Baltimore Launches Spring Break Strategy: Hundreds Engaged, Violence Prevented | The Locally Times
Mayor Scott's spring break initiative has already drawn over 380 youth to camps, offering everything from sneaker design to basketball tournaments, all while actively preventing violence.
Baltimore's spring break is more than just a pause from school; it's a strategic effort to engage hundreds of young people through diverse activities and proactive violence prevention. Launched by Mayor Brandon M. Scott's administration on Friday, March 27, 2026, this Spring Youth Engagement Strategy provides a series of structured activities and lays the groundwork for a broader, holistic summer youth engagement plan. The Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE) has mobilized community violence intervention partners for ground-level outreach, which began yesterday and is set to continue through Labor Day weekend. ## Diverse Engagement Opportunities Planned The City of Baltimore, in partnership with Downtown Locker Room (DTLR), the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks (BCRP), and Choo Smith Youth Empowerment, has organized several events tailored to youth interests. The Rita Church Community Center (2101 Saint Lo Dr) is scheduled to hold a "3 v. 3 Basketball Tournament" on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Participants can register by texting a team name and player names to 410-627-5993. Records do not detail specific goals for the beauty experience. ## Community Outreach and Camp Participation MONSE's outreach efforts involve partners including the Mayor's Office of African American Male Engagement (MOAAME), Redesigning Minds, Baltimore City Schools Police, B-360, and the P.E.A.C.E. Team. These partners are tasked with building relationships with young people, de-escalating potential conflicts, preventing violence, and connecting youth with services as needed. The types of services youth can access are not specified. The outreach targets areas where young people are likely to gather during weekend and holiday evenings. Beyond these specific events, the City is running Spring Break Camps across Baltimore. Over 380 youth have already signed up for these camps, hosted at 25 Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP) recreation centers. This widespread participation underscores strong engagement with the city's offerings during the break. ## Broader Strategy and Travel Information This Spring Youth Engagement Strategy is a foundational component of Baltimore's larger commitment to youth safety and engagement. While details of the upcoming summer strategy have not yet been released, the city emphasizes a community-wide approach. ## Key Questions **Where can youth find information about these activities?** Residents are encouraged to follow @mayorbmscott and @recnparks for more information about the Spring Break Teen Fest and other events. **How can youth register for the basketball tournament?** Youth can register for the 3 v. 3 Basketball Tournament by texting their team name and the full names of each player to 410-627-5993. **What is the purpose of the MONSE outreach?** MONSE mobilizes community violence intervention partners to build relationships with young people, de-escalate conflicts, prevent violence, and help connect youth with services.