Adventure Collective
Merit Badge Program at Southern California Railway Museum - Riverside

Merit Badge Program at Southern California Railway Museum

Perriseasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be able to walk short distances and stand for extended periods comfortably.

Overview

Join the Southern California Railway Museum's Merit Badge Program for an interactive and educational outdoor adventure in Perris. Learn essential skills, operate locomotives, and explore important topics with certified counselors guiding each session.

Perris, California

Merit Badge Program

3-4hrs/Program

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About This Adventure

Join the Southern California Railway Museum's expanded Merit Badge Program for an unforgettable experience! Engage in hands-on activities like operating a locomotive, capturing stunning photographs, mastering first aid skills, exploring citizenship, and learning fire safety. Each session is led by certified counselors, ensuring a fun and educational adventure for all scouts.

Merit Badge Program

About

Southern California Railway Museum is excited to announce the expansion of our Merit Badge Program!

SCRM offers a variety of Merit Badge opportunities, including Railroading, Photography, First Aid, Citizenship of the Nation, and Fire Safety.

Each program is led by a certified merit badge councilor and fulfills the requirement of the badge. Lunch or a snack, depending on time, is provided for each program.

Railroading

Program includes an introduction to railroad history, a tour of our collection, a the chance to get behind the throttle of a locomotive or streetcar, and Lunch (2 pizza slices and water). Requirements: Participants will complete the Merit Badge Railroading Workbook by clicking this link. 1-6 should be completed prior to start of course, and 7b Railfanning 1 and 2 will be completed onsite. Photography is required, so please have a camera or a phone with photo capabilities. Resources to aid in workbook completion: Railroading Merit Badge Pamplet and Operation Lifesaver

Photography

Come learn photography at the historic Southern California Railway Museum. Our Instructor is a nationally published photographer of all things railroad related. Scouts will get a chance to use their cameras or smartphones, taking magazine grade photographs of our collection. We will take a break at a Hobo Camp where we can compare photos and eat s'mores. Requirements: Complete Merit Badge Workbook, bring either a camera or Smartphone and some type of stick for roasting your marshmallows. View Photography Work Book.pdf

First Aid

A Scout is Always Prepared! Scouts, Come learn and earn your Eagle Required First Aid Merit Badge with the help of the Southern California Railway Museum's very own Fire Department. Scouts will learn all about first aid and have a chance to put their newly learned skills to use in a disaster training scenario. This will be an excellent opportunity to learn First Aid and be able to live up to our motto of "BE PREPARED!", and how to better prepare for medical emergencies at home or at campouts. Requirements: Learn about CPR using the link CPR Training and complete The following section in the First-Aid Merit Badge Workbook #1-6, 12 and 13. View First-Aid Workbook.pdf

Citizenship of the Nation

Let Freedom Ring! Come earn your Eagle required "Citizenship of the Nation" merit badge at the Southern California Railway Museum. Your instructors come from all levels of government service and can explain why freedom and our Nation is truly special. Required: Complete Merit Badge Workbook. For Requirement #6 Use Ronald Reagan's "We Must Fight" Speech. You can watch it here. We Must Fight View Citizenship-in-the-Nation Workbook.pdf

Fire Safety

Southern California is Wildfire Central! Scouts, Come learn about Fire Safety from the Southern California Railway Museum's Fire Department. Scouts will learn all about fire safety and have a chance to put out real fires using our Fire Training simulator. This will be an excellent opportunity to learn about safety around fire, and how to better prepare for a wildfire near your home. Requirements: Scouts must be wearing Shoes that cover the toes and long pants. Complete #1-6 of the Fire Safety Merit Badge Workbook, The rest will be covered at the museum. View Fire-Safety Workbook.pdf

Adventure Tips

Wear Comfortable Closed-Toe Shoes

You'll be moving around trains and workshop areas, so sturdy and supportive footwear is essential.

Bring a Water Bottle

Stay hydrated while participating in activities, especially during warmer months.

Arrive Early to Explore

Give yourself extra time to tour the museum and its vintage locomotives before or after the program.

Prepare for Sun Exposure

Apply sunscreen and wear a hat as much of the program takes place outdoors.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • California ground squirrels
  • Various native bird species like roadrunners

History

The Southern California Railway Museum houses one of the largest collections of historic trains on the West Coast, preserving rail heritage since the 1960s.

Conservation

The museum promotes sustainability by educating visitors about the environmental impact of transportation and advocating historic rail preservation.

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Adventure Hotspots in Riverside

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable Closed-Toe Shoes

Essential

Provides protection and comfort while moving around trains and museum grounds.

Water Bottle

Essential

Keeps you hydrated, especially during warm sunny days.

summer specific

Sunscreen

Essential

Protects your skin from sun exposure during outdoor activities.

summer specific

Light Jacket or Layered Clothing

Keeps you comfortable during cool mornings and evenings.

fall specific