Girl Scout Camp Lakota by Perkins&Will – Sustainable Cabins and A-Frame Dining Hall in Frazier Park

Nestled within the pine forests of Frazier Park, California, the Girl Scout Camp Lakota, designed by Perkins&Will, reimagines a beloved 57-acre camp destroyed by fire in 2010. The new master plan introduces 24 insulated cabins, restroom facilities, and a striking A-frame dining hall, offering a safe, inspiring environment where Girl Scouts from urban Los Angeles can explore, grow, and connect with nature.

The project embraces rustic comfort and modern sustainability, balancing functional needs with a deep respect for the surrounding landscape. Organized into four “villages,” each cluster of cabins provides cozy sleeping quarters alongside essential facilities. The 10,000-square-foot dining hall, defined by tall glue-laminated timber frames and a corrugated metal roof, creates a central gathering space with expansive glazing that frames panoramic views of the forest.

Perkins&Will approached the sensitive site with ecological care. The cabins are slightly elevated, preserving natural ground flows, animal habitats, and existing tree lines. The design minimizes land disturbance while enhancing the camp’s connection to its environment. Materials such as Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and Mass Plywood Panels (MPPs) ensure high energy efficiency, while operable windows and louvers promote natural ventilation and comfort year-round.

The A-frame form, central to the architectural language of Camp Lakota, draws inspiration from both traditional camping tents and the silhouettes of surrounding pine trees. This symbolic yet practical gesture creates an atmosphere of heritage, resilience, and harmony with nature.

Through its sustainable design strategies, innovative material use, and respect for place, the Girl Scout Camp Lakota is more than just a camp—it is an architectural statement about learning, resilience, and environmental stewardship for future generations.

All Photographs are works of Here and Now Agency