The Salvation Army Red Shield Summer Day Camp - Memorable and Affordable
The Salvation Army Red Shield Summer Day Camp – Memorable and Affordable
As the snow-capped Pikes Peak yields to warmer days and summer vacation, for many students, this break means no school for at least two months, promising late nights, sleeping in, playing with friends, outdoor adventures, family trips, and fun.
However, for some students, summer isn't as carefree. It involves long days without parental supervision, limited access to proper meals, and few opportunities for summer activities due to the expense. For many youths in El Paso County, summer can be far from enjoyable.
The Salvation Army's Red Shield Summer Day Camp provides a solution, offering a safe and engaging environment for children during the summer months. This year, the camp is at full capacity, with 67 children from 35 families enrolled. Red Shield Manager Cassie Hansen shared, "We're thrilled to see so many families taking advantage of this opportunity."
From June 3rd to August 2nd, the nine-week faith-based summer day camp operates Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Salvation Army provides breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily at no additional cost, thanks to The Salvation Army's Colorado Café.
A typical day at the camp is filled with activities: worship time, music lessons, educational activities planned by District 11 teachers, and exciting field trips. Outings include visits to the Denver Aquarium, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Cripple Creek Narrow Gauge Railroad, Meow Wolf, and other engaging destinations. This year's theme, "Camp Creation," encourages children to explore the natural systems of God's creation in educational and fun ways.
The camp offers parents affordable rates to ensure their children have a memorable summer. Hansen notes, "Our camp offers the most affordable rates in El Paso County. We provide opportunities for kids to explore Colorado's wonders—enrichments they might not have otherwise experience. Some campers have never visited local treasures like the Garden of the Gods. We're proud to provide these valuable experiences."
Children aged 5 to 15 can enjoy a summer of fun and learning at The Red Shield Summer Day Camp, a place many describe as their "safe haven." The camp's child and family-centric approach features a compassionate, trauma-informed childcare model. Teachers are trained in the neuro-sequential model and certified as Resilience Trainers through the Global Resilience and Inner Transformation (GRIT) Institute. The curriculum integrates social-emotional learning, choice-based lessons, and a strong "kid-first culture," ensuring a memorable experience.
Every year, the program seeks staff for the summer! Applicants must be at least 18 years old, preferably 21 and older, comfortable with driving, and experienced in working with children. The salary ranges from $14 to $17 per hour, with full and part-time positions and flexible scheduling. For more information, contact Cassie at: cassie.hansen@usw.salvationarmy.org.
School is out for thousands of students in El Paso County, and 67 children will have a summer they won't forget at The Red Shield.