good luck, not all the crew needs to know everything. You might be better giving tasks to different age groups. The briefer will cover many of your questions. As to knots I love this app, you can download for free

http://www.animatedknots.com/indexboatin...imatedknots.com

have fun, buy about 2, 5' lengths of 3/8 nylon rope at Home Depot and practice your knots