Youth Services
Explore Youth Services
Open the panels to learn more about programs, activities, and opportunities that help children and youth learn, grow, and make the most of their time beyond the classroom.
Back to School Support = Back to School Success
For over 30 years, The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command, with the help of our community partners and donors, has worked to ensure that children in Hampton Roads start the new school year with the “Write Stuff." The Write Stuff back-to-school initiative is an annual event that distributes backpacks filled with school supplies to students in grades K through 12 who reside in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Western Tidewater.
2026 WRITE Stuff Distribution Information
The Salvation Army is helping local K–12 students get ready for the new school year with our Write Stuff Backpack Distribution. We’ll be providing free backpacks filled with school supplies to students in need — while supplies last!
Distribution Locations & Dates
Kroc Center Hampton Roads
1401 Ballentine Blvd, Norfolk, VA
August 14, 2026 | 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
August 15, 2026 | 9:00 am to 12 Noon
Our Kroc Center distribution is open to residents of Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach
Portsmouth Corps
2306 Airline Blvd, Portsmouth, VA
August 14, 2026 | 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Our Portsmouth Corps distribution is open to residents of Portsmouth (any zip code) and Chesapeake residents living in zip codes 23321 and 23323 only
Suffolk Corps
400 Bank St, Suffolk, VA
August 8, 2026 | 10:00 am to 12 Noon
Our Suffolk Corps distribution is open to residents of Suffolk and Western Tidewater
Required Documentation
Valid government-issued photo ID for parent or guardian (not expired)
Proof of residency
Child’s Birth certificate
For more information, please call the Hampton Roads Area Command at 757-543-8100 or scan the QR code on the flyer.
You can support this important fundraiser by becoming a sponsor, making a donation, or dropping off school supplies. To donate supplies or participate in a supply donation drive, please contact:
Beth Hornby | beth.hornby@uss.salvationarmy.org | 757-271-8431
Summer Camp
Local Day Camps
Kroc Hampton Roads – June 8, 2026, through August 14, 2026
Serving children in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth
Camp Rappahannock
Located in the scenic heart of Virginia, Camp Rappahannock is a vibrant summer destination where adventure, community, and faith come alive. For generations, campers have discovered unforgettable experiences here—experiences that ignite confidence, inspire growth, and draw young people closer to God. At Camp Rappahannock, kids step away from screens and step into creation, exploring the outdoors in ways that spark wonder and deepen their sense of purpose.
Whether campers are hiking wooded trails, paddling the river, scaling the climbing wall, or sharpening their aim at the archery range, children are surrounded by opportunities to try new things and thrive. Our dedicated staff create a safe, joyful, and Christ-centered environment where every camper is known, valued, and encouraged. Camp Rappahannock is more than a place to spend the summer—it is a place where friendships form, faith grows, and memories last a lifetime.
For more information and to register your child for Camp Rappahannock, please click below.
For questions or registration assistance, please contact:
Families in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, or Chesapeake (Excluding zip codes 23321 and 23323)
- Stacey Adkins | (757) 335-2361 | stacey.adkins@uss.salvationarmy.org
Families in Portsmouth and Chesapeake ZIP codes 23321 and 23323 only
- Major Ronnette Smith | (304) 546-0931 | ronnette.smith@uss.salvationarmy.org
Families in Suffolk and Western Tidewater
- Captain Karen Twinney | (832) 771-0649 | karen.twinney@uss.salvationarmy.org
Looking to Change a Child’s Life This Summer?
If you are interested in sponsoring a child for summer camp, please contact Beth Hornby, Development Director, at (757) 271-8431 or beth.hornby@uss.salvationarmy.org.
Accreditation
Our camps are accredited through the American Camping Association (ACA).
Hampton Roads Area Command Youth Services Information
Youth Services at Hampton Roads Area Command
The Salvation Army is committed to empowering young people and providing them with opportunities to thrive. Our local youth programs offer a variety of activities and services designed to inspire, educate, and support young people.
We understand the challenges and opportunities facing young people in our community today. Our dedicated local staff and volunteers are committed to creating a safe and positive environment where young people can learn, grow, and develop important life skills. Through mentoring, tutoring, summer camp, music programs, and recreational activities, we strive to help young people in our area reach their full potential.
How You Can Help:
Volunteer: Share your time and talents to mentor young people.
Donate: Support our programs and help us provide essential services.
Spread the Word: Share our mission and encourage others to get involved.
By working together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of young people in our community.
The Salvation Army Is Here to Help More Kids Learn More Things
After-school programs have been proven to foster social and academic development as programs provide safe and structured environments for kids during after-school hours, oftentimes filling the space between the end of the school day and when parents return from work.
We know that every parent wants the best for their child’s future. Sometimes, in a world filled with distractions and challenges, finding the right support system can make all the difference. From homework assistance and tutoring to encouraging higher grades and boosting motivation to team-building activities and cooperative learning experiences that help develop essential social skills, our programs are designed to empower kids to unlock their potential and thrive.
Stats
1,490,912
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.
83,034
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.
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