Youth Services

Youth Programming

Children and youth need a safe, fun place to feel at home, and The Salvation Army Portland Tabernacle Corps provides this and much more.  Character building programs, music lessons, junior band, day camp, overnight camp, and excursions.  The Portland Tabernacle Corps is a home away from home for youth looking for a place to belong. The Salvation Army Portland Tabernacle Corps is always interested in providing the best level of service by creating an atmosphere of love and care.

For more information about our youth programs, contact us! Email: portland.tab@usw.salvationarmy.org | Phone: (503) 239-1224

Character Building Programs

Moonbeams are members of a national character-building program sponsored by The Salvation Army for boys and girls in grades Preschool through Kindergarten. They'll meet friends and have fun learning about Jesus as they earn a variety of emblems such as Colors, Manners, Space and many more.

Sunbeams is a character building program sponsored by The Salvation Army.  Sunbeams is open to girls who are in the 1st through 5th grade of school. The Sunbeam program focuses on helping girls learn about themselves and their world.  They do this through programs centered around education, fellowship, service and worship.  These girls earn a variety of emblems that they wear on a sash.

Girl Guards is for girls who are in the 6th through 12th grade of school.  The Guarding program opens the door to many exciting and new experiences. With each experience they are encouraged to discover things about themselves and the world God has created.  Girls Guards meet together as a troop to earn a variety of emblems that they wear on a sash, such as: learning new skills, hiking, singing, camping, swimming, making handicrafts, meeting new friends, going on trips, and serving the people in the community.

Adventure Corps is designed for boys in 1st through 8th grade. It is divided into two sections: Explorers for boys in 1st through 4th grade, and Rangers for boys in 5th through 8th grade. Each section takes members through a series of achievement emblems and levels, helping boys to develop their individuality and potential through:

1. Gaining a sense of personal identity and character through interaction with other boys and leaders.
2. Learning the importance of Christian values and biblical truths by experiencing God's Word and by the modeled example of their Christian  leaders.
3. Developing physical, mental, and social skills as challenged by the Adventure Corps program.
4. Providing a balanced environment for learning, developing and caring that is child oriented and Christ centered.

The Corps Cadet program is one of the most vital programs in The Salvation Army because its goal is the preparation of spiritually mature, committed, servant-leaders.  Members are literally cadets in the corps, learning to become the leaders of tomorrow.  Corps Cadet membership is for young people at least 12 years old and in the 6th grade, actively part of the weekly Corps programs, and enrolled as a Junior or Senior Soldier.

Divisional Youth Retreat (DYR) is an annual event that gives an opportunity for young people in 6th - 12th grade in Oregon and Southern Idaho, to spend a weekend at Camp Kuratli. During the course of the three day conference delegates attend keynote sessions and special breakout sessions that cover a wide variety of relevant topics, and enjoy a time of fun and fellowship. The ultimate goal of DYR is to bring delegates into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a fun-filled program we offer to connect with the children and families within our community. Vacation Bible School is for children K-8th grade.  During this time the children rotate between crafts, bible lesson, games, and sing songs all while learning important lessons for life. VBS is a fun time where kids are able to be kids while learning more about God.