Keepers of the Covenant

Hershey, Pennsylvania: From June 11 to 14, 2026, Hershey Lodge in Pennsylvania hosted the General’s Congress: Our Holy Covenant. This landmark occasion brought together over 4,000 Salvationists, with thousands more via livestream. It marked the first time since 2007 that a General of The Salvation Army had attended such a congress in the USA Eastern Territory. General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham presided over the event, centered on the spiritual theme of Psalm 40:1–2 and patiently waiting on the Lord. 

General Buckingham urged everyone to maintain confidence in the covenant-making God. During the sessions, he expressed his delight in being in Hershey and said, “The Creator, the Preserver, the Governor of all things — we have gathered in this place to bring Him honor, to bring Him glory, to lift up His name.” 

The congress, which saw a mass enrollment of over 200 new adherents and soldiers, reached a crescendo on Sunday with stirring music, a video remembering those officers promoted to Glory, and the exciting ordination and commissioning of the Keepers of the Covenant session of cadets. 

As the General witnessed the overwhelming response of people coming to the mercy seat, he turned to Commissioners Ralph and Susan Bukiewicz, USA Eastern territorial leaders, and said, “This is your family. This is revival. It’s coming.”

Photos by Antonio DiCaterina

Where Confidence Hangs on Every Rack

Pasadena, California: At Pasadena Tabernacle in Southern California, The Salvation Army hosts an annual event in the Prom Room, where teens can come and shop for free formal wear, shoes and accessories for prom and graduation. This year, the event was in late April, and it was the first opportunity the corps had to run the store since COVID. Clients were greeted with snacks for families to enjoy while their teens checked in and shopped. 

Captain Rebecca Helms says that the corps and the community are eager to help with the event. Organizers just have to reach out and clothes are donated, oftentimes brand new. Captain Helms said that clients “got to pick as much as they wanted because we had so much.” She added that one celebrity who asked to remain nameless donated more than eight wardrobe boxes full of designer clothing. Donors have made it clear that this is a meaningful ministry that they want to continue supporting. 

“Being a teen is hard in this day and age, and [our donors] want teens to feel confident,” said Captain Helms. “If we can be a small part of boosting their confidence and encouraging them … for that one night, or even just the small time that they are there, then that’s worth it.” Captain Helms went on to say the ministry is particularly important for the teens now, as many families are still recovering from the destructive fire in LA County early last year. Whether they lost their home or not, every kid in Pasadena was affected. 

“We had kids who lost everything in the Eaton Fire,” Captain Helms said. “If we can ease the burden of not having to figure out how to pay for an expensive outfit, that’s just one less thing.” It’s a small, tangible thing that the kids will remember for a long time after a difficult year. Schools were shut down, families were forced to move, and donors wanted to help The Salvation Army take this one issue off peoples’ plates.

While the Prom Room is a great annual event, the team at Pasadena Tabernacle is looking ahead, planning new ways to use the space for more occasions. Captain Helms suggested, for instance, outfitting rehab program graduates for job interviews with clothes, hygiene products and more. “We have makeup and even deodorant, tooth whitening strips, all sorts of things that they could take to make them feel confident going into an interview.” With an excellent facility and the generosity of the Pasadena community, it’s not hard to imagine a bright future for the Prom Room.

Photo courtesy Captain Rebecca Helms

Army Archives: Girl Guards “Chocolate Queens” 

Fort Wayne, Indiana: A Fort Wayne, Indiana Girl Guard in full uniform presents Girl Guard milk chocolates to Auxiliary women as her Guard leader looks on. In the 1950s, Girl Guards drew attention for creative fundraising efforts that encouraged service, confidence, and fellowship within The Salvation Army’s youth programs.

Photo courtesy The Salvation Army Central Territory Museum

Community Spotlight: Volunteer Soccer Coach Builds Faith, Family, and Fitness

East North Port, New York: What began as a simple idea in July 2025 has quickly grown into a cornerstone of community connection and spiritual growth. The Salvation Army’s youth soccer program, led by volunteer Coach Edic Palacios, continues to make a meaningful impact on children and families who often lack safe spaces or opportunities for physical activity.

The program was created with a clear mission: to bring kids together, promote healthy habits, and strengthen family bonds through sports. But over time, it has become much more. Each session offers far more than drills and scrimmages. Coach Edic provides access to soccer equipment, structured coaching, a safe environment for physical activity, lessons emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and health. These values guide every practice and match, creating an atmosphere where children can grow not only as athletes but as individuals.

Faith on and off the Field

One unique element of the program has set it apart in the community: its spiritual component. After each soccer game, children gather for a short devotional and prayer. These moments have opened the door for deeper conversations about faith and have given families a glimpse into The Salvation Army’s mission and beliefs. Before joining the program, many participants did not know that The Salvation Army is also a church. Through consistent interaction, compassion, and relationship building, families have been introduced to the organization’s broader ministries.

New Relationships, Growing Congregation

The soccer program has become a bridge — connecting local families to new resources, new friendships, and for some, a new church home. Several children and their parents are now active members of the congregation, participating in weekly programs and worship services. Leaders say their prayer is that the seeds planted through fellowship and sports will continue to grow, and that in time, these children may recognize Jesus as their Savior and choose to become soldiers in The Salvation Army.

Looking Ahead

What started as a small initiative has become an example of how sports can transform a community — not only physically, but spiritually. Through the dedication of volunteers like Coach Edic, the East Northport soccer program is shaping young lives, strengthening families, and building a foundation of faith for the future.

Photo courtesy Major Ruth Anrade

By the Numbers: From S’mores Served to Souls Saved

United States: As we come to the end of the 2026 summer camp season, the impact of The Salvation Army’s 39 camps will be measured in many ways. These figures from Summer 2025 illustrate the profound impact of camp.

• Meals Provided: 1,304,283
• Snacks Served: 616,149
• Camp Days Provided: 270,323
• Physical Education Students: 135,044
• Campers: 66,008
• Music Students: 20,354
• Prayer Seekers: 15,550
• Youth Spiritual Development Meetings: 2,135
• Youth Chorus Students: 861 
• Worship Meetings: 836
• Dance Students: 480
• Youth Brass Band Students: 296
• Theater Students: 276
• Camps: 39

Western Music Institute’s 50^th Anniversary 

Los Angeles, California: In the summer of 1976, a small group of young adult musicians gathered at The Salvation Army’s Crestmont Campus in Southern California for the very first Western Music Institute (WMI) led by Major Terry Camsey. From 1978 until 2026, this significant event has been held every year, including twice online during COVID.

Over the years, WMI has grown from just band and choir to include praise & worship, dance and drama majors. Various music related electives such as gospel choir and electronic music now are also available as the Army strives to meet the needs and interests of its young adults. Small group Bible study and discussion complement daily devotional times together.

For the 50^th anniversary, an alumni celebration was held at the start of the WMI week this year, where former staff and students gathered to participate and celebrate God’s faithfulness and goodness alongside current staff and students.

Many WMI students have gone on to become Salvation Army officers. Many more are local officers and helpers at the corps across the Western Territory, encouraging the next generation of WMI’ers.