DARE to think outside the box. This month’s editorial will have less words and more pictures.

Grace Christian School in Medford, Oregon brought 75 kids in three groups of 25 to visit Railroad Park this May 1st. Southern Oregon Live Steamers had out a train, choosing a diesel over actual steam due to the time constraints during the week. Rogue Valley Model Railroad Club had their facility open and ran several lovely HO trains. The National Railway Historical Society’s Southern Oregon Chapter opened up cars and created activities related to trains. These three groups are part of five which share Railroad Park, a mecca for anyone who digs trains. There is also the Medford Telegrapher’s Club and Southern Oregon Large Scale Trains whose garden railway is quickly approaching completion.

Look at the pictures, please.

These kids are all having fun.

Summer is approaching, kids will be out of school, and they all love trains. There are trains to ride — large and small, videos to watch, models to make, layouts to enjoy, coloring books, reading material, and safe places to watch the real things. Go ahead; take the children in your life to some train-related activity near you. Help organize a train activity for children in your community. Kids and trains are a natural combination for kids of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It’s okay if you tag along and have a good time, too.

John Sipple
Editor