On May 2-3, The Salvation Army's National Advisory Board (NAB) convened at Scotia Plaza in downtown Toronto for its biannual meeting.

In his opening remarks, board chair Andrew Lennox thanked Colonels Floyd and Tracey Tidd for their commitment to the work of the NAB, noting that this was their last meeting before taking up new appointments in Australia Southern Territory as territorial commander and territorial president of women's ministries, respectively. The board made a generous donation to Booth University College's Business Learning Centre project in the Tidd's name.

Colonel Floyd Tidd with board chair Andrew Lennox. Above: From left, Major Brian Venables, divisional commander, Quebec Division, Major Keith Pike and board member Stephen Bodley

In a presentation on the Army's camping ministries, Major Keith Pike, territorial youth secretary, noted that “every child that goes to camp is given dignity and self-worth. There is a spiritual emphasis, and campers leave knowing that they are children of God.”

The first Army camp began in Winnipeg in 1900. Today, the territory runs 10 Canadian camps as well as day camps in Bermuda. The programming is divided into Adventure Camps (formerly known as “fresh-air camps”), Instructional Camps (such as music and sports camps) and Leader in Training Programs.

Over an eight-week period in the summer, more than 4,500 young people attend Army camps, many of whom come from financially disadvantaged homes. Major Pike noted that camping “provides an opportunity for kids to be kids … to explore the outdoors, discover who they are and learn new skills, such as canoeing, music, crafts and rock climbing.”

Board member Robert McFarlane with Commissioner Brian Peddle

Major Pike indicated that the Army is pursuing a national training strategy for every camp in the territory so that counsellors have common credentials that apply to all camps.

The NAB met the following day to explore topics as diverse as National Recycling Operations, homelessness in Canada and a new and innovative performance management system being developed in partnership with the NAB and the THQ personnel department for officers and employees throughout the territory.