Open Sessions or Fixed Sessions

[WeeWillie]

When I was a Scout (64-71) at Summer Camp we had open merit badge sessions. Now, fixed sessions appear to dominate.

Which do you prefer and why?

[momma_bee]

Oh, FIXED without a doubt.

Open last year - Two Scouts didn't go to their first day of a specific badge. Went the second day and decided they would only earn partial, so they weren't going. The explanation - small group first day, so they had a lot done already. We talked and found a badge they could start that afternoon and felt they could finish by the end of the week. We went to the area and sat for 45 minutes waiting for a counselor, someone took pity on us and started it, but they were not prepared.

The boys were told that with an open sessions, they could go to that area during any free time and start/work on the badges. They did, but the first day they could only work 15 minutes before they had to leave to get to another MB area that was opening. (Rifle Range)

Fixed this year - Still up to the boys to go or not go. But, you knew where every one of your boys was 'supposed' to be at any time. Set starting times meant the MB started because the counselor assumed if you wanted to be there, you would be (compared to 'let's wait to see if so-n-so gets here) Class sizes were contained.

And, they had open session times for boys who were behind or decided to add a badge.

[jr56]

I have only had experience with fixed merit badge sessions. Sounds like there are pros and cons to both methods.

[Mad Dog]

Where we go o camp most of the badges are "fixed" The excption to this is handicrafts you can drop in and do leatherworks or basketry.

[summertop]

The two times I took my scouts to a BSA camp, most of the classes were open. There were published times when the classes would start. But the boys did NOT have to pre-register for the classes.

There were some classes that they did have to pre-register because they could only take a finite number of scouts...Aviation, Scuba, etc.

However, before we even left home, I (as scoutmaster) had a schedule for each boy. That way I knew where each boy was supposed to be. I would follow up with the boys. Sometimes I had to prod them a little. But, the only partials were Rifle and Archery. Simply because they didn't have enough time on the ranges.

[momma_bee]

Humm,

So, the definitions of 'fixed' and 'open' vary.

Our open session was "Cooking, Wilderness Survival, Orienteering, Camping and Hiking are offered at Scout Craft. Cooking will only be offered in the AM. Scout Craft is open from 9-11:45 and 1:30-4."

Our fixed was "Here is your schedule, the rest is up to you. Open session is for this 1-1/2, talk to Staff if you have a specific need"

[WeeWillie]

So there are multiple definitions. Here I how I remember it. The various lodges (Scoutcraft, Nature, Arts & Crafts) had a sign up board with 1 hour blocks. SM would sign up Scouts for blocks . For example, Monday & Thursday 8-10 AM 3 Scouts for Envirn Science.

What I likes about it was that we could schedule an overnight backpacking trip on say Tuesday & Wednesday and still earn the badge. Obviously, total badge counts would be lower, but we would get a break from classroom (or stump).

[scoutaholic]

This years camp was a 'fixed' schedule. The leaders guide listed all the classes and the hours they were taught. Before camp, I worked with each scout to figure out his schedule. (Some of which were of course changed when we got to camp, because they were not being taught as advertised.)
The only pre-registration was for avaiation and scuba, because they had limited capacity. All other classes, you just show up at the scheduled time.
This schedule worked fairly well, because then I knew where every boy should be, and I could chase him out of camp with a destination in mind. The problem was that some of the older scouts already had all the badges that were being taught at certain hours, and I didn't have anywhere to chase them to. Also a problem if the scout discovers that he can't do the badge (ie. fails the swim test), because the other badges have already been started, and it's hard to join and complete a class after the first session is already over.
This type of scheduling makes it more likely to complete badges that are started, but enforces a limit on how much a boy can do. You simply can't fit more than 6 or 7 into the schedule.

I have been to camps other years, where there was no schedule at all. Classes were just open from 9-12 and 2-5. Scouts come and go as they please.
This schedule makes it really hard for some badges that require some time, or that have to be started on Monday in order to do the week-long requirement. It works great for handicrafts, and some of the simpler badges that can be done in a short period of time.
For a disciplined scout, (or one who has a domineering leader and/or parent at camp with them), this schedule enables them to get more badges, because they can finish one and hurry to the next area rather than wait for the next session to start. I've heard of scouts getting 19 badges in one week of camp this way.
What ends up happening with most scouts is that bunches of scouts wait in line to do shooting and boating, while there are councilors waiting with nothing to do in the scout skills areas. I tend to see a lot of partial MBs done at these camps.