The Badge Archive

Global Beauty Scavenger Hunt

Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Outside the Mirror badge requirements.

Info Needed: Beauty isn’t the same everywhere or every time. Beauty standards are shaped by society, media, and trends, but they don’t define genuine beauty. Different cultures and moments in history have their own standards and being yourself is always beautiful. Learn about beauty standards in other cultures to recognize that beauty is defined in many different ways. Being true to yourself is more powerful than fitting into any single idea of what’s “normal.

Items Needed:

  • Printed beauty standard cards for each country.
  • Global Beauty Scavenger Hunt worksheet (one for each small group).
  • Pens or pencils.
  • (Optional) Clipboards or writing surfaces for scout comfort.

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

  1. Divide scouts into small groups. (Estimated Time: 3 min)
    • Each group will work together to answer part of the scavenger hunt sheet.
    • Distribute the country cards evenly among groups.
  2. Have groups use the cards to find answers for the countries they’re assigned. (Estimated Time: 12 min)
    • Scouts read their cards and look for clues matching the scavenger hunt questions.
    • Groups write the country names next to the correct question numbers.
  3. Regroup for a whole-room share. (Estimated Time: 10 min)
    • Each group shares their answers aloud.
    • Scouts listen and fill in remaining answers based on other groups’ info.
  4. (Optional) Discuss patterns or surprises scouts noticed. (Estimated Time: 5 min)
    • Encourage reflection on global beauty diversity and changing standards.
    • This step can be skipped if time is tight or scouts need a brain break.

Sample Scavenger Hunt

Instructions for Scouts: Use the country cards to find three or more countries that share each trait below.

Find three countries that…

  1. Prefer fair or pale skin as a beauty ideal:
  1. Value slim or toned bodies as part of beauty:
  1. Favor minimal or natural makeup looks:
  1. Connect cleanliness and grooming with social respect:
  1. Are influenced by media or celebrity culture in beauty ideals:
  1. Show growing acceptance of body diversity and inclusivity:
  1. Define beauty through confidence or self-expression:
  1. Emphasize skincare routines over heavy cosmetics:
  1. Consider hair (color, texture, or styling) central to beauty:
  1. Have youth movements challenging traditional beauty norms:

 Leader Answer Key

  1. Fair or Pale Skin: China, Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Thailand, Vietnam
  2. Slim or Toned Bodies: Brazil, France, South Korea, Sweden, Thailand, United States
  3. Minimal or Natural Makeup: France, Japan, Sweden, United States, Vietnam
  4. Cleanliness and Grooming: Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam
  5. Media Influence: Brazil, India, South Korea, United States
  6. Body Diversity & Inclusivity: India, Sweden, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States
  7. Confidence & Self-Expression: France, Sweden, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States
  8. Skincare Focus: Japan, South Korea, Sweden, United States, Vietnam
  9. Hair as Beauty Marker: Brazil, India, South Korea, Sweden, United States

Youth-Led Beauty Shifts: India, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam

Tia Kennard