The Badge Archive

Ad Callout Poster

Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Outside the Mirror badge requirements.

Info Needed: Media often sends hidden messages, especially in ads and entertainment. They suggest people must look a certain way to be happy, loved, or successful. These messages can be harmful or helpful depending on how they’re used.

Items Needed:

  • Posterboard (one per scout).
  • Printed ads featuring people (from catalogs, magazines, etc.).
  • Scissors and glue.
  • Art supplies for decoration.
  • Media Callout Checklist.
  • (Optional) Device for online reading or ad examples.

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 25–30 min):

  1. Scouts select and cut out a printed ad. (Estimated Time: 5 min)
    • Each scout finds an ad with a person promoting something: clothing, cosmetics, food, etc.
    • Cut the ad out neatly to prepare for analysis.
  2. Mount the ad on posterboard. (Estimated Time: 2–3 min)
    • Glue the ad to the center of the posterboard.
    • Leave space around the edges for notes and decoration.
  3. Use the Media Callout Checklist to identify beauty messages. (Estimated Time: 10 min)
    • Scouts scan the checklist and circle at least five things that apply to their ad.
    • Add callouts or sticky notes pointing to each identified feature (e.g., perfect skin, trendy outfit, glowing lighting).
    • Decorate their poster with captions, arrows, or designs to highlight key areas.
  4. Write a summary sentence. (Estimated Time: 3 min)
    • Scouts describe the ad’s overall message about beauty or appearance.
    • Example: “This ad says you need flawless hair and makeup to be confident.”
  5. (Optional) Share and discuss. (Estimated Time: 3–5 min)
    • Scouts may show their posters and talk about what they noticed.
    • Leaders guide a short discussion on how media messages can be helpful, harmful, or unrealistic.

Media Callout Checklist

Pick at least five things you notice in the ad.

Face and Skin

  • Perfect skin (no blemishes, scars, or wrinkles)
  • Pale or very tan skin tone
  • Shiny or glowing skin
  • Smooth or filtered face
  • Heavy makeup or contouring
  • Big eyes or long lashes
  • Bright or white teeth

Hair

  • Flawless hair (no frizz or flyaways)
  • Extra-long, thick, or shiny hair
  • Styled perfectly (curls, braids, blowout)
  • Unnatural hair color used for effect

Body Shape and Size

  • Thin or muscular body
  • Long legs or narrow waist
  • “Ideal” curves
  • No body hair, stretch marks, or realistic features

Pose and Camera Angle

  • Glamorous or powerful pose
  • Tilted angle to slim or elongate the body
  • Edited body proportions

Clothes and Style

  • Expensive or trendy outfits
  • Clothes designed to show body shape
  • Matching brand look or colors

Background and Lighting

  • Bright or glowing lighting
  • Filters that change color or tone
  • Fancy locations or dream-like settings

Message and Feeling

  • Looks = happiness
  • Looks = popularity or confidence
  • Looks = love or success
  • Message tries to sell a “look” with the product
Tia Kennard