Hey GOX happens very early in the school year when it is still feasible to miss some days. I took the full week off and attended gox. I had no problems making up the work. It is all about how determined you are to attend.
We go to college to get degrees, we get degrees to make more money, we make more money so we can afford nice trucks, we want nice trucks so we can go play. I figure screw it I will skip a bunch of steps and play now.

As far as people with kids I understand their concern. On the other hand how much more will your children learn about the world by traveling and enjoying nature, rather than sitting in a room passing notes and ignoring their teachers.