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Tech Savvy Mom

iD TECH CAMPS

For ages 7-17 and located in nearby UNC Chapel Hill and WakeForest University, these ultra-cool weeklong tech camps offer a 1:1 computer:student and 1:5 teacher:student ratio. Students create video games, experience game modding with Battlefield 2142™ from Electronic Arts, improve gaming skills with the Gaming Athletes course, build robots to compete, design websites with Flash® animations, film and edit digital movies, create comic books with zany digital photos, learn programming and more. If your kid has a special talent for gaming or technology - this camp will fascinate.

iDTech Robotics Camp

Find out more

Gadgets & Gizmos

Sentry Remote - An Internet Chaperone

Let’s face it… the Internet can be a scary place for kids. I’m not one for spying, but as a mother my instinct is to protect! There's no denying that kids love technology, the Internet and I.M chat sessions, so what to do?

One answer: Security software is a must!

Monitoring software is even better.

Award-winning Sentry At Home software sends instant alerts via cell phone or e-mail if inappropriate word or phrases are used in a chat session. You control the blacklisted keywords. This SmartAgent technology will even activate an I.M. auto shutdown if time is exceeded or improper words are used. Parents can choose to openly block, filter and monitor online activities or anonymously monitor browsers, I.M. and e-mails. Everybody's talking about it.. CNN, The Wall Street Journal, NBC.

It's a "Big Brother" tactic but better safe, than sorry!

For $49.95 and easy to install on up to 3 computers!

Gadgets & Gizmos

Available for $129.95 at mStationAudio.com

mStation

A Colorful Stereo Orb for your iPod

This colorful orb sets the benchmark for cool iPod accessories. Put it on your desk for "30 watts of room filling stereo sound" while taking up a mere 8" of space. Moms will love the remote control function that allows volume control and navigation through playlists. Can't bear to listen to the High School Musical soundtrack again? You can switch tracks from the other room, and maybe your teen will never notice! But seriously, it's available in all the stylish colors you and your kids will love, including pink! But hold onto your Gucci purse Moms, tech design this good doesn't come cheap.

I found it on E-bay for as low as $99.99.

Online Time

Web sites for fun, learning and everyday.

CampRatingz.com –

A free site with independent reviews for all types of summer programs in the U.S. and Canada. Get in on the fun and anonymously rate your favorite - or least favorite - camps. using five criteria including staff, facilities, acitivities, personal attention and costs. This site is a quick-look resource for parents with questions about summer camp. Here's a sample rating from a happy camper. "Camp Thunderbird is the best camp around. They have an amazing facility with exceptionally qualified staff. Anyone who wants to experience what resident camp life is about should attend camp thunderbird." A bit like the "Angie's List" of camps, it gives you an insider's view of camper/parent satisfaction.

Visit Charlotte Parent's Camp & Activity Fair February 10, 2007!