Salvation Army Makes the Most of March Break

It’s March break and, across the country, Salvation Army March break camps are providing a wide-range of activities and adventures for kids that will not only create lasting memories, but give them an opportunity to grow socially, meet new friends and learn new skills.

In London, Ont., The Salvation Army’s Westminster Park Community Church is hosting a week-long literacy camp in the mornings followed by games and activities in the afternoon. Captain Tracy Savage, church pastor, says the literacy program is boosting self-confidence as kids enhance their ability to read.

“Kids who struggle with reading learn to love it by engaging in activities that are fun as well as developing techniques and strategies that make reading and comprehension easier,” says Savage. “They are learning useful skills in a safe and secure environment.”

For children ages 10-14, The Salvation Army in Goderich, Ontario, is offering a cooking camp in partnership with the local health unit. Children will learn practical kitchen skills, cooking skills and safe food handling in a fun environment.

“On the final day of camp, children will prepare a celebratory lunch for their parents to showcase what they’ve learned throughout the week,” says Lieutenant Laura Hickman, camp coordinator.

Salvation Army March break camps exist in many centres across the country such as Kelowna and Cascade, B.C., Calgary Forest Lawn, Thunder Bay and Oshawa, Ont. For a whole week, kids build on existing skills or learn something new, burn off steam through activities such as basketball and swimming and meet new friends outside of their classroom.

Benefits of camp can be life-changing and contain hope and promise for a child’s development.

“I never knew I liked to read,” says one young participant. Parents of the program are also grateful.

“I’m fortunate to have found this program,” says one parent. “I cried tears of joy when I got my son’s last report card and learned that his reading went up two levels as a result of the camp. Thank you Salvation Army.”