first time i hunted alone was when i was 12 in the mountains. My dad was confident in me and i was confident in myself. we usually get out of the truck and say where we are headed and make a time to meet back up at the car. i took my compass and thats all i felt i needed. i usually go a few mountains away from were we are parked. count the mountains as i go over them and remember all streams i pass, where the meet up with other tribs and if as a last resort i need to follow them back to the truck. about the worst thing you can do in a situation in the mountains or vast wilderness is to panic. then you start going all over the place going in circles, getting all mixed up. i am now 17 and go miles away from the truck at a time. As for your kid, i think he should be fine if your just going to be in 2 seperate stands. set up a place and time to meet, even come get him at his stand if he is not comfortable walking back to the car alone.