The Badge Archive

• Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Ambassador Cybersecurity Safeguards badge requirements.
• Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Ambassador Cybersecurity Safeguards badge requirements.
• Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.

Info Needed for Step 1 of the badge requirements: Everyday online and offline activities can expose your personal data to risks. Identity thieves or cyberstalkers may exploit information like your location, habits, or personal details. Protect your data by turning off location services, using strong passwords, updating apps and antivirus software, disabling webcams after use, and shredding sensitive documents. Convenience often comes at the cost of security. Take proactive steps to safeguard your personal information.

Info Needed for Step 3 of badge requirements: Your digital footprint reflects your online activity and can impact future college and career opportunities. Colleges and employers often review online history before making decisions. Social media challenges—whether positive like the Ice Bucket Challenge or negative with risky dares—add to your digital presence. Consider how your profile may evolve over time, and control your footprint by keeping accounts private, being mindful about posts, and thinking carefully before sharing anything online.

Items Needed

• Colored chalk or masking tape (to create a pathway).
• 6-10 sticky notes for each scout
• Markers or pens
• 6 Pre-made scenario cards (see list below)

Before the Meeting

• Create a simple winding pathway using chalk or tape on the floor or sidewalk.
• Divide it into three sections representing milestones: Current Profile, Near Future (5 Years), and Long-Term Future (10 Years).
• Scatter a few pre-made scenario cards (both positive and negative) along the pathway. Note – Each scenario card will take 1-2 minutes to get past. Only pick three positive and three negative from the list.

Instructions

1. Give each scout a set of sticky notes. Ask them to write down 2-3 daily activities they do online or offline (e.g., posting on social media, using public Wi-Fi, saving passwords).
2. Scouts stick their notes onto the Current Profile section of the pathway.
3. Next ask each scout to write three sticky notes with a trait/accomplishment they’d like their future footprint.
4. Scouts walk the pathway, encountering scenarios as they move toward their Long-Term Future.
   • Positive Scenario: Scouts place a sticky note with a trait/accomplishment they’d like their future footprint to reflect to move on.
   • Negative Scenario: Scouts must brainstorm a corrective action before moving forward.
5. At the end of the pathway, gather scouts to discuss:
   • What did they learn about how daily activities impact their digital footprint?
   • How can proactive cyber hygiene habits protect their future opportunities?
   • How can they limit risks caused by negative scenarios?

Prompt Suggestions

Positive Scenarios

1. You post thoughtful comments supporting someone’s achievements on social media.
2. You create a blog sharing advice for overcoming challenges in school or hobbies.
3. You share a video you made about volunteering for a community event.
4. You repost an article raising awareness about mental health issues.
5. You engage in a social media challenge that spreads positivity (e.g., sharing acts of kindness).
6. You post educational content or study tips for other students.
7. You share photos from a charity event you attended.
8. You advocate for a cause by joining a social media campaign that promotes social or environmental change.
9. You update your social media to reflect your academic or professional accomplishments.

Negative Scenarios

1. You post a photo with personal information visible in the background (e.g., home address or school name).
2. You share a post mocking or criticizing someone, which leads to negative comments.
3. You like or follow accounts that promote inappropriate or harmful content.
4. You overshare details about your location or daily routine in posts.
5. You participate in a risky or dangerous social media challenge (e.g., posting yourself doing a dare).
6. You use a public Wi-Fi network to share sensitive information.
7. You respond to a heated online argument with negative or harmful language.
8. You forget to update privacy settings, leaving your profile open to strangers.
9. You post photos or videos without the permission of those in the image.

Suggestions for Teens to Write

Here’s a list of traits and accomplishments a teenager scout might write to reflect their ideal future digital footprint:

• Shares educational content to inspire and help others.
• Advocates for social or environmental causes.
• Has a professional profile showcasing achievements and skills.
• Posts positive, uplifting messages that promote kindness and inclusion.
• Known for creating engaging and thoughtful videos or blogs.
• Maintains clean and organized social media accounts.
• Actively participates in online communities that support hobbies or interests.
• Highlights involvement in volunteer work or community service projects.
• Builds a reputation as a trustworthy and responsible digital citizen.
• Networks with like-minded individuals or professionals in their field of interest.
• Recognized for creativity, such as digital art, writing, or music.
• Promotes healthy habits, such as mental health awareness.
• Creates a portfolio showing academic or career-related accomplishments.