Those who’ve been to Milwaukee’s Trainfest, which is run by the local NMRA Division, have seen how extensive the youth activities are and how much floor space is allocated and dedicated to youth activity. A make and take where Walthers would provide cases of free kits (and cements and tools) that kids could build and take home, and some of those boys and girls did great jobs on their kits. Coloring books, Brio trains and Legos for the very young. Youth layouts built by kids and a Junior Engineer program where young people could gain levels of certification by actually operating trains on those display layouts that agreed to participate, culminating in being invited to real operating sessions at Division member’s home layouts who agreed to participate.
Well that’s all over.
Within the last few weeks the NMRA has issued its new policy on at risk persons (youths under 18 and those with a legal guardian). And it is a flat prohibition applying to National, Regions, and Divisions.
The policy, with explanation and Q&As can be found here:
I was somewhat concerned about this when I first saw the headlines on it. However, our division’s (Illinois Terminal Division) only youth activity is (or was planned before the train show got cancelled by the virus) a make-and-take that requires the parent to be present. We made the decision to do that prior to the National’s recent decision, mostly because it just seemed like a good idea.
It’s my understanding that so long as a parent or legal guardian accompanies the child in question, then you’re good on this within the new policy. I’m sure we’ll receive more guidance on this if needed, but I suspect we’re OK where it stands now.
Yes, it’s a sad situation, but we can also look at it as a way to also sell the NMRA to an adult, as well as a child, when operating a youth-focused program within the guidelines. That’s probably as it should be, because I don’t think that babysitting or childcare is within the core compentence of the NMRA.
Hmmmm, I’m more optimistic than that. While I support those in our division who have put effort into youth programs, I’ve never been one who thinks the NMRA depends on these to ensure the future of the hobby. Most kids simply don’t have the resources to plunge into a hobby that requires a little bit of disposable income, an expanding amount of space to build in, and specific enough interests to get beyond the toy train stage.
Most who get serious about the hobby are middle-aged people with some access to a disposable income.
Train shows, Thomas, and tourist railroads, among other things, all provide entry points to the hobby. Locally, the aid to the Boy Scouts for the merit badge, etc is provided by an independent group of modlers, so this new NMRA policy won’t change anything for that.
I got started with my Uncle’s hand-me-down Lionel, but by age 14 I didn’t need an adult’s help for much of anything once I plunged into reading and building. I’m sure I’m not the ionly kid who’s done that upon discovering model railroading.