Viator.Com

San Francisco (PRWEB) July 21, 2008

Summer is in full swing and with plenty of time left, families hoping for amazing experiences need look no further than Viator.com, the leading online resource for booking more than 5,500 trip activities and experiences at the best prices. There are the traditional theme parks like Orlando’s Disney World and L.A.’s Disney Land, but beyond the rides, families can create extraordinary experiences that make things like kissing dolphins and space exploration a reality.

Viator’s catalogue of more than 50,000 traveler-submitted reviews and photos will also help families turn their dreams into memories.

To the Stars

The moon may be 240,000 miles from the Earth, but the Kennedy Space Center is just 45 minutes from Orlando’s theme parks. Two-day passes for NASA’s launch headquarters are available for the price of one at Viator.com (from $ 40.50 for adults / $ 30 for kids). Add in lunch with a NASA astronaut and the NASA Up-close guided tour for $ 85 for adults and $ 60.50 for kids. Travelers who have visited the Space Center and shared their feedback agree it’s out of this world:

“My five year old grandson and I spent a wonderful day at the Kennedy Space Center. He     was not too young to enjoy and understand the wonderful exhibits and hands on experiences. And, I was not too old to enjoy the ability to move around the grounds at our own pace. Everyone     at the site was friendly, helpful and genuine in their enthusiasm in sharing the Space Program     with young and old alike. It was a wonderful side trip from the make believe world of Disney, and even more awesome.” — Darlene H., USA

Travelers can blastoff for a once in a lifetime experience during the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Launch Day (from $ 115 for adults / $ 99 for kids) subject to Mother Nature’s cooperation. Upcoming launches include: August 28 – Shuttle Atlantis heads to the Hubble Space Telescope; October 16 – the 27th U.S. mission to the International Space Station; and December 4 – the 28th U.S. mission to the International Space Station.

Swim with the Fishes

There’s just something about dolphins, and Viator has nearly 40 activities during which families can experience these engaging mammals in places like Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, New Zealand and the British Virgin Islands.

Encounters include:

Shallow water activities like the Dolphin Encounter at Ocean World in Puerto Plata ($ 115 adults / $ 80 kids 4-12 / free kids 3 and under) so even the tiniest tot (with adult) can participate.
Deeper water swims in a freer environment to thrill the bigger kids like the Hawaii Dolphin Royal Swim in Oahu (from $ 199 per person ages 8 and up)
Full-on training sessions that teach basic skills of caring for and training dolphins, like Be a Dolphin Trainer for a Day in Cabo San Lucas (from $ 399 per person).

Each dolphin experience has a unique set of guidelines regarding minimum ages and parental participation so travelers should review all details carefully to avoid any disappointment on site. Viator carefully pre-screens all tours and activities for quality and service, making booking ahead easy and safe:

“I was afraid to book this online, but was very pleased. It not only saved me money but was an awesome time for me and my 8 year old daughter. Will book with you in the future. Thanks for     making it so easy!” — Lisa H., USA, Swim with Dolphins Program in Ocho Rios

Explore by Land and by Sea

A real kids’ favorite sure to entertain the adults too is the tour by road and river, also known as the Duck Tour. Authentic, renovated World War II amphibious landing vehicles provide the transport for unique tours through cities like Baltimore, Boston, London, New York, Philadelphia, Saint Thomas, San Francisco, San Juan and Washington, D.C. It is a fun time for everyone, rain or shine:

“Took a 6 year old and a 14 year old who both absolutely loved it. What made it such fun was the commentator on the trip who was extremely funny. Excellent, even though it rained.” — Carol W., United Kingdom, the London Duck Tour

Kids can find more travel tips and inspiration to share with their parents at the Viator travel blog with features like visiting Rome with the Kids, Top Ten in Family Travel for 2008 and Top Things to Do in Orlando.

About Viator

Viator is the world’s leading online resource for travel experiences, providing access to more than 5,500 tours, attractions and activities in 400-plus destinations in 75 countries. Viator – the Latin world for traveler – offers travelers a one-stop shop to plan, research and book trip activities with helpful resources like customer reviews, star ratings, suggested itineraries and the Viator Travel Blog. Viator’s in-house travel experts have picked respected and trusted local operators to ensure a quality experience, value and service, all baked by Viator’s low-pricing guarantee. Founded in 1995, Viator sells its products directly to consumers at http://www.viator.com and through its global network of more than 1,000 affiliates that include major hotel and airline companies, online travel agencies, city-specific sites and more. Through its collection of company operated and affiliated sites, Viator welcomes nearly 2 million visitors per month. Viator is headquartered in San Francisco with regional offices in Sydney, London and Las Vegas.

Contact:

Kate Sullivan

pr @ viator.com

1 (973) 568-7589

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

(PRWEB) March 9, 2004

CHICAGO, IL – Special Edition Using FileMaker Pro 7, (ISBN: 0-7897-3028-6, $ 39.99 U.S. estimated retail price) co-authored by Bob Bowers, Steve Lane, Scott Love and Chris Moyer of the Moyer Group, will offer developers a comprehensive guide to developing systems using FileMaker Pro 7. Published by Que Publishing, the book will be available online and in bookstores in summer of 2004.

The book begins by introducing newcomers to the fundamentals of FileMaker Pro, explores issues with creating and authoring database solutions, and delves into such advanced topics as interoperability with other database and Web systems, advanced data architecture, security (including external authentication), and a complete reference on all calculation and scripting functions.

With today’s announcement of FileMaker Pro 7 from FileMaker, Inc., the database development community recognizes that this major new direction for the platform offers significant new features and benefits far beyond prior versions of FileMaker Pro. With a new core architecture, this significant step forward will require new avenues of learning and offers extended capabilities to developers and users alike.

“We have tried to bring the benefits of having worked with FileMaker Inc. on FileMaker Pro 7 for the past year, together with four collective decades of experience, into one all-inclusive reference source,” said Bob Bowers, president of the Moyer Group. “We’ve pulled almost everything we know about FileMaker into this effort and we’re hopeful that it will help beginning and advanced FileMaker Pro developers alike come to understand all the fine points of FileMaker Pro 7.”

Completing this book is one of a range of initiatives the Moyer Group has undertaken to position itself as a leading authority on this new and significantly more powerful development platform. The Moyer Group will be offering a series of free seminars covering specific topics about FileMaker Pro 7, and it has announced a FileMaker Pro 7 Migration Strategy Service as well.

About the Authors

The authors bring a wealth of experience in FileMaker and in writing technical books. Chris Moyer and Bob Bowers collaborated together on Advanced FileMaker 5.5 Techniques for Developers in April 2002. Bob Bowers and Steve Lane co-authored Advanced FileMaker Pro Web Development in 2003. Both were received with rave reviews from developers. In 1996, Chris Moyer wrote Special Edition Using FileMaker Pro 3 about that landmark release of FileMaker Pro. Scott Love has written numerous articles on FileMaker Pro for publications such as Macworld Magazine.

About The Moyer Group

The Moyer Group has long been one of the leading FileMaker Pro consulting and training organizations in the country. The firm has built hundreds of custom databases, Web systems, workgroup applications, and knowledge management processes. Its clients have included numerous Fortune 500 companies and government agencies, including Apple Computer, Ameritech, Citibank FSA, Coldwell Banker, Genentech, Motorola, Pepsi, and the State of Nebraska. The firm is a proud Partner level member of the FileMaker Solutions Alliance and has offices in Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco.

About Que Publishing

Que Publishing is an imprint of Pearson Technology Group (PTG), the world’s largest provider of consumer and professional computer, information technology, engineering and reference content. As one of the industry’s leading innovators in both print and digital formats, PTG imprints include Sams Publishing, Addison Wesley Professional, Prentice Hall PTR, New Riders Publishing, Cisco Press, PeachPit Press, Adobe Press, Macromedia Press, and BradyGAMES Strategy Guides. Pearson Technology Group is part of Pearson Education, the world’s leading education and professional publisher.

MEDIA CONTACT:                    

Thomas Lyle                    

Marketing                    

650 340 1779    

moyergroup@moyergroup.com

107 South B Street

San Mateo, CA 94401

Phone: 800-582-0170

http://www.moyergroup.com

CUSTOMER CONTACT:

info@moyergroup.com

Phone: 800-582-0170

MEDIA CONTACT:                    

Kate Hollcraft

Publishing

317.428.3168    

kate.hollcraft@pearsoned.com

800 East 96th Street

Indianapolis, IN 46240

800.571.5840

http://www.quepublishing.com

CUSTOMER CONTACT:

Que

©2004 The Moyer Group. All rights reserved. FileMaker is a trademark of FileMaker, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

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Now 15, and has gone to Swift Nature Camp for years and we are going to send him back again and again. Despite his ADHD and trouble at school, he loves it loves camp.

Swift Nature Camp took their time with the children’s, the staff had a hands-on approach to leadership, social skills development and confidence-building seems to really work

Along with enthusiastic counselors, Jeff and Lonnie, provide an great atmosphere encouraging positive traits to rise to the surface. My son has developed greater peer understanding and empathy, greater self-confidence and trust, better leadership skills, an understanding of group dynamics and fair process and many other valuable lifelong skills.

I felt nervous, but it was really worth it! As I talked to Lonnie over the phone and I realized that the Discovery Camp a program designed for the First Time Camper was best for me and my son.

Lonnie was so willing to chat about any and all question I had. Thus calming, my fears then making the decision easy. So off my son went taking the bus to camp, Yet, I picked him up when camp was over so I could see first-hand all what Swift Nature Camp was all about.

During the 8-hour journey home, he was so excited about Swift that I’m not sure he took a breath between stories.

The SNC website tells you everything you need to know and I love how the camp is set up. The fairly modern cabins the same age and gender kids. As a group they and do activities together, including laundry.

Afternoons provide campers the opportunity to select from a variety of typical camp activities (arts … crafts, archery, swimming, and so much more…).

On top of this, the camp is dedicated to environmental awareness and nature preservation. They have a Nature Center well equipped with microscopes and frogs and tadpoles and lots of hands on activities. There is also a small petting zoo of well-adored animals.

But what makes this overnight camp experience one my son will remembers for his entire life is the Laughter, Games, Campfires, Food, Sports, Fun, Drama, Singing and friends.

I appreciate that this isn’t a “sports camp” or “education camp” or something ultra specific. Its back to traditional being outdoors having fun sort of camp. Kids at SNC get to be kids and by experiencing all sorts of different activities and a diverse set of campers and counselors. Because its a Coed Summer Camp, it helps the kids get ready for the real world. They learn more about themselves than at a specialized camp with specific goals.

My son has learned so much from this camp in the four years he has been attending. We have noticed a HUGE difference in his attitude, manners and abilities. He is more mature, pleasant and competent. We would pay any price for the experiences and social education he has gained from SNC.

We used to joke that you can find math, reading, or science tutors but no tutors in social skills. Well we were wrong! This is exactly what my son needed at exactly the right time in his life.

If you are thinking about away-camp for your child, please consider SNC. Primarily I think of it as a non-competitive, confidence-building camp where kids get to be kids. I know it is the best thing we ever did for our son.

I am so thankful to Lonnie and their dedication to children, the fabulous counselors, cooks, nurses, etc. A new goal of his these days is to stay at camp till he can be a counselor. That says a lot about a summer camp!

Find more FREE information on how to Choose a summer camp see www.summercampadvisor.com

About the author: Brittany Flokstra is a parent of a Swift Nature Camp camper. She selected Swift Nature Camp because it is a non-competitive, traditional coed Wisconsin Summer Camp. Boys and Girls ages 6-15 enjoy playing in nature, caring for animals, and learning science along with Traditional camping activities. This Animal Camp is so much more.

When spring arrives, we all want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. When summer is just around the corner, we look forward to going to the beach, swimming, and participating in a wide variety of outdoor activities. The result of spending so much time outdoors is that we are increasingly exposed to the suns UV rays. This exposure can cause serious harm to our skin if we do not protect it.

It is essential to protect our skin starting at an early age because overexposure to harmful UV rays can take years to develop into skin cancer cells. Ultraviolet has a high frequency and therefore more energy which can be more hazardous. The more energetic a ray of light is, the more that light will break the skin molecules apart thereby damaging the cells. When these rays break through to the nuclei of skin cells and damage DNA, the likelihood of the development skin cancer increases.

There are three types of ultraviolet light as it relates to protecting the skin. They are UVA, UVB, and UVC. Although UVC is the most damaging of the rays, it is totally blocked out by the Earth’s atmosphere. UVB is the wavelength that causes the most sun damage on skin. UVB rays are more likely than UVA rays to cause sunburn, but UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin. Scientists now think that UVA radiation may increase skin damage that can lead to skin cancer and cause premature aging.

UV rays can penetrate the clouds and are at their highest during late spring and early summer. They are also at their most dangerous from mid-morning to late afternoon, and will cause serious skin damage. The sun and the UV rays can damage your skin within fifteen minutes of exposure. To protect your skin from UV damage, you should apply a zinc sunblock lotion before you are exposed to the sun.

Sunscreens lotions work by deflecting the UV sunlight or dispersing it. It is recommended that you use at least a 15 SPF (Sun Protective Factor) sunscreen. Your eyes can be affected by the UV rays too. You should protect your eyes with sunglasses that indicate that they block UV rays. You should also apply an eye cream that has sunblock on it. Reapply sunscreen lotion often. You should wear a waterproof sunscreen. As well, your lips have very fragile skin and can be seriously damaged by exposure to UV rays. You should apply a lip balm that has a sunscreen in it.

Your skin is the most exposed organ of the body. UV rays can do serious damage to the skin if left unprotected. For best protection, acquire a sunscreen product that is resistant to both UVA and UVB rays. As well, wear a hat that has a wide brim to provide shade for your face. If you do see an unusual change in your skin, see your doctor. Because our skin is valuable to our physical state of well-being, we need to take good care of it.

What is there to do in the summer time? When I was a kid, you could basically just wander around town, looking for a new adventure to have and worry about nothing more than getting home in time for dinner. Nowadays, it is a little harder to just let the kids loose and leave them to their own devices for an entire summer.

As I continued to think of this I also came up with another question. Why did summer always last forever when I was young? I feel like this summer, and all those before it throughout my adult life, tends to rush by like a train at full speed. I can remember as a child spending whole days at the lake, feeding birds, and trying to catch fish with a stick and a piece of thread (of course we never got any). Other days were spent flying a kite that usually ended up not flying at all, or getting stuck in a tree.

I love all these summer memories, but they often have me think of what my children will remember about summer. Riding bikes in front of the house, having friends come over and play in our yard, going over to a friends house play the latest Wii or Xbox games. These memories will be so different from the freedom that I remember and enjoyed as a child, but unfortunately the freedom that I experienced can not be extended to my children in today’s days. I don’t even feel comfortable allowing my children to ride their bikes around the neighborhood, unless I know where they are every second.

Neighborhoods are not as close as they used to be either. Growing up I knew that if I did something my parents would not approve of, Ms. Wes would come over and tell my mom, my mom would tell my dad and I was grounded for a week. I also knew that if we walked on Mr. Johnson’s grass he would yell at us “crazy kids” to get off his lawn. This was acceptable back then, it was a time when adults were able to give advice to children, that were not their own, without repercussions from the child or the child’s parents. I perfect example of how this has changes is something that happened not that long ago in my neighborhood. The kids from a few houses were playing kick ball in the street when a car came speeding down the block and almost hit them. One of the mothers yelled for the driver to slow down, the driver in turn went home and told his mother who came over and started yelling that the kids should not be playing kick ball in the street. She then went home and called child protective services on the whole cluster of homes. When I was a kid, if I ever told my parents I almost ran over a group of kids playing kickball, I would have been in a hospital bed!

I miss the good old days. Such wonderful memories, such fabulous time.

Around my house, Labor Day is just as big as the 4th of July. It is a day for relaxing, gathering with family and friends, and parades. Let just hope that no matter where you are, the weather will be warm and sunny, as it also marks the end of summer vacation and the beginning of school.

Warm and sunny days are needed to enjoy as much outdoor activities as you can fit into one day. Whether you enjoy grilling in your backyard or at a local park, Labor Day is the perfect time to do so. The food choices for a perfect BBQ are countless, from hot dogs and hamburgers to chicken breast and pork chops. One food item that is expected, in our home each year, is grilled corn on the cob. There is something about grilling the corn that tastes so much better then boiling it on your stove top.

There are also many side dishes that I anticipate each year, and for me they must all be home made. Pasta salad, macaroni salad, and potato salads are just a few. AS for desserts, anything that will allow me to pile on the Cool Whip is fine. Jello, strawberry shortcake, pudding, these are all excellent choices for me!

When it comes to Labor Day you think outdoor fun. Whether you are in your backyard, at the beach, or sailing, under the sun is where you want to be! It is important, however, that you remember sunblock for you and your children and a hat, if possible. If your family enjoys swimming, a day by the lake or river would be fun and you can cook out there or bring a picnic lunch.

My favorite part of our families Labor Day celebration, is the annual volleyball game. Wherever we are celebrating, we set a net up in the yard and split up into teams. Everyone plays, from the youngest to the oldest, and everyone has a blast. Sometimes the games go on for so long that no one even remember what the score is.

No matter what your plans are for this Labor Day, just be sure to stay safe and have fun. If you drink do so responsibly and if you have children and are spending the day near water, whether a beach or a pool, make sure they know about water safety. Happy Labor Day Everyone!

While raising Teens have a certain challenge, choosing the right Summer Camp Teens may be more complicated than selecting other activities. As a child get older we see the physical change more important are the emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and social changes. We need to met our child’s needs with the proper program

Finding the right summer program for teens is not all that different than that of a ten year old. It is important to find a safe, secure, and appropriate environment. Yet, teens need and are ready for new challenges and increased independence. Yearly, as interests expand and your child matures, reexamine your choice.

All teens are not alike so remember that the needs, interests, and abilities of a thirteen year-old are often very different from that of a seventeen year-old. So, keep in mind your child’s maturity. Supervision in teen programs is often less than for other children programs.

As you know a teenager is part kid and part adult. So planning way in advance may be difficult. Yet, good programs may fill-up fast. Early registration will give you the widest range of selection.

It’s best to start your search for a Teen Summer Program is to sit down and talk with your child. Often this time together can strengthen your relationship with your teen. Help him or her figure out their interests, concerns, and values. You need to talk with your teen about what each of you want the summer to be. However, be ready to hear that they “don’t want to do anything.”

Their are many teen programs available and its important to try to find the right one. As a parent do not give up right away. Sometimes you have to really look hard to find the right answer. The internet is a very useful tool for this. But it is helpful to know what kind of program you are thinking of. Is it: serving, traveling or adventure or a little of all. One great resource is Summer Camp Advice Find a Summer Camp

Sometimes, the best ways to meet your goals with your child’s is to piece together the summer with activities. This it is more difficult to figure out, your teen will get a broader experience for your extra work.

If you decide that your teen will choose a local program, it is important to establish summer rules, expectation, chores, and schedules. This will be especially important if this will be the first summer in years that your youngster is spending at home.

Swift Nature Camp may be the perfect fit for your teenager. Swift Nature Camp is unique among teen summer camps in that we provide teens a special opportunity to make friends in a relaxed and fun-filled environment, to build self-esteem and independence, and to challenge themselves with new physical and creative activities. We realize teenagers want to do things for themselves and are bored by a “normal” camp. So we provide an Adventure Camp program with loads of opportunities cabins often leave camp and go out into the big open wild and see the Apostle Islands, go to the International Wolf Center or find themselves canoeing down the Mississippi River. Camp for Teens

Last and most importantly remember youth is limited and no adult ever looked back and recalls the good old days of just watching TV all summer!

TO learn more how to select an Summer Camp visit Summer Camp Advice. Kids Camp Information

Summer camp is the place for kids and animals to meet, whether the camp includes animals as a part of traditional camp programs or makes a more formal approach as a science camp.

Connecting with animals in a natural setting can put a child at the beginning of a lifelong sense of relationship with nature. A deep respect for nature as an adult often starts with experience as a camper.

Swift Nature Camp, is often seen as a Animal Camp that offers a variety of ways for campers to meet and enjoy daily contact with animals. Natures Neighbors is a live animal collection, campers are encouraged to bring their own small animals to live in the camps Nature Center, and a unique pond aquarium shows life as a frog sees it.

Working in conjunction with the Wisconsin DNR and the U.S. Park Service, Swift Nature Camp has also developed a hands-on environmental learning program which includes field trips, such as visits to a fish hatchery and state parks; hands-on field projects, like goose banding and butterfly counts; and exciting camp presentations, including visits with live owls.

Swift Nature Camp has a voluntary four-level program that rewards campers with a special patch of merit, and the categories include recognition of special skills with animals in categories like insects, pet care, bird watching, and horseback riding. Campers can choose just the right mix of play and learning to suit individual preference and need.

The summer camp you choose should facilitate a blend of play and challenge that is free of the stress of the school environment. The presence of animals in a natural environment can open the door to discovery, adding depth to the fun of going to a traditional summer camp.

to accomodate that range with a voluntary merit program that includes experience with animals. A camper\’s interaction with animals can be refined into skills involving horseback riding, insects, pet care and bird watching. These opportunities never come at the expense of fun!

The joy of discovering nature is the joy of discovering the world we live in. Living in a natural environment with access to animals is a perfect invitation for expansive play. Camp is a place where children can learn about animals as a participant rather than just receiving information. Camp is more fun and less stressful than school, and the world becomes the classroom.

You can learn more about selecting a wonderful summer camp by visiting Summer Camp Advice Find a Summer Camp