Thanks all - as noted, the standard boater ed stuff is way off the mark -
heck, in 40 years on the water, I can count on one hand the number of times
I've had somebody signal their intentions to me with a horn... what would
be really helpful would be a list of specific knowledge and skills required
before a kid can
- crew with an adult (skipper's word is law, PFD always required, do
NOTHING without skipper's permission...)
- crew with a qualified kid - row/paddle
- crew sailing
- skipper - row/paddle
- solo kayak
- etc...

I found a couple useful resources - on the Sea Scouts www.seascout.org and
Boy Scout http://olc.scouting.org/info/aquatics.html www.meritbadge.com
Looks like I'll be writing up my own variation, unless there are more
suggestions!

But, if they get the basics, it'll be a success:
1. Keep the water out of the boat
2. Keep the boat in the water
3. Keep the people in the boat