To the long list of positive things the Salvation Army does for Suffolk, add this: It is hosting a summer day camp designed to get kids off the streets and teach them skills for life.

The camp, operated by an organization called CHOICE — Children Helping Other Individuals See Elevation — was developed for children ages 4 to 17 and operates from 2 to 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, until school is back in session. This is the second year the camp has been offered.

There are music lessons, physical education, fun activities and a focus on spiritual development. Organizer Antwan Robinson expects the good experience the nearly 90 participants had last year to translate into even higher levels of participation this year.

Giving youth something to do during the long summer months should have the immediate benefit of helping to keep them out of trouble. And giving them the experiences they will have in this camp could have benefits that last long past the immediate future.

Robinson says he wants to help children better themselves and to teach them that their surroundings do not define who they are.

Those are excellent goals, and they fit right in with the mission of the Salvation Army. This is the kind of partnership that can change lives.