Some gear is fun but the BOB could get bigger than your nephew.

On the subject of toys, you can combine play with acquiring knowledge, such as playing cards that show how to tie useful knots and can also be used for Solitaire and poker (a skill which would make him very cool in high school and college):

http://www.knotplayingcards.com/

And anything that would instill in your nephew orienteering skills.

When I was a little kid, I was given a compass. It had a nifty brass or brass-like casing with a top that closed, concealing a mirror and a compass with luminescent markings.

I enjoyed snapping it open and shut, seeing it glow in the dark and pondering the mystery of the arrow's insistence on pointing in a certain direction.

I took it camping and in the car -- probably still have it somewhere. I'd like to find it and keep it with my childhood charm bracelet.

For a boy, a military-looking compass would have a cool factor and the cover is added protection from the predictably kid-like abuse it will endure. This one from REI is only $16:

http://www.rei.com/product/792829


A headlamp would be an ideal item -- for real use and for play. REI sells a Black Diamond designed for kids with features such as "pull-away" fittings in case they catch it on a limb or door handle. He might be old and responsible enough not to need that but good to know the industry is designing some kid-specific gear.

http://www.rei.com/product/744017