One basic sentence pattern in English consists of a subject, a linking verb, and a subject complement: Jack is a lawyer. Because the subject complement (lawyer) names or describes the subject (Jack), it is sometimes mistaken for the subject.

Tent and bag are the subject, not equipment.

Force is the subject, not children. If the corrected version seems too awkward, make children the subject: Children are a major force in today’s economy—as consumers, decision makers, and trend spotters.