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

I did the same trip in the foothills of the Appalachians in 8th grade. Some nights the weather was no nice we slept without a tent or tarp, just a sleeping bag under the stars. As for the temp, I find tents do not offer much protection. The tarp is fine and will keep the kids dry.

The water weight will drop as they hike. Also not a big concern. Weight can be distributed in a pack.

This will be a great experience for the kids. Let them go. At worst, their sleeping bag gets a little wet. More likely, they learn lessons and make memories that last a lifetime.

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not want a big group to have tents on the Appalachian Trail

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too much in-tent-city

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I'd like to canvass the area for a different opinion

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You staking a claim?

Was a rite of passage in scouts.

Here is your visqueen, compass,map, flint, and rope. These are directions to your food cache. See you in two days.

Maybe.

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mid 40s - mid 50s is perfect thick sleeping bag weather IMO and there won't be many bugs at that temp.

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yep, the pussification continues, thanks to the parents, can't have little Braxtyn and Aydyn having to spend a night outdoors, where would they plug in their play stations??

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Bears are the worry I assume.

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we must expect some casualties

The worst camping is when it's hot AF so you don't want to be in a tent, much less and sleeping bag, and mosquitoes form like rain clouds around any exposed flesh.

I hate sleeping in the heat though

This is my setup if it's hot outside...

Each kid is carrying 4 liters of water. That sounds like barely enough water for one day if you include cooking. I'd say the "guide" is carrying one water pump per group to refill the bottles when necessary.

Tents offer no protection from bears. A tarp offers the same protections from rain as a tent. The leader will teach the kids how to properly setup camp and store the food/cooking area away from the sleeping area. I don't think I've hear of any "bear attacks". They don't want to deal with people and usually run off unless defending cubs or a juvenile male is trying to establish territory. "Mini-bears" raccoons will be a bigger issue.

Most of the backcountry areas don't have enough space for a large group of tents and the tents destroy the area causing massive erosion. Hammocks used in large numbers are bad too because in heavily trafficked areas they strip the bark off the trees and cause them to die.

You have to try to minimize the human impact in the heavily used areas.

I've been the adult on many trips like this and I have sent my kids on many trips like this. When the kids return they will stand taller, have more confidence and will have bragging rights over the other kids. Let them get out and rough it for a few days.

Be sure they all get brand new hiking boots and don’t get them dirty until the morning of the first hike.

2 liters should be enough. There are plenty of water sources and towns along the AT to replenish. The tour company is being over cautious with the water and not with the shelters.