The TV Addict 

All right, as a parent I have to sound off on this one. I honestly don’t know how laws were not violated in the making of this show. Leaving your child alone to fend for himself even in a group of other kids is child abandonment, is it not? If these parents had left their kids in their own homes and taken off on a vacation child protective services and the media would be all over them. How does the presence of camera crews and adults who aren’t supposed to help/interact with the kids change this?

At the very least the idea of sticking your kid into an Old West Lord of the Flies scenario is just bad parenting no matter how much money they could earn for college. But the parents that are suing are ridiculous. They knew what they signed up for. And if it’s true that no laws were broken, CBS can air it, but I do not intend to watch it.

Dear ‘h’,

I’m going to qualify this by saying I’m not a parent. But if my child had the opportunity to take part in this social experiment. I think I would have said yes.

To me it isn’t about the money. Just the experience. Kids these days need to start realizing how lucky they are to grow up so privelaged. Forty days away at camp seems like a fantastic growth opportunity.

Additionaly, the kids were surrounded by cameras 24/7, medics and adult professionals. How on earth can people scream abandonment. The kids were no doubt far better supervised in the ‘nation’ then in real life.

I also believe the parent or parents who are now contemplating legal action are just in it for the publicity and the money and will hopefully have their case swiftly dismissed.

What’s the deal with all the ‘angry’ all caps?

Aileen, I think the paragraph refers to how reality TV often edits to make certain situations play out how the producers want.

My main concern is the aftermath. TV, especially reality TV likes to paint characters as well, characters. On most reality TV shows there’s the dumb one, the evil one, the lazy one, the leader, the annoying one… etc.. You would hate to see the show portray the kids in a negative light, and have that haunt kids for the rest of their childhood. That said, I have faith that CBS and the producers are not that stupid and will only paint the kids in the most positive of light.

TV Addict, this is not a “social experiment” this is profiteering. If PBS had done it, and they have with their series of live in “olden times” shows, maybe I’d consider it a social experiment, but not from CBS. I’m certain that if the ratings tank and advertisers bolt, it will be pulled.

And B I’m sorry, but I think its bad parenting to leave your child under the “care” of other kids and camera crews for any amount of time. CBS has essentially admitted that in most states they wouldn’t have been able to get away with this which is why they filmed where they did. I respect your right to make a choice for your child, but check back in with us months and years from now before you claim there have been no damages.

Yes I do know how much summer camp costs. I sent my child to one this year and it included adult supervision for all activities, an over 18 year old counselor for every 5-8 children and plenty of free time with their peers to engage in ghost story telling and other kid fun, but with a “safe” adult within easy reach at all times. And to head it off at the pass, I’m aware there are potentially “unsafe” adults out there, but that’s why you choose the camp you do.

I am SO excited to see it! It looks original!