The Salvation Army’s music programs for children are legendary, but what about kids who don’t want to sing or play an instrument? At the Astoria, N.Y., Corps in Queens, they can join a children’s painting and art program known as “Brilliant Brushes” instead.

Lieutenant Alex Vargas, the corps officer in Astoria bought canvases, brushes, and paint and started out instructing 10 kids. When another class started six months later, he had 15 eager kids sign up between the ages of 8 and 13. They meet at the corps on Wednesday nights.

Parents love the class, Vargas says, because many of the budding artists have built up their confidence through painting.

In the fall, the class painted pumpkins and learned that everyone is different and unique yet created in God’s image.

The Astoria Corps is also home to a successful sewing program that involves 10 to 15 people on Thursdays. It was started several years ago under Major Claudia Germain, who still teaches the class.

To see if there are programs like this near you, visit SALVATIONARMYUSA.ORG