phat,

My parents were very lenient, and helped us convince other kids' parents to let them go on some great trips. We started backpacking at age 12 without adults and minimal equipment. Dad made us take a machete instead of an axe because it wassafer.

We also spent a week on an island in Cheasapeake Bay two summers in a row with just for 4 kids. It was like the "Lord of the Flies" when the food ran low and we fought over it. Those experiences really taught us some independence. Kids today go off to college with less experience.