The 70th session of Badger Boys State began with young men from throughout Wisconsin arriving at Ripon College where they began with a short orientation as they went through the registration process. Counselor Mark is seen here going over information with a group of "citizens" who are now part of the "51st state" for the next week.

After registration, the citizens arrived at their respective dorms—called "counties"—and found out which "city" they'd be a part of. Here, the counselors of Howe county greet a citizen as he finds out more information about the county and the rest of the schedule for the day.

After they were done registering, the citizens wasted no time being able to get to know one another while playing sports. Throughout the week, the citizens will be able to participate in various sports or swim at the pool.

A day packed with information and meeting new people made the citizens very hungry! The citizens seen here are on their way to find out what the food tastes like for the first time. All food is served buffet style and there's plenty of food for seconds (or thirds).

But, after dinner, the citizens had another meeting to help them better understand the structure for the week and how they'll be able to run for various positions on the city, county and state levels.

An important part of every day is ending on a good note with a general assembly. This is where all the citizens congregate to hear top-notch speakers and find out more about how the government—and the people within it—interact. Here, the color guard rehearses for when they'll be asked to "present the colors of our country" at the next general assembly.

Charles Wiley, pictured here, was the keynote speaker at the first general assembly. Wiley was an investigative journalist and has traveled the world reporting on war- and politically-related issues. Wiley is always a hit amongst the citizens and this year was no different as he told them to be conscious of the world around them and seize all the opportunities they can to do great things.