FACT: Of all Merit Badges attempted at summer camp, over 15% will be returned as partials. If Handicrafts (Leatherwork, Basketry, etc.) are removed from the equation, the relative percentage of partials doubles.

FACT: For some Merit Badges, over 50% will be returned as partials.

FACT: Most partials are "fatal." Based on a survey of local Troops, less than 30% of all partials are ever completed. In some Troops, less than 10% are completed.

QUESTION: Are we failing to properly prepare our Scouts?

QUESTION: What can we do to decrease the number of partials?

 The following list was derived from National Capital Area Council (NCAC) records by Jake Jakequith (a scouter responsible for correlating all Goshen Summer camp Merit Badge records). The badges are classified in order of number of partials; i.e., #1 (Mammals) had the most partials of all badges offered at summer camp in 1991. In addition, the overall popularity of the badge is listed; i.e., Mammals was the second most popular badge. Finally, a listing of the most commonly missed requirements (and the essential reasons why) are included under each badge.

2) Swimming - Overall Popularity:  #3    Rate of Partials: 16.6%
Most commonly missed requirements: #5 (Flotation Test)
Essential Problem(s): Failure to bring proper clothing (close-weave long-sleeve shirts and thick bluejeans) to camp for the flotation test.

4) Rifle Shooting - Overall Popularity:  #9    Rate of Partials: 39%
Most commonly missed requirements: #2 l (Shooting for Score)
Essential problem(s): Failure to leave scheduled practice time(s) free.

5) Pioneering - Overall Popularity:  #11    Rate of Partials: 27.4%
Most commonly missed requirements: #3, #4 (Knots and Splices)
Essential problem(s): Poor (or nonexistent) starting background. Lack of qualified teachers among Troop adults at Camp. Failure to practice.

6) Camping - Overall Popularity:  #12    Rate of Partials: 22.3%
Most commonly missed requirements: #8 (20 days Camping, etc.), #6 (Prepare for overnight)
Essential problem(s): No certification of number of days camping by Scoutmaster (not present at Camp). Failure to bring backpacking/camping gear to Camp. Failure to acquire shopping lists/prices prior to Camp.

7) Lifesaving - Overall Popularity:  #12    Rate of Partials: 35%
Most commonly missed requirements: #10 (by far), #11, #14 (Rescues, CPR)
Essential problem(s): Scouts not large enough to handle hand-to-hand combat in the water. Failure to complete and/or show proof of CPR instruction.

8) Orienteering - Overall Popularity:  #13    Rate of Partials: 39.7%
Most commonly missed requirements: #7, #8, #9 (Orienteering Courses, etc.)
Essential problem(s): Requires extensive participation in orienteering courses (take part in, set up, officiate, etc.); difficult to do at camp. Requires written reports.

9) Cooking - Overall Popularity:  #14    Rate of Partials: 15.5%
Most commonly missed requirements: #1 (Plan Menu), #2 (Food List)
Essential problem(s): Requires written reports. Failure to acquire shopping lists/prices/weights prior to summer camp.

10) Fishing - Overall Popularity:  #15    Rate of Partials: 74%
Most commonly missed requirements: #7 (Catch 2 Fish), #6 (Explain Fishing Regulations)
Essential problem(s): Failure to bring proper gear to camp. Failure to fish during optimal hours (dawn). Failure to make mandatory meeting (open session Merit Badge).

11) Archery - Overall Popularity:  #17    Rate of Partials: 56.6%
Most commonly missed requirements: #4 (Shooting for Score)
Essential problem(s): Scouts not strong enough to draw bows. Failure to leave scheduled practice time(s) free.

12) Reptile Study - Overall Popularity:  #18    Rate of Partials: 66%
Most commonly missed requirements: #'s 8, 9, 7, 10 and 2 (Observe and Report)
Essential problem(s): Requires extensive observations, including at night. Requires extensive written reports and sketches.

13) Athletics - Overall Popularity:  #19    Rate of Partials: 25.8%
Most commonly missed requirements: #'s 3, 4 and 1 (Plan and Report, Officiate)
Essential problem(s): Requires written reports. Failure to provide proof of officiating.

14) Personal Fitness - Overall Popularity:  #21    Rate of Partials: 49.2%
Most commonly missed requirements: #7, #6 (Exercise Program, Fitness Test for Score)
Essential Problem(s): Failure to provide written documentation of fitness program and test scores.

In approximate order of importance:

1. Failure to Complete Observation Hours
   
2. Failure to Complete Written Reports
   
3. Failure to Bring Required/Necessary Paperwork/Certifications to Camp
4. Failure to Bring Necessary Equipment to Camp
5. Misjudging Difficulty of Certain Badges
6. Over- or mis-scheduling

What's it boil down to??? - Lack of Prior Preparation.

So what's the solution??? - Information and Planning.

1) Set Realistic Goals

Maximum limit of Merit Badges allowed (Five???). Specific recommendations for (especially) first and second year campers.

An information brochure concerning Merit Badges to parents and scouts well ahead of time (Troop 111 Version Attached) relative difficulty of badges. Scheduling (including "Open Session" Merit Badges and unscheduled field sports "Practice Times"). Lists of all required/recommended forms, certifications and equipment. Specific recommendations for preliminary work to be completed before camp.

Each Scout should bring a "loose-leaf" Notebook. Bring 3 - 4 times as many pens (with non-water soluble ink) and pencils as you think you'll need. A pencil sharpener. Extra lanterns (one for every 5 - 8 Scouts) - most writing gets done at night. Have a "set" time for writing reports. Adult encouragement and counseling (not "assistance"). Late-in-the-week daily monitoring of progress.

• Personal Fitness testing.
• Observation hours at local parks.
• Fishing trips.
• Orienteering courses.
• CPR instruction.
• Visits to the grocery and camping stores (for prices/weights of common camping foods).
• Visits to nature centers.
• Sub-groups reviews of Merit Badge requirements and practices of unfamiliar skills (e.g., splicing). Etc., etc., etc....

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16 February 1998