My 9 year old daughter has been asking for a pocket knife for a few weeks now, and recently found out that they have to have one for an upcoming Girl Scout trip.  It has to be a folder, and I'm not sure which direction to go.  Swiss Army type, a basic Old Timer, or a lockback of some type?  For the Scout trip, they will be using it in meal preparation, and whittling.  Any thoughts or recommendations?

Cant beat the Swiss Army Recruit or camper, rather see them with a lock-back but kids like gadgets. Get a real one though, not a China junker. Vitronox or Wenger are good.

+1 to all of that.  my first two were both a wengers, and i loved them.  that being said, something that locks is definitely safer, and would have saved me a few cuts

if you end up not going the swiss army route, i'd recommend an Ontario Rat Model 1 (better steel, larger) or Ontario Rat Model 2 (OK steel, smaller)

A small Vic SAK is a great first knife for a kid.  Gadgets, a practical blade, durable, won't break the bank.  That deserves some consideration.

I always coveted my dad's stag Case medium stockman when I was growing up.  He'd use it for everything and I'd come up with excuses to use it too.  I mostly carry a pocket-clip knife these days but sometimes switch it up to a medium stockman and I always think of dad's.  I think that or a Peanut would be a good first knife too.

Another option:  Opinel

Inexpensive (but very functional), locks, sharp, comes in a variety of sizes, etc.  It's also less "tactical looking" which may or may not be a big deal.

A Morakniv Companion would be ideal, but since it has to be a folder, I would go with a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife (some models have locking blades) or a Ka-Bar Dozier Folding Hunter. Those are knives I carry and knives I got for my daughter.