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Almost 400 Boy Scouts from throughout southern California came to Knott’s Berry Farm theme park in Buena Park, CA, on a recent Saturday morning for a day of discovering the behind-the-scenes operations of the railroading industry. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) partnered with the Boy Scouts of America and the park to present Railroading Merit Badge Day.

Scouts must complete eight different requirements to earn the merit badge, from learning safety tips near railroad tracks to planning a trip and visiting a historic railroad. OCTA and its partners assembled four stations throughout the park where the Scouts could complete the various tasks while also enjoying the park’s attractions.

Before the park opened to the public, the Scouts explored antique rail cars, including one that belonged to the president of the Rio Grande Railroad; discovered the various rail signals and functions in a working maintenance facility; and received a lesson in rail safety.

“Educating the public and the younger generations is an important element as commuter rail services increase throughout the nation and high-speed rail becomes a reality in the United States,” said OCTA Chief Executive Officer Will Kempton.

The outreach effort is part of OCTA’s comprehensive rail safety program, which includes public awareness regarding safety near the tracks and safety enhancements at more than 50 railroad crossings throughout the county.

Between January and November 2009, train-related accidents caused more than 80 deaths in California, most of them occurring during daylight hours. Recent research showed that 80 percent of Orange County residents are not aware of rules and regulations concerning railroad tracks and 64 percent disregard rail warning signs.

“It’s interesting to hear how many people are killed crossing the tracks,” said Karen Allen, a parent of one of the Scouts. “They think it is OK [to cross], when in actuality the trains are moving so fast that people don’t realize it. It’s good for the boys to learn how to be safe.”

Through the hands-on activities, one consistent theme emerged: the importance of rail safety and not trespassing around railroad property. The day began with a presentation on rail safety and how to stay out of harm's way around the railroad tracks.

The participants found the day’s events both educational and fun. “I enjoyed the opportunity to go behind the scenes and see the inner workings of the railroading equipment here at Knott’s,” said Boy Scout Austin Lee from Troop 985.

Gary Babich of Troop 716 added:  “I have learned that there are different signals that you use to mark what trains do, different light signals and whistle signals, and there are also ways to keep yourself safe around trains. My favorite part of the day was riding on the train because I got to learn how the executive of the railroad lived.”

“We learned what not to do when you’re near a railroad track and about the private property the railroad company owns,” said Jeff Willard, a Boy Scout from Troop 671.

Outreach to Youth
Reaching kids and evoking change is a challenge as traditional communication tactics may fall short. David Walsh, a psychologist with the National Institute on Media and the Family, told USA Today: “It’s become harder over the last 10 years to keep kids’ attention. The expectation is to be constantly entertained and, if they’re not entertained, they quickly lose interest.”

This interactive event allowed kids 8 to 17 to understand the importance of rail safety in a number of capacities and gain insight into possible railroad industry careers.

“The boys learned about the history of our state and county, about American ingenuity and craftsmanship, and about rail safety,” said Chris Mattison, a day camp director with the Boy Scouts. “They really enjoyed themselves and I’ve had a couple even tell me they want to work on the rails when they get older.”

Nearly 90 percent of the participating Scouts and parents said they would recommend the event to a friend.

“This was a unique opportunity,” said Colleen Metzger, a volunteer with the Boy Scouts. “It is really important for the kids to have the safety lessons to take back to their younger siblings, schoolmates, parents, and family.”

Metzger said Scouts have few opportunities to learn about railroading. About 196,800 have received the badge since its introduction in 1952—compared with more than 6.5 million Scouts who have earned the most popular merit badge, first aid.

OCTA plans to hold an additional Railroading Merit Badge Day in the future and is collaborating with the Girl Scouts of America for a similar experience.

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