High schooler finds his track with Norfolk Southern funded program

A Thriving Communities grant from Norfolk Southern helped the Virginia Museum of Transportation host its annual Rail Camp, where young rail enthusiasts explore the world of railroading. For one camper, the experience helped turn curiosity into a career aspiration.

The impact: James, a high school student from Orange County, Virginia, arrived at Rail Camp with a lifelong fascination for trains and a dream of joining the rail industry. What he found was a hands-on, transformative experience that deepened his connection to the rail community.

During a session with the Norfolk and Western Historical Society, James learned about the N&W Class J #611 steam locomotive, a historic passenger engine built in the 1950s by the NS predecessor railroad. Known for its precision engineering and sleek design, the 611 showed James the innovation and craftsmanship that define railroading’s past and future.

After camp, James reunited with his camp leader at a 611-excursion event, where he was invited into the locomotive cab and met the crew, a moment that brought his passion full circle.

Why it matters:

• Inspiring the next generation: Rail Camp connects students’ passion for trains with real-world insight into the rail industry.
• Investing in opportunity: Through Norfolk Southern’s Thriving Communities program, local partners can offer experiences that build skills and spark interest in the trades.
• Community connection: By supporting programs like this, NS helps ensure that the story of the railroad, and the talent behind it, continues to thrive.

What they’re saying

“Learning about the 611 and meeting the crew made my son feel like part of something bigger,” James’s mother shared. “He came home more motivated than ever to pursue a career in railroading.”

Learn more: Virginia Museum of Transportation

Learn more: Thriving Communities Grant program