The Badge Archive

One of the 8 options for Step 1 of GSUSA Cadette MEdia Journey Set requirements.

Items needed

• Old magazines or newspapers
• Scissors
• Glue or tape
• Pens, pencils, or markers
• Paper or a base for creating new artwork

Instructions

1. Scouts go through old magazines or newspapers and clip out anything meant to sell a product, service, or idea (e.g., ads, slogans, or persuasive messages).
2. Once they have their clippings, scouts sort them into two categories: “trash” (ads or messages they want to block) and “treasure” (elements they find interesting or useful).
3. For the “trash” pile, scouts cut, shred, or rearrange the pieces and use them to create something new:
   • A piece of art with a powerful statement.
   • A creative object like a collage, poster, or model.
4. Scouts reflect on their creations by discussing:
   • How many ads they “blocked” through this activity.
   • What they turned the clippings into and why.
   • How the process changed their perspective on ads and media messages.

References:

• Russell, Wendy Thomas, and Sarah Goodman. MEdia. New York, NY, Girl Scouts of the USA, 2010.