Kids Club Fills Gap in Community Services

In northwest Calgary, The Salvation Army is providing a free, bi-weekly Kids Club, where more than 100 children are registered. The Kids Club is fostering a strong sense of community, providing a safe place for children to have fun and reminding everyone of the services The Salvation Army offers.

“There is no community centre in our neighbourhood for activities and spaces to meet friends,” says Captain Amanda Robinson, pastor of The Salvation Army’s Berkshire Community Church. “Our kids club is a program that brings neighbours together in a caring and inclusive environment.”

Robinson says that most neighbourhood activities are costly and some family budgets simply don’t extend that far. That means fewer opportunities for children to team up with friends, build relationships and learn new skills.

“When children feel safe, they often open up about other issues such as hunger, social and school challenges.”

The Kids Club is open to all children, from kindergarten to Grade 6, who live in the area. Every other week, trained volunteers teach crafts and supervise activities. Kids hang out with friends from all walks of life, explore their creativity, develop leadership and communications skills and are free to just be kids.

“When children feel safe, they often open up about other issues such as hunger, social and school challenges,” says Robinson. “We work closely with families to provide practical assistance and resources to help them succeed.

“We want everyone to be part of something where they feel valued and loved.”

“There are a lot of young families in our community,” she continues. “Our Kids Club also hosts family nights that include watching movies and enjoying outdoor campfires. We want everyone to be part of something where they feel valued and loved.”