In order to respond to the enthusiasm of the these potential budding archeologists, we reserved an hour each afternoon between 4 and 5 to go over other requirements. If Scouts wanted to address requirements requiring research, books were checked out to them overnight. The response from Scouts and Scouters to the Archaeology Merit Badge Booth at the 1997 Jamboree indicates that similar programs should be presented at future jamborees. First of all, I would increase the amount of space in which to provide introductory materials and present requirement sessions. We frequently had as many as 12 Scouts at each of the two concurrent requirement sessions.
More room is needed for instruction space and comfort of the participants.
Some degree of separation between sessions is desirable as well. While we welcomed the close proximity in 1997 it tended to emphasize the interest the badge was generating - some additional breathing room would be appreciated in 2001. Second, support staff size needs to be increased. While we tried to have three people at the booth at all times - one to distribute information and two to present requirement sessions, four would have allowed for breaks and replenishment of supplies. Given the length of the event, staff needs to be given time off, if to do nothing other than see what else is at the Jamboree.