A focus on youth enrichment and development is continuing at The Salvation Army of Michigan City as a new activity was unveiled in March. The local organization is now offering SA Gaming, a monthly night of video games targeting youth in Michigan City.

On the first Friday of every month from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Michigan City youth are invited to attend this free event – playing video games, online games, and board games with other children from the community. Snacks are provided. Registration is not necessary, but parents of children under 7 years old are asked to accompany their child throughout the event.

The next SA Gaming event will take place on Friday, April 5 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and will continue on the first Friday of every month at The Salvation Army of Michigan City, 1201 S. Franklin Street, Michigan City. It is free and open to the public. Games will be age appropriate and monitored by trained volunteers.

Video game clubs are a rising trend lately, said Major Dale Simmons of The Salvation Army, referring to groups such as the e-sports team at Michigan City High School. He said youth who attend SA Gaming can learn sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork by working and playing together.

“Our new SA Gaming events, along with our monthly Friday Night @ the Sal events, offer opportunities for free family fun, something that the Michigan City community is always looking for,” Simmons said. “As an organization, The Salvation Army looks to meet needs specific to our community, and these family nights are a great way for us to provide a fun, safe way for local kids to connect and get involved.” 

Programs at The Salvation Army targeted to Michigan City youth include a diaper bank, free summer camp, weekend backpack feeding program. Other services offered by The Salvation Army include a food pantry, utility assistance, free clothing room, group grief support, and case management.

Free summer camp registration will open later this month. Information will be available in coming weeks. The Salvation Army’s Hidden Falls Summer Camp is located in Bedford, Indiana and camps offered include music, sports, STEM, and adventure.

More information of programs is available by visiting www.samichigancity.org or by calling (219) 874-6885.