Can you explain what "rumspringa" is?

At age 16, Amish teenagers are given the option to go and experience life as the rest of the world experiences it. They can wear what they want, do what they want to do, etc. and know they will be welcomed back into the Amish community regardless of their behavior.

Having had this experience, a decision to join the church is an informed one.

But on the flip side Fuse, if they decide they like the life of the "moderns" and want to stay in the outside world, aren't they excommunicated/banished from their society?

It is my understanding that they may stay "on the other side" as long as they wish. Only if they return to join the church and then flip back are they excommunicated.

Thanks Fuse. I'm actually not very familiar with this religion. What I learned about rumspringa was from a medical program that focused in 2 Amish teens who were experiencing life in the city. One chose to return, the other not to. And he stated that his choice to remain in the city would cause his family to banish him from the community. Of couse we all know how teens tend to exagerate!