Yes, you can do this via the web. Resist the urge to take the easy way out! The drive to Chehalis is easy (I-5 to exit 77), and the trip well worth it! A trip to the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum covers both the requirements in 8, plus you’ll have an opportunity to conduct interviews (3d) with your choice of railroad employees. Who better to learn from than someone whose life’s passion is the railroad?

The museum is small, but well laid out. Make sure and take enough time looking around to find out its historical significance, and talk with the ladies behind the counter (one used to lay track for the Snoqualmie railroad).

Train trips run at 1, 3, and 5 on Saturdays. The 5:00 one is longer and runs along the river. It’s a few dollars more expensive and a half hour longer (1:15 vs 1:45). Rides are out-and-back, with the engine switching sides halfway through. This is beautiful country, and a gorgeous, relaxing trip. Indoor, outdoor-covered, and outdoor-open seats are available.

If you have the time, there is an excellent Veteran’s Memorial Museum next door. There is a nominal fee which is well worth it ($3 for the boys at time of writing). You could make a [long] day out of the two museums, and cover many of your American Heritage requirements at the same time. Again, the greatest benefit here is getting to talk to the veterans.

If you’re interested in stacking badges, this could also be a great trip for Photography. The Scouts will already be taking photos of the train and museum for their requirements. If they learn about photo techniques beforehand, not only will they get better pictures, but they’ll fulfill the photojournalist essay requirement. If they learn proper story writing beforehand, they can include the pictures and a story, submit it to their council or other news agency, and fulfill the main Journalism requirement. And so on, and so forth

The tour begins promptly at 9:45 am. Scouts are responsible for their own transportation to the studio, but many of us will be taking the Bremerton 7:20 am ferry over to Seattle, then boarding a public bus to the studio. We will be using the educational discount on the ferry ($2 for the whole group). Scouts who board the ferry with the group will be included in this option. Please let us know if you will be doing this.

After the tour, we will stop for lunch (probably fast food; tbd) and go over the requirements each Scout has satisfied. Scouts who complete Requirements 2b1, 3 and 4 beforehand should be able to finish the merit badge on this date. Otherwise, the Scout can arrange to meet with the MBC at another time.

Scouts must be at least 12 years old to participate, and will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please email KitsapScouts@gmail.com to get on the list. PLEASE get approval from your SM before signing up, shown by bringing a signed blue card to the event.

FAQs

Why can’t my 11 year old go?
It’s a KING5 rule, and we are going as their guests.

Can my 5 year old come with us?
No. See above. 12 years old is the minimum age. Due to the low limit, this function is only available to Boy Scouts and their adult chaperons.

Why is this on a school day? That’s not fair.
Tours are offered M-Th. No Scout is able to attend every event. Decide for yourself whether you can afford to miss a day of school.

How much does this cost?
KING5 is making this available at no charge. Scouts who join the group on the ferry can ride for free, if they’re in uniform (note: all Scouts attending this event should be in uniform!). We will be taking the bus to the edge of the free zone, and walking from there. The only cost is what your Scout spends for lunch or souvenirs.

Who is the Merit Badge Counselor?
Julie Gentry, registered with Seattle Council. If your parent or SM would like a list of her qualifications, they can email her.

I’m signed up, but have to cancel.
That’s okay, as long as you cancel BEFORE the event. Scouts who fail to show on the day of the event are taking a spot someone else could be using. If this happens, you will need to be on the waiting list (rather than the confirmed list) for future events.

List of Scouts and adults registered to go

1. David G (1532)
2. Elisha G (1532)
- Mrs. G
3. Oliver B (1501)
4. Daniel B (1501)
- Mrs. B
5. Isaac K (220)
6. Conrad H (220)
7. Jordon M (220)
8. Gabriel M (220)
- Mr. K
- Ms. K
- Mrs. K
- Mrs. M
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Waiting list
*

Tour the news station as they prepare for either the morning or the evening news. Tour size limited to 15 Scouts + 5 chaperons. 90 minute customizable tours at 9:45 am or 3:00 pm, M-Th. Email Tour Coordinator (Miss) BJ Payne at bjsix@comcast.net with your preferred date(s), contact information, and tentative group size.