Joshua Tree's Family Guide

Feb. 5th - May. 31st

The Gray Whale makes the most spectacular and longest mass migration of any marine mammal. Tens of thousands of gray whales migrate annually along the Newport/Laguna Beach coastline from the summer feeding grounds in the Bering Sea to the winter grounds of the Baja California lagoons and then come back traveling from Baja, California to feeding grounds in the Bering Sea during the months of December, January, February, March, & April. During the gray whale migration it is not uncommon to view 5 or more gray whales a cruise making for excellent viewing opportunities. Other varieties of whales including finback whales, humpback whales, and minke whales can also be viewed along with several species of dolphin.

Just outside of Newport Bay is the beginning of one of the largest marine protected areas in southern California created to protect this rich ecosystem for future generations. The marine sanctuary covers over 15 miles stretching from Newport to Laguna Beach and provides a haven for all marine creatures including whales and dolphin. The marine reserve stretches along much of the Newport & Laguna Beach coastline and along with being a mecca for whale watching also offers some of the most beautiful coastline in Southern California.

Admission: $36-$48.50
Special** $20 Cruise Rate (Add $8.50 for cruise times from 10 am-5 pm & Add $4 for weekends) **Charge is due to reduction boat capacities for COVID safety.

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Apr. 29th - Dec. 31st

Learn From the Best Anywhere, Anytime - Full Scholarships Available

Key Features of Self-Paced Learning With Digital Media Academy:

Learn anywhere, any time
Progress at your own pace
No pre-requisites
No special software or hardware required
Access the same courses presented by Digital Media Academy at prestigious universities around the world
Courses are aligned with global standards
Receive a Digital Media Academy certificate upon completion
What's better than attending an innovative digital media or technology course at a prestigious university campus like Stanford University? Doing so in your own home, at your own pace.

Whether you live in a time zone that makes attending a live Digital Media Academy course difficult, or you want the freedom to move more quickly or slowly through the material, Digital Media Academy's self-paced digital media and technology courses might be just what you're looking for.

Developed by industry and curriculum experts, and tested and proven by over 500,000 students throughout the past 20 years, these courses allow young learners to explore their passions and develop 21st century skills.

Although these courses have traditionally been delivered live and in-person on North America's most prestigious university campuses, the self-paced format allows students aged 5 to 18 the world over to experience Digital Media Academy's unique educational offerings.

Not only that, but after the great success of the spring break virtual camp scholarship program, Digital Media Academy is offering Ten Thousand FULL scholarships for talented students who would benefit from a self-paced learning experience.

Why Self-Paced Learning?

Studies have shown that when students are given the ability to decide for themselves how much time to spend learning new material, they perform better because they are able to focus their efforts on concepts they find personally challenging.

Digital Media Academy recognizes the advantage of a self-paced format not only for student performance, but for accessibility as well. Knowing that not every student lives close to a campus where courses are offered, or even in a convenient time zone to attend a virtual course, Digital Media Academy wanted to offer the same high quality of digital media and technology education that has been delivered live for the past 20 years in a format that would ensure as many young learners as possible would have access to it.

The self-paced format allows learners of all backgrounds to enrich their learning, explore potential career paths, ignite their passion and build a foundation of knowledge and skills that are not only exciting but in-demand.

What to Expect from a Self-Paced Tech Course at Digital Media Academy

With over self-paced 30 courses available across 6 categories, there is sure to be something that piques the interest of the young learner in your life. Courses are available for ages 5-8, 9-12 and 13-18, in the following categories:

Digital Storytelling
Game Development
Creative Design
Computer Science + AI
Robotics + Engineering
Business + Entrepreneurship
Each course has 5 or 6 modules, and requires an average of 12-15 hours to complete. While participants are given three months to work through the course at their own pace, a particularly motivated learner could complete a course in a matter of days. It all depends on the learner's schedule, preferences and needs.

No special equipment is required, and if a participant has questions, they can ask a virtual teacher. Learning and progress will be assessed through automated quizzes and assignments.

Upon completion of a course, learners will receive certificates demonstrating their achievement, which include the seal of alignment with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

Who Should Consider a Self-Paced Course?

Digital Media Academy's courses enhance students' academic opportunities by offering research-based, 21st century learning in areas like game design, coding, animation, and other subjects that aren't always comprehensively covered in school.

Our self-paced courses are designed for young learners aged 5 to 18 with an aptitude for digital media or tech subjects who would benefit from gaining a foundation of understanding in that subject.

Course options include:

Ages 9-12:

Encryption, Cyphers and Digital Detectives
Design Challenges
Fun With Robots
And more
Ages 13-18:

App Designer Studio
Introduction to 3D Modeling in Tinkercard
Show and Tell: Script and Storyboard
And more
Do you know a self-motivated young learner whose interest might be sparked by an engaging digital media or technology foundation course offered by a certified, trusted and proven education institution?

Don't miss this opportunity to inspire them!

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May. 31st

Join Sharon, an experienced surrogate, on May 31st to talk all things surrogacy. Intended Parents, Surrogates and anyone interested in the surrogacy process, we look forward to speaking with you! 10:30am PST. Meeting link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83554400620?

https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/events

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Jun. 6th

Join Catherine, an experienced attorney, on June 6th to talk all things surrogacy. Intended Parents, Surrogates & anyone interested in the surrogacy process, we look forward to speaking with you at 1pm EST!
Meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/98555206307

https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/events

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Jun. 14th

Join Sharon, an experienced surrogate, on June 14th to talk all things surrogacy. Intended Parents, Surrogates and anyone interested in the surrogacy process, we look forward to speaking with you! 10:30am PST.
Meeting link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83554400620?

https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/events

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Jun. 21st

Save 20% with the passcode "BBSHARK" Splash along with Baby Shark and Pinkfong as they journey into the sea to sing and dance through some of your favorite songs in Baby Shark Live!

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Nov. 9th - 10th

Hank the Cowdog's exciting new addition is "Ranch Weather." It's impact on cowboys' lives is caused by different weather affecting every aspect of ranching. Cowboys help cattle survive blizzards, droughts and floods!

Legendary Author John Erickson returns with stories and songs to tell us about Hank the Cowdog's adventures.

*Onsite registration now open
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Session 1: 10:30 - 11:30 A.M. CT
Session 2: 12:30 - 1:30 P.M. CT
Thursday, March 10, 2022
Session 3: 10:30 - 11:30 A.M. CT
Session 4: 12:30 - 1:30 P.M. CT

Location: Annenberg Presidential Conference Center (APCC) at Texas A&M University,1002 George Bush Drive West, College Station, TX 77843

Register for FREE onsite programs at: https://www.bush41.org/education/reservations.

Please stay informed by our website, bush41.org, about COVID-19 conditions affecting program policies.

Register at Connect2Texas.net to attend virtually or to receive a free recording afterwards.
1. Create an account.
2. Click on the Events tab and select George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, event "The Return of Legendary Author John Erickson and Hank the Cowdog"
Registration help: Contact Lori Hamm-Neckar at lhamm@esc11.net or 817-740-7156

*Pre-registered onsite participants will receive a free copy of "Hank the Cowdog: Ranch Weather."

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