A big +1 to this.I would second the keep them.
And buy the kid a .22 RF to start with.
Either of the Savage calibers are going to be somewhat intimidating due to muzzle blast and recoil to a kid new to shooting.
Not to mention too expensive to shoot extensively for marksmanship training.
rc
Get a 22 to learn on. Learning to shoot requires a lot of practice and there are a lot of skills to learn, getting a sight picture, holding still, shooting positions, trigger control, etc, etc, that are directly transferable from a 22. Using a 22 lets you learn how to shoot without the distracting recoil and blast and you'll save enough in ammunition costs to pay for the rifle.
Once you've mastered the necessary skills, try the 250, then the 300.
Have fun.