Salvation Army

Activities

At our 45 corps community centers and many more of our facilities, recreational programs provide an integral basis for the emotional, psychological and spiritual growth of young people as well as constructive activities for adults.

Recreational opportunities may include: basketball leagues, volleyball, arts and crafts, concerts, movies and organized trips to cultural institutions and resort locations.

Our Hempstead Citadel Corps Community Center has one of the most successful youth basketball programs in the country. Hall of Famer Julius Erving credits his participation in the program as the foundation for his physical and spiritual development. Other products of the Hempstead program include National Football League star receiver Rob Moore.

Music also provides recreational opportunities as well as playing a vital role in religious worship and evangelism. Since the early days of the Army in London, England, music has drawn people into a closer relationship with God.

Many Salvation Army corps have bands and songster brigades (choirs). Some of the best brass bands in the world are in The Salvation Army. Individuals who received their early training in music in the Army in New York include Philip Smith, principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic, and Stephen Bulla, principal arranger for the U.S. Marine Band.

The music program in Greater New York is year-round, with several corps offering music instruction to members of the community. In addition, the Greater New York Division conducts a Music Camp and Music Conservatory at its Star Lake Camp in Bloomingdale, NJ

Summer camping at Star Lake, however, is much more than Music Camp. Celebrating its 75th year of operation, Star Lake provides disadvantaged youngsters with overnight camping opportunities in a scenic property covering 379 acres in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains.

During youth camping sessions, children can participate in such activities as swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, sports, computer studies, photography and arts and crafts.

In addition to youth camping, Star Lake conducts special respite camping sessions at its Bel-Mon Village for homeless veterans, homeless families and families with loved ones suffering from AIDS.

The third component of Star Lake is the Lodge and Conference Center, which offers reasonably priced vacations for senior citizens throughout most of the year. It also serves as a site for Salvation Army and non-Army conferences.

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