Life Outside Isn’t As Sweet As You Think
To an outsider, it would seem like the rite of passage known as Rumspringa is the perfect time for Amish youth to jump ship from their simple life. But while the allure of the bright lights and big city is strong, the idea of leaving their ways and their family behind is scarier.
Excommunication or shunning is what happens when Amish teens choose not to return to the church after Rumspringa. This means that their family disowns them, which is most likely why only between 10% to 20% of Amish youths choose to leave the community after Rumspringa.
