What is Badger Boys State?

An eight day program that provides the opportunity for young men to learn more about civic processes of our state’s government and the leadership that is required to build a community.

How does Badger Boys State work?

As a selected attendee, students will act as a “citizen” of the fictitious 51 st state of the union, the Badger state. Being assigned to a city and county of the state, citizens will run for and elect their peers to positions within each level of the state government. These officials will act out the roles and responsibilities that they’ve been elected for the entire duration of the program, serving for the betterment of their community over the course of the week. In addition to this hands-on approach towards building a community, students will also learn from each other, develop friendships, network with our volunteer staff, and enjoy a thoroughly unique experience in their education.

Who is eligible to attend Badger Boys State?

There are two requirements that are needed to attend Badger Boys State:

  1. High school students that are entering their senior year
  2. Enrolled in a Wisconsin high school or homeschooled within the state.

We encourage students from all backgrounds to consider attending Badger Boys State.

Badger Boys State does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, handicap, creed, color, political affiliation, ancestry, or membership in the National Guard, state defense force, or any other reserve component of the military forces of the United States or Wisconsin.

How are people selected and sponsored for Badger Boys State?

Participants that have had success in our program have been good students that display qualities of leadership within their community and school. Typically, these students are in the top third of their class and represent the community they are raised in well.

As a 100% donor funded organization, students that are selected to attend are able to go because of local sponsoring organizations, such as the American Legion, other civic or patriotic organizations, or individuals that have attended previously or know the value that this program provides.

Students interested in attending Badger Boys State should consult with their school administration for more information on local sponsorship support.

What kind of activities are there at Badger Boys State?

n addition to the simulation of the state government, Badger Boys State also offers many other activities throughout the week to promote additional learning and interaction

  • Sports: A competition schedule is arranged for softball, volleyball, soccer, basketball, tennis and cross country. Other activities available are swimming, weight lifting and ultimate frisbee.
  • Music: The Boys State band and chorus organize and perform throughout the week. Citizens wishing to participate in band should bring their instruments and music stands.
  • Newspaper: The Badger Bugle Citizen is the official, daily newspaper of BBS. Boys interested in editorial and work as reporters should talk to their city counselors.
  • Color Guard: Responsible for handling the flags during BBS assemblies, this group is made up of citizens with or without prior color guard experience. They are the center of attention at the beginning and end of each evening gathering.
  • Discussion Sessions: Due to the diversity of the staff at BBS, a wide variety of discussion sessions are offered to provide citizens insight and the opportunity to ask questions about different professions. Some examples are law enforcement, medical, engineering, education, ministry, political processes, and ecology. These discussion sessions are held daily by outstanding professionals.

Who are the staff members during the week of Badger Boys State?

All highly selected staff members are either past participants of the program or are members of the American Legion. Participants will have access to first-hand knowledge of the program from the counseling staff that will guide them through the process of creating the state government.

In addition to the counseling staff, students will also have access to professional medical and crisis management staff to aid in any physical or mental health issues that may arise during the week.  

Where is Badger Boys State located?

Ripon College, located in the city of Ripon, WI, has been the site of Badger Boys State since 1941. The Badger Boys State program and the Wisconsin American Legion have had a longstanding, mutually beneficial association with Ripon College. We gratefully acknowledge the cooperation and courtesies extended by Ripon College throughout the years.

Last updated by: Alex Masica