It is an interesting article. The Thread link with comments on the story was even more interesting. B.A. (one of the contributors) was very insiteful and had more information then the article. As far as being prepared, my 8 year old son has a bag that I packed and is set up for him. Only issue with packing childs bag is that it requires a LOT of updating as they grow, eat more, skills improve etc...

Overall I like the mothers preparedness and forethought. May not be the way I would do it, but at least she is doing something.