Badger Boys State - General Information

Badger Boys State is an experience like none other. It may be quickly described as a program which teaches the workings of government "by doing"; but it is much more than that. It is a week long journey through a great many things that make us who we are; leaders, friends, students, athletes, and most of all citizens of our respective cities, towns, and our great state. It is a journey which can be described as the most challenging and most rewarding (and fun) experiences by those who have already participated in the program.

Approximately 850 young men from every part of Wisconsin will come to Badger Boys State this June. Upon arrival at the Ripon College campus, they will be grouped into cities and counties which will form a "51st state." For eight days the citizens of this"new state" will carry out all the main functions of city, county, and state government using basic laws and fundamental procedures of the State of Wisconsin as their guide. The program is designed to teach its "citizens" that the American form of government is stronger and more vital in today's world than ever before.

The boys themselves will elect their own municipal, county and state officials. As alderman or county supervisors they will frame, present and pass their own ordinances and laws; their own police and sheriffs will enforce them. As attorneys they will prosecute or defend, or as judges, hear cases in their own courts. Through this program, these leaders of the future should develop a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation.

Boys are not to bring with them any printed or other previously prepared campaign or election literature. Facilities and supplies for preparing such promotional material will be supplied at Boys State.

Boys who have just completed their junior year in high school and have their senior year remaining before graduation are eligible to attend Badger Boys State. The student must be enrolled in a Wisconsin high school. Each boy must be sponsored by or through an organization that pays all sponsorship fees. 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.

Badger Boys State is a program for boys who are well adjusted, good students and display qualities of leadership in their school. Scholarship is important but potential leaders are not always the top of their respective class. Boys to be selected should be from the upper third of the class.

Local American Legion Posts usually serve as the clearing center for sponsoring organizations. Other organizations will include fraternal, civic or patriotic organizations and individuals through such organizations. More information on sponsorship please click here.

The selection of candidates to attend BBS is conducted in different ways depending on the sponsoring organization and the local school district's participation. Each sponsoring organization will usually work closely with their local school. Alternates should also be selected at the same time delegates are selected to replace boys who may find themselves unable to attend.

Every citizen is encouraged to participate in a varied program of recreational activities designed to provide a wholesome relief from the fast pace of the day's routine. Those listed below are well-established activities; others may be organized as facilities become available and need and interest warrant.

The boys will be under the direct charge of the Director and his staff. The staff is comprised of approximately 100 counselors and back office staff with a wide variety of backgrounds. Citizens will be under the daily supervision of their city and county counselors who are responsible for their day-to-day guidance through the program. The citizen to staff ratio is typically 8 to 1. Other staff include legal, civic and professional advisors who aid the program in their area of specialization. Special qualified speakers will lecture on subjects of particular interest.

Ripon College, located in the city of Ripon, 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. To learn more about Ripon College, visit their web site by clicking here. The 2010 session will mark the 69th session of Badger Boys State at Ripon College. Badger Boys State gratefully acknowledges the cooperation and courtesies extended by Ripon College through the years.

The first session of Badger Boys State was held in 1939 at St. John's Military Academy in Delafield. The Wisconsin American Legion, sponsors of the program, found the program to be very successful. Four hundred eighty-four high school juniors attended the first session. The program continued at St. John's Military Academy until 1941 when the Boys State program was moved to the present location at the Ripon College campus.

World War II forced the suspension of the Badger Boys State program in 1943, 1944 and 1945. The program was resumed with the 1946 session. The program now requires full-time volunteer counselors and staff, plus a part-time special lectures staff of 45 consisting of professional people who are outstanding in their field.

Attendance has grown from 484 in 1939 to 930 in 1996, with a top attendance of 1,080 in 1976. Badger Boys State graduates are prominent today as responsible leaders in public office, business and the professions, industry, and the armed services.

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