The Bob & Renee Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain
Phoenix, AZ
The current structures that occupy Camp South Mountain are insufficient for the goals of the Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC). The program that has been developed increases the number of buildings, outdoor recreation and gathering spaces to support all the proposed activities.
The existing 14.5 acre camp occupies a stunning site with connections and views to South Mountain as well as views out towards downtown Phoenix. Most of the structures were built without comprehensive planning and fail to take advantage of the potential connections between each other, the Sonoran Desert landscape and the wonderful views offered. In addition, many of the structures are in poor condition.
The proposed facilities will greatly increase lodging, activity and training space on the site. A new major gathering space large enough to allow for up to 500 seated people will allow for Council-wide functions. A new GSACPC Museum and Council Shop will also provide a consolidated destination for all those interested or involved with the Girls Scouts in the Valley. Fifteen new, ten bed sleeping rooms with air-conditioning and heat will provide great flexibility for year round use for a variety of visitors. In all approximately 37,900 s.f. of new and renovated buildings area will be created. All new buildings, site elements and landscaping will seek to be a symbol of pride for the Girl Scouts and, in keeping with the Girl Scouts values, will be built in a sustainable manner.
In addition to the new building elements, new major site amenities will include an archery range, large amphitheater and fire rings, splash pad, climbing tower, low ropes course, tent sites, zip line, labyrinth and a large multi-purpose field.