Scouts BSA Rail Camp

• Participating Scouts will be divided into lettered groups and will be given either AM class schedules or PM class schedules to follow throughout the duration of Saturday’s classes.

• 4:00pm – 9:00pm: Check-in and Campsite Set Up  
• 9:15pm – 10:15pm: Cracker Barrel Meeting (Troop/Patrol Leaders)
• 10:15pm: Lights Out

• 8:00am – 8:30am: Check-In at the Barber Junction Visitor’s Center
• 8:40am – 8:50am: Flag Raising Ceremony
• 9:00am – 12:30pm:
  • AM Groups (A-E): Merit Badge Classes
  • PM Groups (F-J): Free Time
• 12:20pm – 1:20pm: ALL GROUPS – Lunch (Food NOT Provided)
• 1:30pm – 5:00pm:
  • AM Groups (A-E): Free Time
  • PM Groups (F-J): Merit Badge Classes
• 5:15pm – 5:30pm: Merit Badge Official Closing (To The Colors & Retreat)
• 7:00pm – 9:45pm: Awards and “Stories, Skits & Lantern Light Legends“
• 9:45pm – 10:00pm: Closing of Day (Tattoo & Taps)
• 10:30pm: Lights Out

Museum Train Ride
AM and PM class groups will have the opportunity to ride along the rails during a scheduled Museum train ride pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive. The ride takes place entirely on the property of the 60-acre North Carolina Transportation Museum and offers a tour of the historic site by train. Train rides last approximately 25 minutes.

Jamboree-on-the-Air
An amateur radio operator will be available for Scout’s to join in on the weekend’s Jamboree-on-the-Air fun! JOTA uses amateur radio to link Scouts and hams around the world, around the nation, and in your own community!

Railroad Speeder Rides (Red Springs and Northern)
Participants can enjoy a brief ride along the rails on one of several Red Springs and Northern volunteer speeders!

Scout “Steam-Up” (Owens Valley Live Steamers)
The Owens Valley Live Steamers will host 20-minute Scout Steam-Up sessions throughout the day on Saturday, October 17. During these live-steam model railroad demonstrations, Scouts will have the opportunity to observe how steam locomotives operate while learning about different types of model railroad layouts, gauges, and scales.

Each session can accommodate up to 20 Scouts and leaders. A sign-up document will be made available prior to the event for anyone who is interested in participating.

Banner Contest
The Banner Contest is designed to build Troop Spirit. The banners should convey N.C. Transportation History. They can be vertical or horizontal and may be staked or suspended at your campsite. They will be judged by how well they represent N.C. Transportation History. There will be a Grand Prize winner with a trophy (runners-ups are awarded certificates). Judging will take place between 4 p.m. And 6 p.m. on Saturday. Awards will be presented at 7pm before Saturday night’s “Stories, Skits & Lantern Light Legends” activity.

NCTM will not be providing banner contest materials. Banners can be created prior to the event, or during the event during scheduled free time.

Stories, Skits & Lantern Light Legends
Calling all performers and storytelling connoisseurs! Our “Stories, Skits, & Lantern Light Legends” activity will begin at 7:45 p.m. Scouts will gather for an evening of entertaining stories, legendary tales, and creative skits inspired by the rich history and folklore of the railroad. Whether you’re ready to take the stage or simply enjoy the show, there will be something for everyone. Scouts will have the opportunity to share their creativity, work together, and bring legendary stories to life under the glow of lantern light.

What To Bring:

• Chairs or towels (museum provided seating will be available on a first come, first served basis)
• Flashlights or battery powered lanterns (no flames)

Rules and Regulations:

1. Time Limit:
   Skits must be kept under 4 minutes
2. Theme Requirement:
   Skits must be related to or inspired by railroading history.
3. Keep It Scout-Friendly:
   All performances should be appropriate for scouts and families.
4. Keep It Clean and Respectful:
   No profanity, inappropriate jokes, bullying, insults, or offensive material.
5. No Dangerous Stunts:
   No fire, weapons, explosives, risky physical stunts, or anything that could cause an injury.
6. Be Creative:
   Skits can be funny, dramatic, musical, mysterious, or completely ridiculous—as long as they follow the rules!
7. Have Fun and Make Memories:
   There are no bad performances—only Scouts brave enough to get on stage! Be a supportive audience. Applaud every performer and never boo, heckle, or make fun of another group.

• 8:00am – 11:00am: Campsite Clean Up & Departure (TURN IN SURVEY)