Spring Break Activities For Young People

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Dates: March 29, – April 2, 2010
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Mayor Richard M. Daley  reminded residents that a wide variety of programs and activities for young people are offered by the City, its sister agencies and other partners during the Chicago Public Schools spring break, which goes from Friday, March 26 until Monday, April 5.

“This is a welcome break for parents and students, alike. But this extended period away from school gives our young people time on their hands, which can be dangerous,” Mayor Daley said in a news conference at Nash Elementary School, 4837 W. Erie.

“The free time makes them vulnerable to the threats of gangs, guns and drugs and it means we have to re-double our efforts to keep our children out of harm’s way,” he said.

The Mayor reminded parents and students that they share responsibility in this effort with the police department and community and faith-based groups, who help the City offer a wide variety of positive activities to engage young people during their holiday breaks and their summer vacation.

He said one of the most important programs is the “Safe Haven, Safe Holiday” program that is a partnership between the City’s Department of Family and Support Services, the Chicago Public Schools and the faith-based community.

This 5-day program started during the last winter break and it was such a success that it has been from 24 community churches to 40 to allow up to 1,000 students to take part in a variety of activities to keep them safe. Lunch, security and transportation are provided.

Some of the other spring break programs being offered are:

• Tomorrow CPS will partner with the Police for “Stop the Silence, Stop the Violence Day” in every public school. As part of the program, teachers and students will talk about violence in their communities and the impact it has on their lives. Students will also submit ideas about how to stem violence in our communities. This program gets to the heart of the problem of the code of silence in many neighborhoods that protects gang bangers and drug dealers.
• In addition, next week CPS will offer a new “Stop the Violence, Stop the Silence” 4-day program for 100 high school students in partnership with the Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center on 47th Street. Students who participate will express their feelings on violence through art projects.
• The Police Explorer, Sports and We Care Role Model programs of the Police department’s CAPS program all are active during the break and are aimed at giving young people a chance for positive interaction with the police and community leaders.
• The Chicago Park District will offer its Spring Break Camps March 29 through April 2 at more than 40 locations all around the City. The program has room for about 1,000 young people and includes arts and crafts, sports, cultural activities and more.
• The City’s Department of Family and Support Services, in partnership with more than 150 community-based organizations, will offer programs for young people from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day during the break at many locations around the city.

Daley also reminded residents there is free family entertainment every day of the break at Navy Pier and that the City has more than 50 museums, many of which are always free or offer designated free days and the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the only free zoos in the country.

He said the Chicago Police Department will, of course, continue to enforce the city’s curfew across Chicago and he asked parents to make sure their children are home before the curfew begins.

The Police Department will also launch Operation Spring Break in collaboration with the Illinois State Police and Cook County Adult Probation’s Gang Intervention. As part of this effort, they will provide additional resources to at-risk communities.

“These are just some of the steps we are taking to ensure the safety of every young person in our city,” Mayor Daley said. “I urge everyone to make a commitment today to make next week a safe and productive spring break for our children.”

Chicago Public Library (CPL)
The Chicago Public Library branches are open six days a week, serving Chicago’s public, parochial, private and home school students as well as their families, seniors, college and university students at 70 locations. Contact: Chicago Public Library, (312) 747-4300, www.chipublib.org.

Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)
The Chicago Housing Authority offers activities exclusively for CHA youth, but CHA youth are encouraged to participate in all city programs. Contact: Chicago Housing Authority, (312) 935-2625, www.thecha.org.

Chicago Park District (Parks)
The Chicago Park District offers a variety of programs and events for youth at more than 200 parks throughout the city. Children and youth can play sports, take field trips and participate in art, dance, music and theatre. Contact: Chicago Park District, (312) 742-PLAY, www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS)
The Chicago Police Department is committed to keeping the youth of the City of Chicago safe all year long. Youth can sign up for a variety of programs designed to provide positive experiences and teach life skills. Contact: Chicago Police Department / CAPS, (312) 745-5900, www.chicagopolice.org.

Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS)
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services provides a continuum of coordinated services to enhance the lives of residents beginning in infancy through the senior years. The department’s Youth Services division supports a range of out-of-school time and career exploration opportunities that provide youth with the experiences they need to succeed in school and beyond. Contact: Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, (312) 743-0300, www.cityofchicago.org.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS)
Chicago Public Schools offers a variety of educational and leadership opportunities for students of all ages. Contact: Chicago Public Schools, (773) 553-1000, www.cps.edu

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