Children's Outside Guide Story

The Salvation Army's Children's Outside Guide was inspired by our Youth & Children work across the UK.

Spending time outside in nature is particularly important for developing confidence and independence. Recent government evidence reveals children who spend time outside connecting with nature see improvements in areas such as school attendance, behaviour, and social skills.

I love coming here [to The Salvation Army] after school and playing games. Sometimes we go to the park. I really love eating the lettuce we grow.

- School pupil Myla Sloane (age 6), from Shotts

A focus of The Salvation Army is to help young people thrive and flourish and one way we do this is by working in local communities across the UK, supporting families who may need our help. Explore some of our most common parental support clubs that many of our centres offer below.

The Salvation Army has many parent and toddler groups at centres across the UK, providing a safe and happy environment for children to play, learn and interact. They can often be the basis for developing long-lasting relationships for young families looking for friendship and support.

“The Salvation Army staff here are really nice and are helpful if I need anything. Rebeca [my daughter] and I enjoy coming to the group. There are lots of toys to play with and different activities – she loves to do some painting. Rebeca has also made friends with the other children here. The face painter who came at Christmas was great! The other parents are all nice and friendly too, I have made friends here.” - Ana, The Salvation Army, Ilford,

The Salvation Army provides after school clubs at many of its centres across the UK. Providing free and low-cost, high-quality childcare to parents and carers, offering a lifeline for many struggling to put food on the table.

“The option of the [Salvation Army] after-school club is brilliant as it is a safe space for us as a family to go. I suffer with depression and anxiety and the whole cost-of-living crisis makes everything worse. The after-school club is also a bit of a social activity for me too, which is important. It gets me out of the house which is what I need.” - Jennifer, The Salvation Army Blackburn.

We run summer camps at select locations across the U.K. These run during the summer holidays, often providing children with a holiday their parents might otherwise not have been able to afford. They help to reduce the additional financial strain that many families can face during the long summer holidays.

“The Salvation Army summer club has been amazing for us. My daughter has been going for the last couple of years and loves it. She gets to make new friends and enjoy all the outdoor activities they put on.” - Sarah, The Salvation Army Anderston.

Image of children sat around a table, with a Salvation Army leader smiling

We couldn’t do what we do without the kind generosity of people like you. A donation of just £4.70 could pay for an activity pack to keep young children busy, interested and full of life over the school holidays. If you can, please consider making a donation today.

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We opened Ibrahim’s eyes to new experiences.

Your support helps people like Ibrahim. His mum, Mae, works night shifts as a carer and struggles to support them both. It is expensive to pay for suitable activities for Ibrahim during the school holidays. But at The Salvation Army, Mae has found lots of activities for Ibrahim, and joy for herself too.

Young boy playing with toys, their mother looking on.

One experience Ibrahim will never forget was during a week at summer camp where he took part in activities including swimming, arts and crafts. Mae tells us:

He was so over the moon because he’d been to a camp with school and didn’t like it, but this one he loved – he can’t wait to go back.

For Ibrahim, The Salvation Army is a place filled with joy, fun and new experiences. These are memories that will stay with him for life. Mae now volunteers at The Salvation Army parents and toddler group and the youth group. She says: ‘I am so encouraged; I keep telling my friends I’ve found a new home.’

Get Owt

We have also developed a suite of resources especially designed for use in our churches and centres, called Get OWT! The resources have been crafted to help toddlers, and their caregivers enjoy the benefits of nature through engaging and imaginative activities. By participating in these activities, children can enjoy the outdoors, foster a connection with the environment, and experience the joy of nature-based play. You can access the Get OWT! resources here.