kids don’t get nearly enough of that at home.”
Camp runs all summer, with weeklong camps for different age groups. The camp is available for children across Minnesota and North Dakota.
New this year: ATV riding.
“This program will be really cool because most of the kids who come to camp won’t have had an opportunity like this,” said Dave Scharnhorst, IT manager at Salvation Army headquarters in Roseville, and one of eight new ATV trainers.
Please join The Salvation Army by volunteering or making a donation to support youth in your local community.