In the Light: Kids Day Out Shines Across Aotearoa

Salvation Army halls across the motu came alive with laughter, worship, creativity and connection as children gathered for this year’s Kids Day Out events in Christchurch, Mosgiel, Feilding and Hamilton. More than just a day of fun, Kids Day Out created spaces where tamariki were encouraged to grow in confidence, build friendships, explore faith and discover that they are deeply valued by God and their communities.

Centred on the theme, In the Light, inspired by Ephesians 5:8, children explored what it means to live as children of light through worship, storytelling, activities, shared meals and meaningful moments together. Across every location, children were not simply participants but active contributors, courageously praying, stepping into leadership, supporting one another and expressing faith in ways that were authentic and personal.

Here’s what some of our young people had to say:

‘I loved the intermediates. We played such fun games and made new friends. The food was good as well.’—Ayla, North Island

‘I really enjoyed singing the songs.’—Kane, South Island

‘Playing messy games with the shaving cream.’—Ariana, South Island

‘The games, especially the lolly scramble.’—Anjana, South Island

‘Saying the grace and praying even though I was scared.’—Riki, South Island

‘I had so much fun making things in the Lego session.’—Ruby, North Island

‘I loved doing the arts and crafts. I made lots of new friends from different places.’—Zoey, North Island

‘I felt close to God when we prayed, worshipped and danced.’—Savannah, North Island

In Christchurch, 6-year-old Lacey shared a testimony that captured the heart of the day:

‘Hello everyone, my name is Lacey, and I am going to share my testimony today. I have come to this church my whole life and come to kids church too. It’s heaps of fun. I love to sing worship songs to God and also love praying. Last year, my teacher started a prayer room and I really liked going along and spending time with Jesus and helping. I know Jesus is with me in everything I do. I can pray when I am worried but also when great things are happening too. I want you to know that Jesus loves you, too and you can ask Him into your heart any time. Life is way better when we do it with Him.’

Kids Day Out was a powerful reminder that when children are seen as tino taonga—treasured, nurtured, heard and included—they flourish. Through the intentional investment of whānau, leaders and communities across Aotearoa, the next generation of The Salvation Army is already shining brightly!

How you can join us

Pray, lead or donate to kids camps in September. These camps will build further on the In the Light theme, offering more opportunities for adventure, friendship and discipleship for children and leaders across the country.