SCRANTON, Pa. - “All aboard" for a fun day of railroading adventure! Where better for Scouts to learn about the history of railroading, contemporary railroad operations and safety practices, and ride in vintage railroad passenger equipment than at Steamtown National Historic Site? The park will host three Boy Scout Railroading Merit Badge Workshops this summer: Sunday, July 1; Saturday, July 14; and Sunday, August 12.
Not only are Steamtown National Historic Site staff and volunteers well versed in sharing about railroading’s golden age, many are also certified Boy Scout Railroading Merit Badge Counselors. Scouts are welcome to sign up for a workshop either individually or as part of a patrol or troop; however, leaders of units and parents of individual Scouts are required to participate in some of the activities. The merit badge program consists of activities at the park, on the train and at Gouldsboro.
At the Park, located in downtown Scranton, PA, Scouts will learn about railroad equipment and railroad operations. While on the train, Scouts will take part in an Operation Lifesaver railroad safety program, have the opportunity to speak with the train crew about their responsibilities, and learn about current railroad freight and passenger operations. At Gouldsboro Station, in the scenic Pocono Mountains, Scouts will learn about the historic depot and the former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad line that carried passengers west from New York City through the mountains to Scranton and as far west as Buffalo NY, and the eastbound trains that brought needed consumers goods to the growing New York City metro. Participants will also have the opportunity to purchase a light lunch provided by our Gouldsboro community partners.
At the end of the day, Scouts who have remained actively engaged in learning should meet all the requirements for earning the coveted Railroading Merit Badge.
For more information about the workshops and required pre-requisite merit badge preparation, leaders and parents should contact Park Guide Lori Staely at 570-340-5306 or lori_staely@nps.gov
Cost for the train excursion, as part of the workshop, is $34.00 for Adults (ages 16-61); $29.00 for Seniors (ages 62 +); $22.00 for Children (ages 6-15); and free for those aged 5 and under (free ticket required). Non-Scout family members are welcome to join the excursion to Gouldsboro. However, please note that seating for the workshop and train excursion is limited and has sold out in the past.
Because boys must complete some merit badge requirements in advance of the workshop, prior paid reservations are required and can be made by calling 570-340-5204 between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.
“All Aboard"!
Located in downtown Scranton, Pa., Steamtown NHS is open daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. There is no site admission charge. From I-81 follow exit 185 (Central Scranton Expressway); then follow the brown and white signs to the park entrance at Lackawanna Avenue and Cliff Street (GPS: N 41.41, W 75.67). General park information is available by phoning (570) 340-5206 during regular business hours, or by visiting the park website anytime.
www.nps.gov/stea
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
