1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania (GSHPA) has retained Buchart Horn Architects to help them prepare and implement a five‐year development plan to improve the facilities and infrastructure at Camp Archbald and Camp Small Valley. Representing the first step in the overall improvement plan, this programming analysis includes consideration for: assessing the conditions of existing facilities and systems; determining facility size, layout and material make‐up based on needs, occupancy and future planned usage; building code requirements; project costs including hard (construction) costs and estimated design fees associated with each proposed improvement project; and comparison of the estimated project costs to GSHPA’s budget forecasts.
The Buchart Horn Architects project team developed a new dining hall that will support the current and anticipated needs of summer camp and the potential growth into a full service year‐round facility. The current structure is in poor condition and the layout is inefficient and ineffective for the current needs of summer camp. A new facility replaced the current structure and provided a full basement that serves as a shelter during hazardous storm events. A commercial kitchen is provided for summer use. The new dining hall is able to accommodate two separate groups during winter use with available kitchenettes, toilet and shower facilities.
The existing dining hall was removed to allow for the construction of the new 250 seat capacity dining hall close to the same location. The layout consisted of a large hall facing the lake that can be divided for separate uses. Construction consisted of concrete block for the basement and foundations walls, and traditional wood framing for the main level. The exterior design was considerate of the existing dining hall while providing improved materials and finishes.