Girl Scouts to spend $1.3 million on facility upgrades in Fort Smith

The Girl Scouts-Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas will invest $1.3 million at Burnham Woods in Fort Smith with a focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education for the more than 4,500 scouts in the organization.

Girl Scouts and other officials gathered Wednesday at the 13.5-acre Burnham Woods property to officially break ground on the project. Funding for the extensive renovation and improvements is supported by the Windgate Foundation, Leo and Barbara Anhalt, Wells Fargo, Joseph Norton, First National Bank of Fort Smith, Deborah and Darrell Robinson, and ABB, according to a Scouts news release.

The multi-state organization is still raising funds for the work, which is expected to be complete in December.

“This transformation will modernize the Burnham Woods property to better serve more than 4,500 Girl Scouts and the broader community through dynamic art and STEAM education,” Mary Grace Herrington, Girl Scouts-Diamonds president and CEO, said in a statement. “The project will bring new life to existing facilities while introducing new, purpose-built spaces for creative exploration.”

Fort Smith-based MAHG Architecture is leading the project work which will include a “major renovation of historic Kelley Cabin,” according to Girl Scouts-Diamonds. Leo Anhalt with Fort Smith-based SSI Construction will oversee project construction.

Burnham Woods was gifted to the Girl Scouts in 1948 by Leigh and Fay Kelley, and the historic Kelley Cabin was built in 1949. The main office was built in 1980, and the facility now used as the STEAM center was built in 1998. Burnham Woods includes two pavilions, picnic tables, two open activity fields, outdoor kitchens, a hammock hangout, two canvas platform tents, three tent platforms, and a forested area with nature trails and a creek.

“All updates have been intentionally designed alongside education experts to create a welcoming, age-appropriate environment that fosters imagination, confidence and growth. Leo Anhalt of SSI Incorporated will be leading construction efforts,” noted the Girl Scouts press release.

Following are key details about the planned renovation.
• Kelley Cabin will receive electrical system upgrades and an expanded porch to provide space for outdoor art programs.

• The regional Girl Scout office will become an arts education center with spaces for troop meetings and program delivery.

• A scenic overlook will be used to connect indoor activities, “offering new ways to incorporate nature into learning experiences.”

• The “Woodshop” will be built and will provide space for a woodworking facility that provides craftsmanship education. The Woodshop is supported by a donation from Leo and Barbara Anhalt.

“Burnham Woods is an outdoor experience that has served Girl Scouts for more than 77 years,” said Kimberly Snipes, Girl Scouts – Diamonds board chair. “We know from research that women and girls are underrepresented across all levels of the STEM pipeline. Transforming this property to support both outdoor adventures and STEAM exploration will support STEAM field exploration for Girl Scouts in our council, as well as Girl Scouts from other councils across the nation.”