Youth Services
We provide educational enrichment and character-building opportunities to thousands of children in Nebraska, South Dakota and western Iowa.
Western Youth Services Information
The Salvation Army of Nebraska, South Dakota & Western Iowa helps empower youth through:
After-school programs
After-school programs impact both children and parents, allowing kids to benefit from homework help, literacy-building and tutoring, as well as enjoy a nutritious snack or meal while socializing with their peers. At the same time, parents are able to enjoy peace of mind at their jobs, knowing their children are safe and well cared for after school is dismissed.
Sports, arts and music programs
Dance and art classes, choir, instrumental lessons and various sports programs offer children and teens the opportunity to learn discipline and responsibility, grow their teamwork and leadership skills, feed their creativity, strengthen their bodies, and develop interpersonal skills, plus make friends and benefit from the positive influence of adult mentors and leaders.
Summer camps
Day camps and overnight summer camps offer an appealing array of physical activities like swimming and archery that help kids stay physically active while exploring God's world, along with educational activities like art and music that keep their minds engaged. Learn more about the Western Plains Camp near South Sioux City, Nebraska, and the Black Hills Camp near Rapid City, South Dakota.
Character-building programs
Character-building programs include Moonbeams, Sunbeams, Explorers, Rangers and Girl Guards. These programs offer children and teens in pre-K through 12th grade the opportunity to develop strong communication and leadership skills, grow their minds, and explore God's Word, all while having fun and connecting with their peers.
Empower Youth
Across America, 1 in 5 kids are alone and unsupervised from 3 to 6 p.m.
Juvenile crime and victimization peak during these hours when many parents are still at work.
Research shows that after-school and youth development programs make a tremendous difference, with 65 percent of students improving homework completion and class participation and nearly 60 percent improving classroom behavior.
As public schools in Nebraska, South Dakota and western Iowa struggle to continue funding arts, music and other extracurricular programs, we've stepped in to fill the gap. Plus, children and teens in our youth development programs benefit from mentorship, positive role models and Christian education.
Stats
1,394,526
children attended youth programs at a Salvation Army last year
1 in 5
children are left alone to take care of themselves after the school day ends
466,817
children and adults attended a Salvation Army camp last summer, where we served nearly 900,000 meals
Help build a safe space for a kid to grow, learn, and build lifelong skills.
Donate today to provide essential youth services in your community, empowering the next generation and creating opportunities for education, mentorship, and personal growth to help them reach their full potential.
Other Services
