2011 – Outside the Mirror – Basic Plan

Basic Meeting Plans are designed to have minimal supplies and still hit the GSUSA Requirements. Most meetings can be done in a 90 minute time frame.

This Badge Requires Two 90 minute meetings

Meeting One Outline

Items Needed:

Printed bio pages or QR links to digital versions (See Beauty Icon Bio page for a list)
Worksheets with fill-in sections (Name, Era, Style, Why They Were Admired, Remix Idea).
(Optional) Dress-up props, photo booth backdrop, or art supplies.
Copies of the Beauty Icon Bio format for reference (From previous activity about Beauty Icons, or print your own from the Beauty Icon Bio page).
“My Beauty Icon Bio” worksheet or blank paper.
Pens or pencils.
(Optional) Art supplies for drawings or flair.
(Optional) Printed examples of historical bios for style reference.
Smartphones or tablets with photo editing tools.
(Optional) Props, accessories, or clothing to help scouts express a theme.
(Optional) Clipboards for scoring or voting.

Full instructions for each activity are found on the connected links. This outline shows the recommended order of activities for a nice flow from one activity to the next.

Meeting Start

Always plan for 5-10 minutes to allow scouts to arrive and your troop’s opening routines.

Time Expected*:
10 minutes

Activity 1 – Examine how beauty standards are shaped by culture and time with research on historical art OR historical beauty icons.

(Requirement 1 Earned)

Time Expected*:
25 minutes

Beauty Icon Remix – Scouts choose a historical beauty icon, explore why they were admired, and creatively remix their image or message to reflect modern values and self-expression.

Activity 2 – Understand that being authentic means showing your real self and celebrating what makes you unique with an activity (Authentic Style Vision Board OR Body-Positive Business Challenge).

(Requirement 2 Earned)

Time Expected*:
20 minutes

My Beauty Icon Bio – Scouts imagine themselves as future beauty icons by creating personal bios that celebrate their authentic appearance, style, values, and impact.

Activity 3 – Learn how media images use lighting, makeup, angles, and editing to change how someone looks, sometimes dramatically (image manipulation OR makeovers).

(Requirement 4 Earned)

Time Expected*:
30 minutes

Before and After Photo Challenge – Scouts take two photos: one natural and one styled or edited. They explore how lighting, filters, and posing affect appearance, then reflect on how media often uses the same tricks to shape beauty messages.

If you have extra time: Scouts can try different edits or photos in the Before and After Photo Challenge until it’s time to go home.

Meeting End

Always plan for 5-10 minutes for clean up and Closing Routines

Time Expected*:
5 minutes

**Total Time Expected*:** 90 minutes

–

Meeting Two Outline

Items Needed:

Printed beauty standard cards for each country.
Global Beauty Scavenger Hunt worksheet (one for each small group).
- You can find information for cards in Cultural Beauty Standards Around the World.
Pens or pencils.
(Optional) Clipboards or writing surfaces for scout comfort.
Global Beauty Standard cards (2–3 per small group).
Media Callout Checklist (1 per group or projected – see list in activity).
Open space to serve as a “runway.”
(Optional) Small props or accessories from around the meeting area.
(Optional) Phone or camera for photos.
(Optional) Slips of paper or sticker dots for Runway Recognition Labels

Full instructions for each activity are found on the connected links. This outline shows the recommended order of activities for a nice flow from one activity to the next.

Meeting Start

Always plan for 5-10 minutes to allow scouts to arrive and your troop’s opening routines.

Time Expected*:
10 minutes

Activity 4 – Explore how beauty standards vary across cultures and time (cultural differences OR women’s sports) and recognize that real beauty comes from authenticity, strength, and confidence, not just appearances or trends.

(Requirement 3 Earned)

Time Expected*:
30 minutes

Global Beauty Scavenger Hunt – Scouts work in teams to match global beauty standards to different countries using cultural cards, then share discoveries that highlight how ideas of beauty vary around the world.

Activity 5 – Spot hidden beauty messages in ads and media, then create something that encourages people to feel confident, accepted, and proud of who they are (positive campaign, or ad callout poster).

(Requirement 5 Earned)

Time Expected*:
40 minutes

Beauty Message Runway – Scouts analyze global beauty standards using cultural cards, create body-positive slogans to challenge unrealistic ideals, and celebrate their message by walking the runway in a team-based confidence showcase.

If you have extra time: Scouts can look through their photos from the Beauty Runway until it’s time to go home.

Meeting End

Always plan for 5-10 minutes for clean up and Closing Routines

Time Expected*:
10 minutes

**Total Time Expected*:** 90 minutes

–

For pre-planned meeting plans by others – see the Outside the Mirror page.
To choose your own activities – see the Outside the Mirror Activity List.

–

General Notes

The Basic Plans from The Badge Archive are designed to earn one official GSUSA badge per level per meeting to remain budget-friendly.
Some badges require two meetings to complete. This allows scouts to fully enjoy the activities while keeping costs low by only needing one GSUSA badge for every two meetings.
For troops that wish to give scouts a badge or patch for every meeting, a fun patch can be awarded during one of the two sessions. Scouts attending only one meeting can earn the fun patch, while those attending both will receive both the fun patch and the GSUSA badge.

*Time Expected*

The time estimates provided by The Badge Archive are based on the writer’s personal experience and are meant as a guideline.
Troops may take more or less time depending on their scouts’ abilities and interests. Plan your meetings accordingly to suit your troop’s unique needs.

–

For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Scouts

Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

This is a supportive community for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scout leaders. This group offers solutions to keep older scouts engaged in scouting amidst their busy lives. Share strategies, tackle challenges, and exchange ideas for fun, meaningful activities that resonate with teens and build lasting connections.

Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!

–

Return to the Cadette Badge List.

–

Tia Kennard