Welcome!

The Whitewater Valley Railroad and our all volunteer staff wish to welcome you to the 2025 merit badge weekend. We hope that you enjoy your time with us, learn a lot about railroading, railroading safety, railroad hobbies and possible career choices for your future.

Note: Reservations required! This activity is the result of a long planning cycle between the WVRR and scout leaders.  Scouting America scouts interested in this camporee should contact the leaders within their districts responsible for planning this activity.

Weekend summary:

This year's partnership is between the Crossroads of America Council and the Whitewater Valley Railroad. As such, the volunteers of each organization have responsibilities for the enjoyment of all participants.

Friday evening the scout troops will arrive at the Robinson's Whitewater River Campground and establish their camps. Later in the evening a few volunteers of the railroad will arrive and go over the events and safety rules for Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday morning, after breakfast, the train will arrive at the campground and pick up the scouts. A quick trip back to the WVRR yard begins a full day of activities. Each activity is referred to as a "station". Each station is either a physical activity or learning opportunity. These stations are designed to meet requirements listed in the Boy Scouts of America Railroading Merit Badge Book. Of course, there will be a break for lunch.

After everyone has had the chance to cycle through the stations, the scouts again board the train and are returned to the campground for their evening meal and activities planned by the scout leaders.

Sunday morning, after breakfast and time for services, the train again will pick up the scouts. Now we are bound for Grand Central Station located in downtown Connersville. While at Grand Central, the scouts will purchase their train ticket (fulfills merit badge requirement 8b2) and have the opportunity to visit our gift shop. Then they board the train for a trip along the Whitewater Canal to the historic town of Metamora. Here they will have some time for lunch and a look around town.

After their layover in Metamora, the scouts board the train one final time for the trip back to the campground. The scouts should be back at the campground mid afternoon in order to break camp and head home.

Links:

The links on the left hand side of this page provide you the opportunity to find more information about our program, our location and other information you may find of use for planning your weekend with us.

One final thing...

Just as your scout troop required permissions to be signed by a parent or guardian for your scout's trip, we also have a form that needs to be signed. Please click on the link titled "Liability Release Waiver", print out the document and have a parent or guardian sign this form. Your scout leaders will provide instructions indicating if they will be collecting these forms, or if your scout is to bring it with them.

We look forward to seeing you at this year's event!