I voted "Yes" even before reading the OP.  Hang a question like that out there and the answer is likely yes and you likely know it.

Having said that, are you a baby-sitter or a facilitator?  I think you're a facilitator.  Buddy has a trip under his belt.  He's there with his kid, presumably to introduce the kid to tripping.  He likely wants to have some father/son moments, if you're hanging around they can't do that.

I see your role as being there to keep them safe and to educate them in tripping & camp craft.  Beyond that, once camp is set-up, your job is done and your time is yours.  Heck, you shouldn't be doing anything other than directing and a little demonstrating.  Let them tie up the canoes, pitch the tents, hang the food line, hang the laundry line, gather the firewood, make dinner.  They *need* this experience & tutelage.  You're not helping them if you do the work.  They definitely need portage experience!

2-way radios are a good idea.  Check in every couple hours.

Heck, put the kid in the solo for a half-day and bugger off with your buddy.  14 is old enough to learn to paddle solo, I've been doing it since I was 7.

Schmuck is a Yiddish term for a dick or dickwad or assh***.