Spring Break Vacation Watch, Safety and Camps
March 02 2023
Spring Break is March 13th - 17th! Children and teens will be home and families going on vacations. If you will be going on vacation, be sure to register your home with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vacation Watch Program and keep safety in mind while on vacation and at home. For those staying home, take advantage of the beautiful parks, fun locations and spring break camps offered in the West Houston/Cypress area!
VACATION WATCH
If you have plans to go on vacation during Spring Break, keeping your home safe while gone is a big concern. A Vacation Watch is a service provided by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for citizens residing in the unincorporated areas of Harris County. Citizens may request a Vacation Watch by clicking on the following link and completing the on-line form.
To properly route the request, select the Subdivision or Contract name from the drop down list. If the subdivision or contract is not found select the closest Substation or Storefront. For a List of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Substations or Storefronts click here.
Harris County Precinct 4 Vacation Watch Form
Harris County Precinct 5 Vacation Watch Form
Harris County Vacation Watch Form (all precincts)
SPRING BREAK SAFETY
Spring Break is right around the corner! From kindergarten to college, students everywhere are celebrating!
Let’s talk Spring Break safety. So many of these reminders are common sense, yet every year brings new challenges and stories of Spring Break misfortune. Take a few minutes and think about how to enjoy the seasonal holidays and remain safe and sound.
FOR OUR KIDS
There have been a few stories in the news recently of children who were approached by adult predators. In each of the cases, the female children were able to get away and avoid the apparent kidnapping attempt.
Children who are usually in school during the work week may find themselves in unfamiliar settings at Spring Break. Older kids may be left unsupervised. Younger children may attend camps or care situations that are new. Talk with kids about their personal safety. Help them to think through a “plan” if they are confronted by a stranger, or even someone who is known to them, who is making them feel uncomfortable or afraid.
Tell kids that Spring Break safety includes “No, Go, Yell, Tell.” This mantra helps kids remember what to do if they are confronted.
Talk to kids about predators who may try to lure them into a car or touch them in a way that they do not like. Tell kids to say “NO!” in a loud voice, and to “Go” by running away. Explain safe places to run, such as a neighbor’s house, a public place, or even another room at a residential location. Tell them to “Yell” and create a disturbance that will attract a responsible adult’s attention, and then to “Tell” the trusted adult what happened.
By talking through these safety tips, kids will have a game plan if they are confronted by danger during Spring Break.
FOR ADULTS
If you plan to vacation with your kids, remember a few tips about protecting your home while you are gone. Create the “illusion of occupancy:” the illusion that someone is home at your house at all times.
The illusion of occupancy capitalizes on the fact that burglars generally want to break in, steal your property, and leave. They seldom intend to find someone at home in the house. If they believe a house is occupied, they will likely move to another home.
Most importantly, ask a neighbor to pick up newspapers that may be delivered in your absence. Have them check your door for flyers or push cards, and pick up mail that may be visible in a mailbox.
Use light timers and set a radio or television to cycle on and off. Keep lawns and bushes trimmed. If possible, have a neighbor park a car in the driveway or on the street in front of your house. Create the appearance that the home is not vacant for any extended period of time.
FOR EVERYONE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
It is now standard, rather than trendy, to highlight every moment of our day on social media. Even the most routine trips to the grocery store or movie theater are recorded.
Avoid the temptation to advertise your Spring Break vacation plans on social media. It is rare (though not as rare as it used to be) that those who would victimize you are on patrol on social media. However, there is no need to make yourself a vulnerable target.
Put the pictures of your out-of-town trip on social networks after you return and avoid the high-tech burglar who would victimize you in your absence.
These few reminders will insure a Safe Spring Break! Live Safe, and enjoy!
Written by: Katherine Cabaniss, former prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
SNAPOLOGY SPRING BREAK CAMPS
Ages 5-18 (Camps vary)
Educational, Fun and Affordable STEM Camps! Snapology offers the best S.T.E.A.M. camps in the area. Your kids will love our fun camp topics and themes. Shh, don’t tell them it’s educational!
LIKE MIKE SPORTS BASKETBALL CAMP
Our camps are open to all skill levels and we strive ourselves on providing various proven skills drills throughout your time with us. Basketball camps help to enhance your skill set, work on key fundamentals. In addition to working on your skill set, out shooting machine will also aide in developing your offense ability, improving your shooting form, developing muscle memory through repetition.
ARTIST WITHIN SCHOOL OF ART SPRING BREAK CAMP
Students work in watercolor, color pencil, pastel and tempera. Mixed Media Techniques are demonstrated step-by-step. Instructors observe and help student master each technique as they practice. Students then use their new skills in creating their finished piece of artwork. Our unique individualized approach helps build artistic confidence and improves each students visual vocabulary of techniques. Curriculum’s are customized to build students skills and knowledge. Flexible Scheduling available.
iCODE CODING CAMP & BOOTCAMP
Learn programming, coding, content creating for YouTube, and more! Have an interest in technology, this is for you! Camps are filling up, so sign up soon!
PREMIER BASEBALL SPRING BREAK CAMP
3 day camp for 7U-14U. Small groups with spots limited to 24 players per age group.
ACTIVE KIDS SPRING BREAK VOLLEYBALL CAMP
This program is perfect for any and all players looking to improve their skills. Whether you made your school team or are wanting to stay in shape for your club team or developmental league, this is the place for you! These 2-hour sessions are open to anyone 12th grade and under and will focus on individual skills (serving, passing, setting, and attacking). This program will be run by Asics Willowbrook club coaches and be comparable to a club practice.
THE LITTLE GYM SPRING BREAK CAMP
Ages 3-8
Your child will spend three adventure-filled hours a day on a unique, exciting quest with their friends. Each week revolves around an interactive learning theme with different, creative lesson plans that will keep your child engaged.
ASI GYMNASTICS SPRING BREAK CAMP
Spring Break Camp is offered the month of March when school is out. Kids (ages 3-14 & potty trained) will enjoy learning gymnastics, playing games, and participating in team-building and problem-solving activities all built around fun. Camp dates will follow the local school districts calendar.
USA NINJA CHALLENGE SPRING BREAK CAMP
All Ages 4 - Teens
Our ninja camps are just the thing for your child to have tons of fun. Our instructors will guide the ninjas on taking on our obstacles, running the courses and playing some fun games. Camp is open to ninjas of all abilities. Pick one day or multiple days, the choice is yours. Camps are held daily from 8:30am - noon.
ALODIA SPRING BREAK BASKETBALL CAMP
Increase the confidence in your basketball player while they have fun! Choose from full or half day camps.
VILLA SPORT SPRING BREAK CAMP
Bring your kids to VillaKids for a special day of swimming, crafts, and skill-based games with our wonderful staff. Members and guests are welcome.
INSPIRE ROCK SPRING BREAK CAMP
This Spring Break, we are offering a climbing camp for kids ages 6 - 12 years old. Our half day camp will focus on the basics of climbing technique and safety. It will also include fun activities and games, both on and off the wall. All skill levels welcome!
