Railroading Merit Badge Workshop

Railroading Merit Badge Workshop

November 7, 2026

Spend the day exploring the fascinating world of railroads while earning your Railroading Merit Badge at the National Railroad Museum. Through hands-on activities, engaging activities, and guidance from Museum educators and railroad professionals, Scouts gain a deeper understanding of the history, technology, and lasting impact of America’s railroads.

Our Railroading Merit Badge Workshop is a one-day program designed to help Scouts complete the requirements for the Railroading Merit Badge. Participants rotate through six interactive stations, each covering different badge requirements while providing opportunities to explore the Museum’s collection and learn directly from experienced instructors with backgrounds in both railroad operations and education. Scouts are encouraged to read the Railroading Merit Badge pamphlet before attending the workshop.

The workshop welcomes Scouts and adult leaders. Cub Scouts are welcome to participate, in which case activities can be applied toward the completion of other awards but will not count for the Railroading Merit Badge. 

As the only Railroading Merit Badge Workshop offered each year, this popular program fills quickly. We encourage Scout leaders to share this opportunity throughout their councils so that more Scouts can experience this unique day of learning, discovery, and adventure.

Program Cost

$15 per participant. Please register using the calendar above. Registration will not be available via phone or e-mail and is limited to the first 300 Scouts and 100 adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

The program begins with the Opening Ceremony at 8:30 AM, and check-in is between 8-8:30 AM. All participants must check in during this time. The Closing Ceremony will take place at 3:30 PM.

TimeEvent
8:00-8:30 AMRegistration in the Museum lobby – once registered, Scouts are free to explore the Museum until 8:30 AM.
8:30-8:55 AMOpening Ceremony/Job Safety Briefing
9:00-11:25 AMMerit Badge Sessions (3 Rotations)
11:25 AM-12:25 PMLunch
12:30-3:00 PMMerit Badge Sessions (3 Rotations)
3:00-3:30 PMFree time to complete Merit Badge worksheet. Clean up in the Lenfestey Center.
3:30-3:45 PMClosing Ceremony
3:45-5:00 PMFree time to explore the Museum.

Scouts will fulfill the Railroading Merit Badge requirements by participating in six educational stations. Each Scout will be given a worksheet with questions that need to be answered at the various stations. By participating in the six stations and successfully completing the worksheet, a Scout will earn the merit badge. There will be an additional station on railroad jobs to be self-completed by participating Scouts.

Scouts will spend 45 minutes at each station, with five minutes allowed to rotate between stations. Station rotations will take place at 9:00, 9:50, and 10:40 AM and 12:30, 1:20, and 2:10 PM.

Station Topics

Museum Studies/Railfanning

Plan an Amtrak Trip

Train Safety/Operation Lifesaver

Railroad Signaling

Freight Operations

Locomotive Exploration

Stations subject to change upon availability.

No, there are no prerequisites required. However, participants are encouraged to read the Railroading Merit Badge pamphlet before attending the workshop.

Scouts will wear their Class A uniforms to the Railroading Merit Badge Workshop so that Scouting is properly represented to the public. The Museum will be open to the public during the workshop.

Scouts should bring weather-appropriate clothing (the workshop will proceed rain or shine), a signed first aid release form (to be retained by your adult leader), writing instrument, and clipboard. Scouts are encouraged to bring a water bottle to carry during the day.

Cub Scouts are welcome to participate, in which case activities can be applied toward the completion of other awards but will not count for the Railroading Merit Badge.

Yes. Blue Merit badge cards will be provided by the Museum.

No, the Museum does not provide Railroading Merit Badge patches.

Food is not provided as part of the Railroading Merit Badge Workshop. Scouts, individually or as a unit, are responsible for their own food. No cooking facilities are available. Food may be carried onto the grounds, or Scouts may visit area restaurants. Scouts may eat in the Lenfestey Center. You may not eat or drink (other than water) in any of the workshop sessions. Scouts are encouraged to carry a water bottle during the day.

About the Railroading Merit Badge

In 1952, the Boy Scouts of America introduced the Railroading Merit Badge, recognizing the essential role railroads play in shaping our nation. More than 70 years later, railroads continue to drive America forward—powering industries, supporting communities, and connecting us to the world.

As the Association of American Railroads puts it, “Freight railroads form the backbone of the thriving U.S. economy. Serving manufacturers, businesses, energy companies, and farmers, freight rail generates widespread economic activity. Billions of dollars in annual investments by railroads have a profound impact on various U.S. industries, creating high-paying jobs, supporting additional roles, connecting industries and consumers to the global market, and fostering local community growth.”

Photo Gallery

By visiting the National Railroad Museum (or participating in one of our Museum programs/events), you understand that you may be photographed, filmed, or videotaped, and you hereby give permission and grant the perpetual right to use your likeness, image, or photo (collectively, “image”), without compensation, for broadcast, or exhibition in any medium, and to put the finished pictures/recordings to any legitimate use without limitation or reservation. To learn more, or plan your visit, please visit this page.

Contact Us

Justin Lambrecht, Education Director: (920) 437-7623 or nrrmeducation@nationalrrmuseum.org

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