Corps Spotlight: Salvation Army of Gwinnett County
“We do youth programs because it is the essence of our grassroots.” – Major Analese Ryerson
From traditional youth discipleship to full concert band classes, The Salvation Army of Gwinnett’s youth programming offers creative and meaningful experiences for the community.
Hosted weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays and completely free of charge, these programs include a mix of ministry-based and fine arts offerings such as junior dance, choir, improv theatre, starting brass, concert brass, and praise band. Designed for youth ages five to 17—with some programs even open to adults—there’s something for everyone.
Wednesdays are focused on discipleship through age-appropriate classes: Nursery, Thrive (Kindergarten–5th grade), and Reverb (6th–12th grade). These sessions allow youth to grow in faith alongside their peers. Thursdays, meanwhile, are filled with creative arts classes that begin with a devotional message, emphasizing praise over performance and helping youth connect their talents to their faith.
“Our programs are really important because we are teaching the foundation of what we believe in our Christian faith through music and art, and it changes lives every week,” said Major Analese Ryerson, corps officer for The Salvation Army of Gwinnett.
While joining a band class might feel intimidating at first, the Gwinnett programs welcome youth at all skill levels. Beginners can start in smaller, more intimate classes before progressing to advanced groups. Captain Paul Ryerson, corps officer for The Salvation Army of Gwinnett shared how many students from the local high school participate in the senior band class—not just to refine their musical skills, but to find a supportive community where they feel valued and seen.
“Everything we do here aligns with who we are as The Salvation Army. We are able to meet human need—whether through utility assistance, our food pantry, rapid rehousing, or teaching a child to sing, dance, or play an instrument. It’s all connected to human need, and it’s all bolstered by our faith,” Ryerson said.
The youth programs have been a great opportunity for youth and even their families to become a part of The Salvation Army of Gwinnett community. Many youth start with the fine arts classes, only to become involved in more programs and eventually grow into active members of the Gwinnett corps. Beyond weekly programming, The Salvation Army of Gwinnett also offers extended opportunities such as Camp Grandview, where kids can experience the outdoors and form new friendships, and SHINE—an engaging week-long summer day camp that explores all aspects of the fine arts.
If you’re in the Gwinnett area and looking for a safe, inspiring place for your child to grow in creativity, community, and character, we encourage you to explore our youth programming. Whether your child wants to dance, sing, play an instrument, or grow in their faith, The Salvation Army of Gwinnett is here to support and welcome them—just as they are. Learn more by clicking here.