Vision Forum sells a book detailing all the "homesteading" skills needed to set up life on the prairie ... and it's in the "Boys' Activities" section of their catalog! I'm thinking of getting it for my oldest son's 10th birthday next year, along with a building permit ... he could have his cabin finished by the time we need to put two more little brothers in his room!
I suspect you're exaggerating a bit, in your charming way, but you've hit an important point: If a boy is EVER going to grow into an "emotionally mature male," rather than a perpetual adolescent like these twerps in the article, he needs to start doing real work as early as possible, and expect to continue it the rest of his life. I wouldn't have children if I expected to support them into their mid-30's ... these parents are getting exactly what they ask for.