I believe the children are our future, so teach them well and let them lead the way - by casting them out into the wilds to fend for themselves. It worked so well in ''Lord of the Flies'' that it makes perfect sense for CBS to try it for its latest reality series, Wednesday's ''Kid Nation.'' Remember, quality television is often based on little more than poor judgment, reckless situations and liability waivers signed by parents or guardians. In fact, we wish that we were between the ages of 8 and 15 so we could participate in season two! Nevertheless, gather the neighborhood tykes, make sure you're fully insured and throw a party that the kids will be talking about for the rest of their lives.

Setting the scene: While CBS has the luxury of setting this series in an old ghost town in Bonanza City, N.M., you're going to work your magic using giant cardboard boxes used for shipping appliances. Create a general store, a saloon, a therapy counter (think Lucy from ''Peanuts'') and Miss Kitty's House of Gummy Bears all from cardboard. During commercial breaks have Silly String gunfights to see who's the quickest draw in town (winners get gold stars; losers get executive producer credits). Have an area set aside for photos with props (bales of hay, a saddle, a goat) and have one of the adults print them using sepia tones. Did we mention pony rides? Invitations should be printed on parchment paper as a treasure map with the party location described as a lost silver mine. As a party favor, all kids get a real steel pan for panning gold.

Attire: When talking to kids about the Wild West, most of them think Kanye - so you might need to tell their parents there is a Western theme happening here. Chaps, cowboy boots and hats, miner gear, etc., should make everyone feel like a true pioneer.

On the menu: Cotton candy for dinner followed by cake and ice cream, cookies and Swedish Fish. From the bar: root beer, milkshakes, juice boxes and chocolate milk - shaken, not stirred.

On the hi-fi: ''Kids (What's the Matter With Kids Today?)'' by Paul Lynde; selections from ''High School Musical''; and stuff from Hilary Duff, the Cheetah Girls, Aly and AJ, and Hannah Montana.

The showstopper: Would you like to get rid of your child for 40 days? He or she could be part of next season's ''Kid Nation.'' Just head to www.cbs.com and print out the application located on the show's page.