The Badge Archive

Before and After Photo Challenge

Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Outside the Mirror badge requirements.

Info Needed: Media images often use lighting, makeup, angles, and editing to change how someone looks, sometimes dramatically.

Items Needed:

  • Smartphones or tablets with photo editing tools.
  • Specific photo spots with similar lighting and background.
  • (Optional) Props, accessories, or clothing to help scouts express a theme.
  • (Optional) Clipboards for scoring or voting.

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 20-40 min):

  1. Divide scouts into small groups and assign photo stations. (Estimated Time: 3 min)
    • Pick several specific photo spots with similar lighting and background. It does not have to be anything set up, just designated locations.
    • Each group is assigned a designated space to take both their original and edited photos.
  2. Take a “before” photo without revealing the challenge. (Estimated Time: 3-10 min)
    • Scouts take a straightforward photo of themselves or a buddy.
    • No posing, filters, or styling, just a neutral photo in the assigned space.
  3. Reveal the challenge and vote on the theme. (Estimated Time: 2 min)
    • Sample themes: “Best Black & White,” “Hollywood Glam,” “Rock Star,” or “Coolest Filter Combo.”
    • Scouts vote quickly to choose one shared theme for the whole group.
  4. Allow scouts to take a second photo for editing, if desired. (Estimated Time: 2-5 min)
    • Scouts may change pose or expression, but must stay in the same photo spot and angle.
  5. Edit the second photo using built-in tools. (Estimated Time: 7-15 min)
    • Brightness/Contrast: Adjust lighting.
    • Filters or Auto-Enhance: Apply preset tones or color effects.
    • Skin smoothing/detail tools: Sharpen or blur features.
    • (Optional) Crop or blur background for emphasis.
  6. Compare and vote on the finished edits. (Estimated Time: 2-5 min)
    • Scouts share their “before” and “after” images.
    • Quick vote: Which photo matches the theme best?
  7. Reflect and discuss. (Estimated Time: 1-3 min)
    • Talk about how small edits or styling choices changed how someone looks.
    • Connect this to how media often alters images in similar ways.
Tia Kennard