Kyleigh Bagby from Belleville Designated a Gold Award Girl Scout
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Kyleigh Bagby from Belleville, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by upgrading firewood storage at Whispering Pines of Clinton County and teaching other campers how to build fires safely.
Kyleigh loves to camp, and her Girl Scout troop spent quite a bit of time tent camping at Whispering Pines of Clinton County. They relied on campfires for food and warmth, so having dry firewood was a necessity. The property’s existing firewood storage consisted of wire bins; these bins not only allowed water in, but they were also difficult to access for younger campers and those with physical challenges.
Kyleigh designed and built two firewood storage shelters at Whispering Pines. She selected locations that would make firewood accessibility centralized to multiple campsites for use by all campers on the property. Next, Kyleigh wanted to educate campers on fire building and fire safety by creating videos. Information to access these videos was included on information cards that are stored at each shelter. Finally, Kyleigh gave fire safety demonstrations to over 80 girls, ensuring that future campers at Whispering Pines can build a campfire with confidence.
Gold Award Girl Scouts become innovative problem-solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally. As they take action to transform their communities, Gold Award Girl Scouts gain tangible skills and prove they’re the leaders our world needs.
“This process has further solidified my choice in studying to become a civil engineer,” said Kyleigh, reflecting on her Gold Award project.
Kyleigh is the daughter of Danyel Bagby and Mark Bagby. She is a freshman at University of Louisville, where she majors in Civil Engineering. Kyleigh is a Trifecta Girl Scout who has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
October 13, 2025
