Date: June 15, 2009
SCRANTON, PA – The National Railway Historical Society (NRHS), in partnership with the National Park Service at Steamtown National Historic Site, will conduct RailCamp 2009 from July 5-11. This highly successful program began in 1998 as a pilot project to create a forum where high school students could learn about the fascinating world of railroading, and share ideas and interests with peers from other areas of the United States. At Steamtown NHS participants also have the opportunity to learn about the history, technology and people of the industry from its steam-era beginnings.
Arriving from local communities, as well as from more distant locations throughout the country, students selected for participation in this year's program will receive an introduction to the principles of historic preservation, gain first-hand experience in railroad operations and explore a variety of transportation career opportunities. The students explore a wide variety of railroad and rail-related subjects during their week in northeastern Pennsylvania, and present a program about their learning experiences to their parents and peers on the final day of the event.
Each year, counselors recruited from the ranks of the NRHS – an organization founded in 1935 and consisting of more than 17,000 members in 170 chapters throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom – join National Park Service Rangers and local volunteers to make RailCamp a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Throughout this week-long program, they are available 24-hours a day to serve as instructors and mentors for the students.
Students or organizations wishing to obtain registration information for RailCamp 2010 may contact any local chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, or obtain an online application at the RailCamp website, www.railcamp.com.
Located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Steamtown is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. From I-81, follow exit 185 (Central Scranton Expressway); then, follow the signs to the main entrance at Lackawanna and Cliff Avenues. Additional details regarding interpretive and educational programs and activities may be obtained by calling (570) 340-5200 or toll free (888) 693-9391 during regular business hours, or by visiting the Steamtown web site at www.nps.gov/stea anytime!
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