It may sound extreme, but it’s normal in the Netherlands.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/21/world/europe/netherlands-dropping-children.html
LOL.
“If this sounds crazy to you, it is because you are not Dutch.”
I am not Dutch, it does sound crazy and yet, I can see the potential benefits.
It doesn’t sound like there are big problems like kidnappings, accidents/deaths, frozen toes, poisoning, etc.
“The Dropping” sounds like the title of an M. Night Shyamalan movie.
Sounds like the Order of the Arrow ordeal that most boy scouts do. I think it sounds like fun.
I’m going to guess the ratio of lawyers to standard citizens is lower in the Netherlands. 
We did that in my Junior GS troop in Germany in the early 70s. Kids learn independence early in Europe!
Love it!
No bears. No mountain lions. No wolves. No cliffs. No gators… In summer nights, the weather doesn’t go down to freezing. I’m guessing Dutch wild lands are safer than American wild lands.
Sun also sets very late in the summer there.
The article said sometimes adults hid in the woods and make boar noises. Sounds like a pretty well organized/supervised outing.
I’ve been accused of being a pretty controlling mom and I would totally allow my kids to participate in something like that - if they wanted to. Would never force a kid to do it, however.
Hi, Dutchman here. Accidentally found this thread and it’s quite amusing. I remember ‘droppings’ from summer camps and I never felt abandoned/unsafe. There is usually a supervisor to make sure no one gets lost etc. As a kid, the thrill of exploring, finding your own way home and potentially getting ‘caught’ by ‘patrollers’ is great. Upon return we’d laugh, eat some snacks and go to bed.
Is this a case of the great Dutch independence? I have no idea as I was raised this way but I do think independence is instilled earlier on than in the States.