Glad to hear you're inspiring someone else to be in the woods!

If it were me, I'd look at Gorilla stands as well. Cabelas offers the Baby Gorilla model for half the price of the Summit Copperhead X4. And from what i've heard, they are very quiet as well.

In all reality, safety is probably about even with all of the fixed position stands as long as your stepson wears a good safety harness.

Sorry I don't have any ideas about climbing sticks. I'm actually looking for a set myself this year!