I completely agree that the front side should stay slightly open in the "power position". I think the kids at these camps are taught, like most of the catchers I've met in my life, to transfer by bringing their glove to their ear. Obviously this would close of your front shoulder, and it makes sense to the kids to close of their lower half as well.
Most big league catchers, especially Pudge, transfer out in front of their bodies giving them the ability to keep their front side open.