Children and young people

A group of young people smile at the camera
Celebrations for the International Day of Children and Young People in The Philippines

We imagine a world in which children and young people fully experience life, feeling loved and valued by their families and communities, and are empowered to make meaningful contributions.

We believe

that children and young people are:

  • made in the image of God and are a gift from God.
  • intricately made and should be treasured. This means we should value them.
  • also dependent yet developing. This means they need our guidance, care and protection.
  • natural models of faith and called by God to join his mission of redemption and reconciliation. This means we should give space to them to participate, co-create and co-lead in serving God and others with their unique set of gifts, talents and skills.

International Day of Children and Young People

Look Up!
Join us in celebrating the presence, power and promise of children and young people within The Salvation Army!

Every year The Salvation Army celebrates the International Day of Children and Young People on the last Sunday of April.

The day provides an opportunity to create space for children and young people to participate, co-create and co-lead in every aspect of our mission. It is about giving them a voice and a platform.
Celebrations in 2025

Resources

Explore resources for Sunday schools, youth groups and all-age worship.

Faith talks
Children and young people
Discipleship

Faith Talks Card Game

Starting conversations about faith, life and Salvationism!

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Look Up!
Bible
Discipleship
Psalms

Look Up!

Inspired by Psalm 121, these devotions help you focus on God, the Creator of heaven and earth, instead of life’s distractions and challenges.

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Look Up!
Children and young people

International Day of Children and Young People 2025

Join us in celebrating the presence, power and promise of children and young people within The Salvation Army! 

Read more

Youth and Children's Section at International Headquarters

The Youth and Children’s Section at International Headquarters (IHQ) supports and strengthens The Salvation Army around the world in its work among children and young people through:

  • identifying and sharing good practices, like discipleship programmes, around the world
  • sharing and creating resources, such as children's programmes and our Faith Talks card game
  • connecting youth secretaries, for example by creating zonal meetings with youth leaders
  • giving young people a voice through the International Children and Young People Advisory Group
  • supporting territories in increasing youth participation.
Contact the team