re: Why would a tour company not want a big group to have tents on the Appalachian Trail?

These are 8th grade girls in a group with 2 female teachers and one female guide. Not sure if the teachers have ever been camping/backpacking but none of the girls have been. Zero survival skills — city girls through and through. Yes, she is 78 lbs and 13 years old. Smallest kids osprey 50L pack at REI did not fit and hit the hips in a way where it caused discomfort — loaded the pack in store with 15 lbs weight and had an experienced sales person adjust the pack.

She will be staying home. There are too many serious questions and far too few answers from the school and guide company.

I appreciate all the responses.