Spring has barely sprung, but it’s already time to be thinking about summer camp for your kids. Whether they are interested in music, art, science or sports, there is a camp near Balmoral that will make summer a blast.
Humble ISD Summer Camps
Days and times vary, beginning June 2
Grades K-9
$100-$629
Humble ISD offers four different camps appealing to creative kids, science, athletics and aspiring journalists.
CYT Summer Stock
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, beginning June 16
Ages 8-15
$425
Ogre and donkey lovers unite for a musical performance of Shrek The Musical Jr. Students will audition and be cast in a musical that they will rehearse and bring to the stage.
HTX Soccer Camp
Days and times vary, beginning June 2
Ages 3-18
$90-$190
Learn the fundamentals of passing, dribbling and shooting or level up your skills with a professional coaching staff.
The Karate School
7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 2-Aug. 12
Ages 5-13
$208 per student, per week
Blending karate and day care, these camps will build confidence while kids enjoy field trips, games, arts, crafts, STEM activities, movies, pizza and a talent show.
Cordovan Art School
Times vary, Monday-Friday, beginning June 2
Ages 5-16
$136-$549
Voted the best art camps in the Atascocita area, these camps will spark your child’s creative juices. They will learn to draw, play with clay, create anime and more. Half-day and full-day camps available.
School of Rock – Kingwood
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, beginning June 2
Ages 5-17
$550
Kids that like to rock will love these week-long camps. Beginner camps teach the basics while more advanced students will enjoy playing the greatest hits from the 60s, 70s and 90s.
J C Sports
9 a.m.-noon and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, beginning June 2
Ages 4-13
$80 single day, $225 half day, $350 full day
How does your child like to play? These camps cover a variety of topics from basic skills to sports and technology.
Creativity Shell
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, beginning June 2
Ages 3-18
$260-$350 per camp
Whatever your child’s interest, whether it’s cooking, sewing, baking, textile arts, science or clay play — they are sure to have fun at any of these week-long camps.
Second Baptist Camps
1-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, beginning June 2
Grades K-6
$200 per week
Whether your kid is a sports fanatic or a blossoming artist, there is a camp to suit their interests. There are camps for volleyball, musical theater, baseball, basketball, cheer, robotics and more.
Few milestones are as memorable as starting kindergarten. It’s a time of growth, exploration and firsts for kids and parents. For families in Humble ISD, registration opened April 7. Is your child ready? With guidance and thoughtful preparation, you can help your child transition smoothly into this new phase, equipping them to embrace the excitement and challenges of their first big step into school life.
Let’s Get Social
Social skills are an important starting point. Encourage your child to practice sharing, taking turns and playing cooperatively with others. Helping them understand how to express their feelings and resolve conflicts can also go a long way in easing their transition to the classroom environment.
Start With the Basics
Building basic literacy and numeracy skills is another essential part of preparation. Reading together every day helps children recognize letters, sounds and words, fostering an early interest in books and storytelling. Practice counting, recognizing numbers and identifying shapes to introduce early math concepts in fun and engaging ways.
Fine Motor Skills Are a Plus
Fine motor skills are equally important for tasks like writing, cutting and coloring. Simple activities such as drawing, playing with building blocks or using child-safe scissors can help improve hand-eye coordination and strengthen small hand muscles. These skills will make classroom tasks feel less overwhelming.
Can They Follow Instructions?
Teach your child to follow simple instructions and routines. Whether it’s tidying up toys, washing hands before meals or listening to a short list of directions, these habits will help them adapt to the structure of a classroom setting.
Moving to Balmoral with a soon-to-be Kindergartner? Here’s what you need to know to get them registered.
You’ll need proof of your child’s age and identity, such as an official birth certificate or a passport. The district also requires proof of identity for the parent or legal guardian, which can be provided with a driver’s license or another government-issued photo ID.
A current immunization record is also necessary to ensure your child meets state health requirements. This record should include all up-to-date vaccinations as mandated by Texas law. Additionally, proof of residency within Humble ISD boundaries is required. Acceptable documents for this include a utility bill, lease agreement or mortgage statement showing your current address.
Humble ISD elementary schools offer Kindergarten Round-ups where kids and parents can learn more about their new school and meet their teachers. Balmoral kids attend Centennial Elementary School, Groves Elementary School or Ridge Creek Elementary School. Check with the district to find out which school your child will attend and the date of your child’s Round-Up.
We’re excited to see young residents starting their journey. It’s going to be a great school year!
When it comes to Spring, there’s nothing like a good deep clean. But, before you high-five yourself for a job well done, let’s have a little heart-to-heart about those sneaky spots that even the most meticulous cleaner can overlook. These are the secret hideaways for dust, grime and, let’s be honest, some pretty curious surprises. The good news? You don’t need a magic wand or superpowers to get these spots sparkling clean—just a little know-how.
Get Behind Your Large Appliances
Large appliances like the fridge and oven do more than just store food and cook meals—they also collect a lot of dust and grime. Start by making sure the appliance is turned off and safely unplugged. Grab a long-handled duster or a vacuum with a crevice attachment to get rid of the loose debris. For tougher grime, mix some warm water with a mild detergent and gently scrub the surfaces. Don’t rush; take your time to avoid any accidental damage to the appliance or the floor.
Go A Round With Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are lifesavers during hot months, but they can also be sneaky dust magnets. Each spin sends dust particles flying, which means you’re not just cooling the room—you’re also spreading dust. Make sure the fan is turned off. Grab a sturdy step ladder for easy access. A neat trick for cleaning is to use an old pillowcase. Simply slide the pillowcase over each blade and gently pull it back. The dust will be trapped inside, keeping it from raining down on your floor or furniture. Once the bulk of the dust is captured, take a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down each blade thoroughly. For a deeper clean, consider using a mild detergent mixed with water on the cloth.
Grab the Dust Bunnies
Ah, the great underworld of furniture—the realm where dust bunnies thrive, and lost items find refuge. Start by equipping yourself with an extendable duster or a vacuum with the right attachment. For big pieces like couches and beds, furniture sliders are a lifesaver. They allow you to move heavy items without straining your back, making the cleaning process much smoother. As you clean, make sure to get into the corners and edges where dust tends to accumulate the most. An extendable duster is perfect for this job, reaching those tight spots without much effort.
For thorough cleaning, follow up with a damp microfiber cloth to pick up any remaining dust.
Open Those Closets
Closet corners are the ultimate hiding spots for forgotten items and clutter. To tame this mess, begin by completely emptying out your closet. This may sound daunting, but trust me, it’s worth it. With everything out in the open, you can truly see what you’re dealing with. Grab your vacuum or a broom to get rid of any dust bunnies lurking in the corners. Take this opportunity to sort through your belongings and set aside anything that you no longer use. Donate, recycle or store these items elsewhere to make room for what you actually need.
Clean Those Ducts
Air vents and ducts are the unsung heroes of your home, keeping the air fresh and breathable. But these hidden pathways can also become a haven for dust and allergens, affecting both airflow and indoor air quality. Start by removing the vent covers and giving them a good wash with warm soapy water. While those dry, grab your vacuum with a hose attachment and carefully clean out the ducts. For those harder-to-reach spots, consider using a long, flexible brush designed for duct cleaning. If it’s been a while since your last deep clean, you might want to bring in a professional to ensure everything is thoroughly cleaned.
What About a Fresh New Home?
As you clean, think about how great a nice new home in Balmoral would be? Everything in it will be shiny and new with all those hard-to-reach places as clean as a whistle. Visit Balmoral today.
St. Patrick’s Day is a wonderful celebration of Irish heritage that transforms our surroundings into a cheerful sea of green. It’s an occasion filled with charm, folklore and countless opportunities for family fun. So, gather your materials, don your green attire and get ready to embark on a journey filled with creativity, laughter and learning with these fun and easy ideas:
Craft Some Decorations
You don’t need a pot of gold to get started on crafting St. Patrick’s Day decorations—just some everyday items and a sprinkle of creativity. For a simple yet festive touch, craft adorable shamrock garlands. Another fun idea is to create your own St. Patrick’s Day window clings. Feeling more adventurous? Try making a leprechaun trap. And don’t forget the classic paper leprechaun hats!
Cook Up Irish-themed Treats
Bring the flavors of Ireland into your kitchen with some delightful recipes that kids will love to make and eat. Start with mini shepherd’s pies. For a colorful and healthy treat, create a rainbow fruit platter. For a sweet touch, try making shamrock cookies. Another hit is Irish soda bread muffins. You can also serve up some true Irish dishes like colcannonor boxty.
Let the Games Begin
Who doesn’t love a good game, especially with an exciting St. Patrick’s Day twist? Start with a treasure hunt. Try a game of “Pin the Hat on the Leprechaun.” Let the kids decorate sacks with shamrocks or leprechaun hats and then hop to the finish line during a potato sack race. If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, try your hand at an Irish storytelling circle. Gather everyone and take turns sharing funny or magical stories about leprechauns and shamrocks.
Learn About Irish Culture
Ireland’s rich cultural heritage offers a treasure chest of fascinating stories and traditions that can be both educational and fun for kids. Start by exploring the vibrant world of Irish folklore. Music and dance play a huge role in Irish culture. Find or create a playlist of Irish tunes and have an impromptu dance party. Or learn a few basic steps of an Irish jig. If you have access to any Irish films or animated series, a family movie night can also be a fantastic way to learn more.
Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Dhuit!
However, you celebrate, remember, the true magic of this day lies in the connections we make and the memories we create. Also, Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhuit (pronounced as lah leh PAH-drig SUN-uh gwitch), which is how you say Happy St. Patrick’s Day in Irish.
The Consumer Technology Association CES trade show, the annual carnival of gadgets where sci-fi dreams materialize into your next online shopping spree, took place in January. A mecca for anyone and everyone with a tech gadget to show off was there, including businesses devoted to smart home technology. What did we see and what might be coming to a new home near you? Let’s take a look:
Smart Locks are Getting Smarter
Imagine coming home and not having to fumble around for your keys like you’re on a treasure hunt. Enter the Philips Wi-Fi Palm Recognition Smart Deadbolt, a lock that scans your palm to let you in. Then there’s the Ultraloq Bolt Mission, which offers more unlocking methods than your favorite video game has cheat codes. Fingerprint? Check. Keypad? Of course. Smartphone app? Naturally. You can even use a good old-fashioned key if you’re feeling nostalgic.
Let the Robots Clean
Move over, broomsticks, because the Roborock Saros Z70 is here to make cleaning look like a scene from The Jetsons. Integrated seamlessly with your smart home system, this gadget lets you command it with a simple voice command. “Alexa, clean the floors,” you say, as you lay back on the couch for another guilt-free Netflix marathon. Basically, it maps your home with the precision of a cartographer, ensuring every nook and cranny gets that just-cleaned sparkle. And with its advanced obstacle avoidance, you won’t have to worry about it playing bumper cars with your furniture.
Your New Robo Gardner
So, your lawn looks like it’s auditioning for a wilderness documentary? Fear not, because the Segway Navimow X3 Series is here to save your grass (and your dignity). This isn’t just any lawn mower; it’s a robotic landscaper with AI-powered navigation that makes sure every blade of grass is cut with military precision. It even connects to your smart home system, so you can kick back and command your lawn care while sipping on a cold drink. And for those of us with a thumb that’s anything but green, this gadget might just be the horticultural hero we never knew we needed.
No Leaks
Meet The Droplet by Hydrific, the Sherlock Holmes of water monitoring. This sleek little device attaches to your main water pipe and uses ultrasonic waves to keep tabs on your water usage. It also detects leaks with the accuracy of a bloodhound. Gone are the days of waking up to a flooded kitchen because you thought that “tiny drip” was just an annoying sound. Plus, with real-time alerts sent straight to your phone, you’ll be the first to know when your pipes are plotting their next aquatic rebellion.
Even Pet Technology is Smart
Let’s talk about your fur babies and their newfound VIP access. Say hello to the PawPort Smart Pet Door, the bouncer that ensures only the right four-legged friends get in. This pet door uses smart tech to recognize your pets and lets them come and go without any hassle. And if you’ve got more than one furball, you can customize access for each one, because who said pets can’t have personalized entrances? Plus, with app connectivity, you can monitor their comings and goings, ensuring Fluffy isn’t making any unsanctioned midnight snacks.
EV Charging Solutions
No more guessing games or range anxiety—the CleverCharge Level 2 charger by Danlaw Inc. takes the stress out of electric vehicle ownership. Its AI-powered interface acts like a tech-savvy life coach, maximizing your range so you can confidently ignore that nagging low-battery light. Just plug in, kick back, and let the future of charging do its thing.
Check Out Our Smart Homes
Balmoral builders love smart home technology. Most homes come equipped with automated locks, video doorbells and smart garage door openers. Want more? You can usually pick up something extra special at your builder’s design center. Want to learn more? Visit us today.