This month, the Canada and Bermuda Territory launches Just for Kids, a new and improved publication aimed at children aged 5-12. An updated version of Edge for Kids, the territory's former children's publication, Just for Kids will offer a weekly self-contained Bible lesson that incorporates Salvation Army teaching and doctrine.

“The name Edge for Kids was associated with the teen publication The Edge,” says Geoff Moulton, editor-in-chief and literary secretary. When The Edge was re-launched as the sendthefire.ca website a number of years ago, the name lost its significance. “The new name releases ties to the magazine while maintaining continuity so as not to alienate the current audience,” he continues, “but more importantly, it has that ring of exclusivity about it that kids love. This is a magazine made 'just' for them.”

Just Do It!

Kristin Ostensen, editor of Just for Kids, will connect with children through a brief message in each issue of the new publication

In 2012, divisional youth secretaries, corps officers, children's workers and children from across the territory were asked what they would like to see in a children's publication. As a result of their feedback, Just for Kids will continue as a weekly one-sheet activity paper, freshly redesigned to engage children through stories and puzzles, present Army culture and distinctives in ways they can understand, and inspire them to apply their faith every day.

A number of new features will be included, such as a monthly social justice-driven challenge, Just Do It!, to encourage corps and families to get involved with their communities.

“These challenges can be done by any corps, of any size,” says Kristin Ostensen, editor of Just for Kids. “They will give kids ways they can live the mission of the Army in their daily lives.”

The corps that best completes the challenge each quarter will be eligible to win a prize, including DVDs or a pizza party. Other new elements will include a contemporary logo incorporating the Salvation Army Red Shield, reader profiles and an appealing avatar of Ostensen who will connect with readers through a brief message in each issue.

Fits the Bill

Traditionally, Salvation Army publications for children, such as Edge for Kids and its predecessor, The Young Soldier, were used almost exclusively as giveaways to children who attended Sunday school. Salvationists are now encouraged to use Just for Kids as a supplement to a variety of children's ministries and programs, such as after-school programs, and in community and family services offices, food banks or anywhere there is an opportunity to share the message of Jesus Christ with children.

“With the territory's identification of ministry to children and youth as a top priority, children's leaders are looking for biblically based, Salvation Army-specific material,” says Moulton, “and Just for Kids fits the bill.”

Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander, agrees. “I am inviting corps across the territory to renew their commitment to children's ministry,” she says. “To corps who are not currently using Edge for Kids, I challenge you to consider how Just for Kids can be used as an outreach tool. Together, we can reach the children of our communities and further the kingdom of God.”

To assist corps in expanding their use of Just for Kids, those already receiving Edge for Kids will be given five additional copies of Just for Kids each week for the first quarter of 2015, at no additional charge. Following this period, increased orders will automatically be renewed unless contact is made with the editorial department.

“The editorial department aims to share the gospel through the printed word and online,” concludes Ostensen. “With its appealing format and solid teaching, Just for Kids can help bring the next generation to Christ.”