Rumspringa

Due to their strong belief in free will and the freedom of choice, the Amish community actually allows their youth to do as they please and not be bound by their communal rules just yet. This period of adventurism and nonconformance to the rules is called the Rumspringa. At this time, they are allowed to explore the modern world. Teens might even travel outside their communities and take part in activities that are usually prohibited at home, filling a car’s gas and driving away.

We know that the teenage years are also the rebellious phase of many people, and it does make sense to let them loose at this point. Guiding them, however, is still there. After all, the purpose of this phase is to that when the youth decide to get baptized, at age 18 to 21 after their Rumspringa, they would be able to make an informed decision.