My son is leaving home. I've always known, of course, that the day would come when he'd strike out on his own. But I never imagined it would happen when he was only 11 years old. Or that he'd make his big break to a mountain in Japan.

My son is going on a fifth-grade school trip. Yes, it's during summer vacation. Participation is voluntary, but every child in his class is going. He leaves Monday morning for two nights and three days in Hakone.

The stated purpose of the trip, which is called Kaki Gakuen (Summer Academy), is to "enjoy nature" and "build confidence and social skills," while traveling, eating and sleeping in a group. That's just what they say, of course. I'm convinced the real purpose is to get the kids away from their mothers.