State of the Girl Scouts in Garland County

Girl Scouts is here to stay in Garland County, as well as the entire area that Girl Scouts - Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas, serves.

Our number of girls is growing, our girls are achieving notable goals through their Bronze, Silver and Gold awards but, most importantly, girls are having fun and learning who they are in a world that, at times, does not afford them the place and space to discover themselves and learn what a valuable asset they are in the world.

In Girl Scouts, a girl can learn and grow in an environment where she can practice different skills, explore her potential, take on leadership positions and even feel allowed to fail, dust herself off, get up and try again.

Many of you in Garland County are familiar with a beloved piece of property located in Hot Springs. This property is beloved because, for over 54 years, Radford House has been a place where girls experience the Girl Scout program to discover the world around them, connect with what they are passionate about and take action to make the world a better place.

When we merged from six councils into one 10 years ago, there was talk about what to do with the various properties Girl Scouts - Diamonds now owns in our beautiful state. One of these jewels is nestled in the heart of Hot Springs. Radford House, although not really a house, is a 14-acre piece of land that has a facility for meetings and activities, as well as kitchen and bathroom facilities. Radford also has a beautiful stone fire pit, an amphitheater with tiered seating and a small stage. There are four cabins affording girls the opportunity to sleep outdoors and they can even pitch tents to sleep under the stars. Trail hiking, outdoor cooking, conservation activities and leadership building are some of the many experiences girls have when they step onto the property.

Every time I go to Radford, I see girls taking ownership of a common purpose. I see on their faces the pride in their achievements and I see the confidence built through engagement in a simple task. This is more than just a property, it is a community of accomplishment where girls have both the opportunity and support necessary to take charge and chart their futures.

Currently, a group of local volunteers, the Radford Reserve Rangers, works with the Diamonds Council staff to support Radford’s needs of usage and maintenance. With three wilderness camps, five regional service centers and two urban spaces such as Radford, we have limited resources available to dedicate to the preservation and continued growth of these properties. However, there is no doubt that Radford serves a vitally important purpose in service to our girls and our volunteers. It provides that special space where girls venture beyond themselves and become inspired to reach for more. Here, character is shaped, friendships are formed and the next generation of leaders emerge.

We would like to invite the people of Garland County to get involved in uplifting Radford as a place where not only Girl Scouts learn and grow, but also a place open for the entire Garland County community to use, as well. It is our hope that more people will come to know the special place that is Radford. Join, volunteer, give — so many opportunities to impact a girl’s life await. Connect with us at info@girlscoutsdiamonds.org or 800-632-6894 to find your pathway to get involved.

Girl Scouts is not going away. There has never been a better time to be a Girl Scout. We are growing, we are successful and we are building the future female leaders who will make the world a better place. Help us make sure Radford remains a vibrant place that provides all girls who come there the best experience we can offer.