I put in for hunting opportunity. He has hunted 4 years and harvested a WTD Buck, MD Buck, MD doe x 2, Pronghorn doe. Having the opportunity to harvest animals and keeping if fun, as much as possible, is imperative.
Set realistic expectations. Referring to the adult not the kid. It's okay to push them but pay attention to the verbal and nonverbal cues that they're checked out. Keep it fun simple.
I brought a pad so he could nap during the day if needed.
If something looks to steep or they are uncomfortable come up with a new plan.
Lots of learning and teaching. I would show him scenarios/sign/etc. and ask him what he thinks it means. Follow that up with what type of action would he take based on the data presented.
Campfires are great especially midday to warm up. My kid really liked the idea of mountain house meals. He loved his hot chocolate when we arrived back at camp. We always, to this day play war in the tent, but we usually fall asleep before a declared winner. I put a favorite candy (Kit Kat) in his food bag which he didn't know about. When snack time came he would have a nice surprise. That was a big winner! Trekking poles will make his life easier.
I bought an outdoor shower setup, put a luggable loo in their, and a buddy heater. Do the deed in comfort AND get changed with some warmth (morning and evening). He really liked that setup.
Just extra things I don't do for myself. I hunt backcountry and sleep on the mountain with basically no comforts. He likes the minimalist style now after 2-3 years of comfort hunting but I definitely wouldn't have started like that. He quickly realized trekking up and down the mountain after several days is exhausting and he now much prefers less comfort to sleep on the mountain so he doesn't have to trek up/down to basecamp every day.
