Got a note from my friend John.

"When you've harkened back to boomer summers recently I don't recall seeing my favorite element, unsupervised play.

"Remember, after chores such as cleaning your room, mowing the lawn and cleaning the bathroom, and activities such as summer school, swimming, tennis and music, there were still a few hours of the day for playing with no adults in sight or earshot.

"We were left to our own devices and nobody in my neighborhood ever died. The group of neighbor kids ranged from first-graders to eighth-graders and we were confronted daily with situations that required leadership, negotiation, teamwork and empathy. I think it made us way more resourceful and it was loads of fun."

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