Date: July 4, 2007
SCRANTON, PA – On July 8 through July 14, the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS), in cooperation with the National Park Service at Steamtown National Historic Site, will conduct Basic RailCamp 2007. This highly successful program began in 1998 as a pilot project to create a forum where students in the ninth through twelfth grades learn about the fascinating world of railroading and share ideas and interests with peers from other areas of the United States.
Arriving from local communities, as well as other 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.
Each year, counselors recruited from the ranks of the NRHS – an organization founded in 1935 and consisting of more than 17,000 members in 174 chapters throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom – join National Park Service Rangers and local volunteers to make RailCampa fulfilling and rewarding experience. Throughout this weeklong program, they are available 24-hours a day to serve as instructors and mentors for the visiting students.
Students or organizations wishing to obtain registration information for RailCamp 2008 may contact any local chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, or send written requests to: Basic RailCamp 2008, National Railway Historical Society, 100 N. 17th Street, Suite 1203, Philadelphia, PA19103-2783. General information and an online application are available at the RailCampwebsite, www.railcamp.com.
Located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Steamtown is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. From Interstate 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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