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| Fresh Tracks - Adventures in Railcamp | |||||||
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 Article
by Nick Wilson The burning question in railway preservation today is not which caboose deserves attention or how to secure insurance coverage for a steam excursion, but how to get the younger generation involved and interested? RailCamp is said to be a popular place for older school-age kids with an interest in trains to go and experience railroading first hand. Sponsored by the National Railway Historical Society, RailCamp offers many unique opportunities for young railfans. The event was hosted by Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pa, during July 2002. There are two programs, Basic and Advanced. Basic RailCamp is a six-day summer camp that provides an in-depth introduction to rail history preservation background, railroad operations and career opportunities to high school boys and girls entering the 9th grade through the 12th grade. It is an excellent forum for young adults with similar interests to learn about the rail history movement while sharing ideas with peers from other parts of North America. Advanced RailCamp is a six-day summer camp that builds upon the lessons learned in Basic RailCamp. The primary focus is a major group project in railway history preservation or restoration. Advanced RailCamp is for those who have already been to Basic RailCamp. We interviewed two participants, Hayes Smith Jr. and Jackie Gronwald. Hayes, 15, is from Salisbury, North Carolina. He has both HO and G scale trains, and his favorite railroad is the old Southern Railway. Jackie Gronwald, 20, hails from Dover, Delaware. She currently does not model any scale, but her favorite railroad is Conrail. Hayes explained the basic premise. "RailCamp's basic idea is for the younger generation to experience railroad work in the 21st century," he says, "and to learn future preservation methods, as well as basic modern day train operations as well." Jackie added the opportunity to learn about steam locomotives. With all that is covered, and the opportunity presented, students come from all over for different reasons. Hayes explained, "I go because I've always had an interest in trains and I like interacting with other teens that have the same interest." Jackie was looking to broaden and develop her interest in railroading. She went "because it was a neat experience," she said. RailCamp is an all-inclusive experience. "You get to stay in the dorms, you get admission to Steamtown for the week, and any other trips made," said Hayes. "You get hands on training in simple maintenance and restoration by the Steamtown NHS staff," Jackie added. Clearly, this is not your ordinary week away at camp! No doubt there are a variety of fun experiences to be had. But which was best of all? "Well, that was probably firing up former Canadian National 2-8-2 # 3254," said Hayes. "We wiped, cleaned, and polished that engine to a shine! Plus, we got to try some skills and hand firing as well, and using some locomotive appurtenances and such." Hayes also got the chance to run the Nickel Plate GP9. Jackie agreed that "Operating the diesel locomotive was definitely the best part." RailCamp is definitely the answer if you want to experience railroading up close and personal! Visit Railcamp for more information! Happy Railroading! |
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