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,

We provide after school clubs at many of our 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 gave hope to Sarah when she needed it most

Your support helps people like Sarah, who was forced to leave her job and seek emergency shelter with her two children after fleeing domestic abuse. After finding stability in a new home, Sarah was introduced to her local Salvation Army where she received vital support – from food parcels and fuel assistance to emotional care and help finding part-time work to fit around her children's needs.

One of the most impactful services for Sarah’s family has been the summer holiday club, funded by The Salvation Army, which offers her children a safe, fun environment while easing the financial and emotional strain of the long break. The experience has brought her closer to other parents and helped her rebuild a sense of community.

“The Salvation Army was like an all-rounder, helping me and my children in every situation. From food parcels to summer clubs, they kept us afloat and gave us hope when we needed it most”

“The Salvation Army was like an all-rounder, helping me and my children in every situation. From food parcels to summer clubs, they kept us afloat and gave us hope when we needed it most”

Sarah, mum of two

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.