Thats what I got -17 moves

 

You actually want me to post a solution? I mean I will but that would take the fun out of the challenge.

 

I concede, I know when Im beat. Besides, throwing my puter out onto the street in a fit of frustration isnt a mature thing to do.

 

before you give up...

remember...ONLY the adults can operate the raft
...but that doesnt mean the kids always have to have an adult present...on either side of the river.
...and the jailer IS considered an adult.

whenever someone wants me to post the answer....say the word...

 

Okay, I've somehow managed to get the 4 kids and the two adults onto one side but now I'm completely stuck!

I've got two other people at my office trying to work on this task and considering we're all university grads this is getting sad! When an engineer can't figure this out I know when to call it quits.

 

Took me longer to figure out what was the start button. 15 trys