I was curious if anyone attended this clinic and what they thought. If people react to this post I even have a huge surprise[:D]
Since the total number of attendees at that National Convention was relatively small, and an even smaller number attended any one clinic, there may not be much overlap with the participants on this list. I presented a couple of clinics at the Convention also, but it would’t surprise me if no one on this forum attended them.
I gather this might have been your clinic, so tell us how it went.
My budget was barely into the triple-digits, so I had to confine my attendance to a cautious walkthrough the NTS. Would’ve like to have seen more, so I didn’t see the clinic. However, most clinics at the Convention are available later (in DVD and perhaps other forms now) via the NMRA website.
So I have no insights, other than that the clinic on youth was presented by a young person. That’s a good sign, better than a bunch of old folks grousing about how they don’t understand young people now, but yet are all somehow certain they have a solution that appeals to young folks if only the NMRA would get outta the way…[#dots]
Frankly, I think we make too much of the topic of what old folks think about this. Better to listen to what young folks say they want and help them get it, so I’m interested in what anyone attending has to say about that, as well as what the clinician himself said. Realistically, you can squeeze maybe 100 people into most clinics I’ve been to at conventions, so judging that by who does reply here is maybe not the best assessment of the impact of the clinic itself.
yes it was indeed me and a great time, I had 30 people attend including many NMR a officials and 2 magazine editors (sadly no one from kalmbach though). I am 14 years old at time of clinic and 15 soon. I have received the request to do the clinic again at the Midwest regionsl convention in April which blew my mind. they even offered to pay my transportation fees. for the topic of my clinic it was youth in the hobby I talked about ideas I had and also how to do some cheap modelling as I learend a lot about that.
Good job.
I joined a local club one my son hit 6 and discovered model trains on youtube(not that I had to have my arm twisted or anything).
He has successfully ran a 3 engine 64 car train on the clubs layout solo.
We need more of the young folks of all ages from peoples nieces and nephews to grandchildren as well as their own children.
It will only help to keep the hobby strong and growing.
Trainmaster,
Glad to hear of this. I might even make the MWR convention next time around, so look forward to seeing it if I do. If not, do you know if the NMRA will publish it?
I encourage you to develop this clinic and collect all the info you can on the subject. Honestly speak you mind and ignore those who discourage you or are unwilling to be helpful, as there are plenty who will be willing to aid you, whether by inviting your clinic, publishing something in the hobby press, or perhaps starting a website or forum to encourage and promote youth engagement, people will offer help.
I’ve worked in organizations where we’ve treated youth as equals, rather than as special cases, and it’s worked fine. Yes, there may be some need for accomodations to help young people get involved in the hobby and the NMRA. But the more you let young people both self-organize and participate as equals with adults, the better the results. One example in our organization, which focused on independent media production, was a young woman who started producing radio pieces for local community radio in one of our groups, has since gone to college in the field and is now working as a local NPR station reporter. Kids know what they want to accomplish, so give them the tools and opportunities they need and then get outta their way if you want to really see some great results. I’m certain it’s not any different in our hobby.