I just have to say how much I love Betsy’s down to earth, common sense and well written parenting columns. I have yet to disagree with her on anything. I took my son to Switzerland for summer camp, when the dollar was worth a few francs, where he was able to participate in activities that no lawyer would allow in the states. At 19, he is now an independent, comfortable and accomplished traveler, college student who still likes to be home and get his laundry done.

I am not sure if I should laminate, gold plate or make a frame from forest twigs held together with s’mores, the article on letting kids go and get dirty at camp without parent intervention and technology. Believe it or not that 18 year old who came up through the ranks as a camper and CIT is going to be much more fun for your your kid then your texted message on the water pump breaking down at home. And while it may be heresy to some, that camp experience will be a stronger impact. Independence, resilience and resourcefulness are some of the benefits. For those parents who are stunned that their child can actually thrive beyond their cell phone range, know that when they go off to “Big Camp” (college), they will more likely cope better with challenges. (After all, if you can portage a canoe in muck and rain for 2 miles,set up a tent and cook over an open flame, how hard can it be to switch from Bio 101 to Chem 101 or move from home to dorm and walk through the college cafeteria in search of dinner?)