Summer Parties bring hopeful start to ministry year

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Youth and leaders enjoyed Summer Parties across the nation. Image: Supplied

BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE

The Salvation Army’s 2026 Summer Parties were a success, as youth and young adults as well as leaders met to mark the launch of a new year of ministry.

The yearly events, which happen across the country from late January through February, draw hundreds of young people from multiple mission expressions to engage in fun, fellowship and a celebration service to mark the beginning of the year.

This year, for the first time in several years, the Northern Territory hosted an event, with 14 youth and young adults as well as three leaders gathering at Kingpin Darwin to enjoy bowling, laser tag, arcade games and more. Among those gathered were five young people from the TIPTE (Towards Independence Program Top End).

“Hopes emerged for revival in schools, prayers to push into Jesus more and for courage to tell others about Jesus,” wrote Captain Aaron Coombes, Youth and Young Adults Secretary for SA/NT. “So incredible to see the life changing, inclusive ministry that is happening in the NT!”

Darwin Corps Officer Major Kim Hawke wrote to thank the Youth and Young Adults Ministry team for their dedication to the young people in the Northern Territory. She wrote that there had been lots of positive feedback from the young people, parents, corps members and TSA staff.  

“The kids are now really excited about the year ahead,” she wrote. “They are motivated to invite their friends, are keen to see the kids from local TSA programs again, and they already have ideas about things they would love to do to build on the excitement generated by the Summer Party.”

In other parts of the country, young people gathered at aquatic centres and theme parks to enjoy a day of games and cooling off before listening to gospel-centred messages in the evening.

A total 71 youth and young adults and 29 leaders gathered across four locations in Western Australia to kick off the year, with the final one held at Karratha on 21 February. Karratha Corps Officer Captain Jodie Jones expressed her thanks for the support that made their event possible.

“Our Karratha team had a great time trying something new at the Indoor Golf Centre and giving young people an opportunity at dinner to share their hearts and lives, along with their fears, hopes and transformations,” Jodie wrote. “My heart feels overwhelmed at the possible impacts this ministry is having and will continue to have in the lives of our young people. Thank you for helping this to happen.”

Click through the slideshow below for more photos from Summer Parties around the Australia Territory: