Kids’ Club Helps Empower Children and Builds Bonds
Every Wednesday, The Salvation Army in Brockville, Ont., hosts a fun initiative called the Kids’ Club. This program provides children with learning, games, and even a meal after school. Additionally, it serves as a bridge to connect new families with The Salvation Army.
“Kids’ Club was created to provide a service and a community-building aspect that would allow us to be in contact with families. We’re creating a healthy space where everyone is valued,” explained Children and Youth Community Outreach Coordinator, Christina Bulgin.
The program runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. It is open to students between Grades 2 and 6. During this time, children participate in games, crafts, and a biblical and moral teaching component. They are also served supper.
While children are split into groups during activities, the supper brings everyone together. Christina believes this is where the first step towards family connections is taken. The dinner also allows the children to have group meals and feel a sense of companionship.
“The Kids’ Club has allowed us to come alongside families and their children.”
“The children eat very well. It’s interesting too, because not all the kids have family dinner, so they’re also learning decorum, sitting down, being polite, and using their manners while having table conversations. It’s been a really nice way to get to know the children as well. They’ve opened up a lot about their homes, stories and about things that are going on in their lives,” Christina added.
Parents benefit from these conversations, as the staff can later contact them and provide additional assistance if needed.
“There have definitely been some benefits for parents. We have linked some of them through our Community Family Services, and additional assistance has been provided,” Christina said.
Hearing what the children have to say also allows the staff to learn about each child’s interests. Some of the attendees have connected to the junior band program, and were additionally able to attend music camp at Jacksons Point, Ont.
“There have definitely been some benefits for parents. We have linked some of them through our Community Family Services.”
Since its creation in 2022, Kids’ Club has been joined by nearly 80 children from seven different schools. Every week, there is a consistent group of about 20 members who participate regularly. While registration is required, anyone is welcome to join.
The connections made also apply to the volunteers running the program. Each week, high school students come out to support the operation of the program.
Despite being a children’s program, Kids’ Club helps The Salvation Army to connect with families and people of all ages.
“The Kids’ Club has allowed us to come alongside families and their children, but it has also provided a community in which to journey our relationship with teenagers in such a unique way,” Christina shared.
By Juan Romero
