One of the very best things I ever did for my kids was put them on the bus to Camp Unalayee. Not only did they flourish with their time in the high lakes country and become avid backpackers, they also found a large family, a network of friends that are incredibly supportive and interesting, and probably found the best friends of their lives. I've since involved other friends with sending another generation of kids to Unalayee, and they too treasure the community as much as the place. I love going there myself for family camps, trekking around to the beautiful lakes that dot the mountains.

Best thing i ever did for my kids was send them off to Camp Unalayee. The both remain ardent backpackers with a love of the wilderness, and my daughter still works there as a counselor many years later. And to top it off, i enjoy going to the family camp and introducing other young kids to the experience. Its the great non-video game alternative to engage your kids in the real world.