There seems to be more than a few members here who help with boy/girl scouts, 4H, and other kids groups. Here's a pretty good group project and way to save money for a good light. You can also get them in orange or yellow bodies to make it harder to lose.
http://www.tek-tite.com/src/products.php?c=2245

I don't have any affiliation with tek-tite, except I've had one of their original Trek 2 flashlights for years and it's been bulletproof. Some years ago my dog (then a pup) got a hold of it and chewed it up pretty good. It's still waterproof and sees regular use. Best of all it sips batteries. You don't constantly have to tell the kid to turn the light off.