In preparing for a Girl Scout camping trip I researched the organization, founded in 1912. It turns out that the Girl Scouts had an aviation badge available from 1916 to 1920 and then began a serious Wing Scout program in 1941 (Wikipedia). Until the 1980s the Girl Scouts sponsored programs in which girls would study toward FAA pilot certificates and would get backseat time in a United Airlines jet and front-seat time in light aircraft.
Girls’ wings have been clipped for the 21st century, however. A local troupe began to arrange an event with a local flight school, according to the owner. Eventually it was discovered that the national organization prohibits any Girl Scout activity involving any airplane smaller than a scheduled airliner. (Interested parents can still get kids a ride, and possibly some stick time, as Young Eagles, however.)
Were you able discover why the programs were discontinued?
Another case of the lawyer imposed reality.
Jack: I’m not sure that it is fair to blame lawyers. Young Eagles manages to do this with insurance that they provide to the pilots who volunteer. So the Girl Scouts probably could do it also if it were a priority.
J: I don’t know more than what I wrote in the original posting.