Youth Services
We offer safe, nurturing environments and enriching opportunities that help them grow and thrive.
Des Moines, IA: Iowa Capital Area Command Office Youth Services Information
The Salvation Army of Des Moines empowers youth through:
- Character Building Programs: We offer multiple programs at Citadel specifically geared toward building the characters of young people. We provide students in prekindergarten through 12th grade the opportunity to develop strong communication and leadership skills, explore God's Word and His world, and connect with people their age.
- Arts and Music Programs: Our music and art programs at Citadel teach kids how to play the guitar or timbrel, allow them to sing in a choir, and learn about drama and acting.
- Summer Camps: During the summer, kids ages 5-12 who are enrolled in Citadel's day camp enjoy crafts, music, library visits, field trips and swimming. An enhanced reading program also helps kids develop and maintain strong literacy skills. The Salvation Army Western Plains Camp, located in South Sioux City, Nebraska, offers several overnight camp opportunities for kids and teens in first through 12th grades, as well as a starter day camp for pre-elementary school children.
- Bible Study and Youth Ministry: Pre-teen and teens are invited to join Citadel's Corps Cadets, a training program and discipleship course focused on spiritual growth, developing leadership skills, deepening knowledge of Salvation Army history and providing evangelism training. Learn more about the additional youth ministry and Bible study classes offered at Citadel.
Kids right here in central Iowa face a number of threats and challenging circumstances, including poverty and broken homes.
We seek to provide a haven for kids and teenagers, offering safe places in the Des Moines metro for them to engage in music and arts programming, and character building classes, as well as the opportunity to grow in leadership and meet new people in an encouraging environment. We offer something of interest for kids of all ages.
You can help give every child opportunities to thrive.
Studies show that children with positive role models in their lives consistently demonstrate better behavior, stronger academic performance and higher self-esteem than those without similar influencers.
Our array of programs allow both teenagers and younger children to connect with positive adult mentors, build character and leadership skills, and enjoy socializing with their peers.
Other Services
