Download Orientation (PDF)

Badger Boys State, Inc. badgerboysstate.com

© Updated 2/2015

75th Session June 11-18, 2016

Ripon, WI

Orientation Presentation #BBS2016

Designed for independent review by prospective participants, parents,

guidance counselors, educators, and sponsoring organizations.


© Updated 2/2015

Orientation Agenda   Boys State program history and purpose   Sponsorship & selection process   Overview of Badger Boys State   Reasons to attend   Participant information   Parent information   FAQ


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Boys State History   Organized by the American Legion to counter the Fascist inspired

Young Pioneer Camps.   1935: Illinois holds the first Boys State program.   Each state’s American Legion Department organizes a Boys State

program. Hawaii is the only state without a program.   There is a similar Girls State program sponsored by the American

Legion Auxiliary.   The American Legion remains committed to our

nation’s young men and women being knowledgeable about, and exposed to, the rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of American citizenship.


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Badger Boys State History   First session in 1939 at St.

John's Military Academy   Moved to Ripon in 1941   One of the largest of the Boys

State programs with approx. 885 participants annually

  Counselors and staff are all volunteers and Boys State participants


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Badger Boys State Alumni

Sco$ Walker, Wisconsin Governor

Sco$ McCallum, Wisconsin Governor

Daniel J. Travan:, Actor (Hill Street Blues)

Al Jarreau, Jazz singer, 7 Grammy’s

Mar:n J. Schreiber, Wisconsin Governor

Steven Kagen, MD US Congressman

Tom Petri US Congressman

Michael Jordan NC Boys State

Tom Brokaw SD Boys State

Bill Clinton AR Boys State

Neil Armstrong OH Boys State

Other Programs


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Badger Boys State: General Overview   Badger Boys State (BBS) is an eight day

experience which operates as a 51st state.   The program brings together the best

young men from throughout Wisconsin to create a hands-on, learn-by-doing environment.

  The program’s educational philosophy is centered on having students experience the democratic process via the creation of a government from local municipalities up through the state level.


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Badger Boys State: Opportunities   Badger Boys State can be an opportunity of a lifetime with

opportunities for learning and building friendships.   Badger Boys State creates a learning, growing, maturing

environment built around citizen interaction, patriotism, and realizing the value of United States citizenship.

  Badger Boys State is not: –   A sports camp. Sports are played, but are not the focus. –   Vacation from a job, school, or parents. –   A week of passive interactions with your peers. The

program is as active, rewarding, and valuable as you choose to make it.


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Badger Boys State: Selection   All citizens are sponsored by a local organization such

as a Legion Post, Lion’s Club, Optimists, or others.   Local sponsors work with local schools to identify

qualified students: !   WI students who just finished their

junior year with their senior year remaining !   Good students, generally in the top

1/3 of their class !   Well adjusted with leadership qualities


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Badger Boys State: Unique Experience   Badger Boys State is a valuable experience offered only to a

limited number of students. A few reasons to attend include: •   Only the best WI students participate in this hands-on

program, limited only by your imagination •   Over 64,000 students have attended which means not only

will you make lifelong friends while attending, but also become part of the highly successful Alumni group

•   Participation is favorable as part of resumes, scholarship applications, employment

•   Become eligible for special scholarships through The American Legion and Ripon College


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Scholarship Opportunities   Ripon College Scholarship: $4,000 per year if you attend BBS or BGS and

attend Ripon College   Samsung Scholarship: Scholarship amount varies by year

–   To be done online and complete by the start of the BBS session   Keith Kreul Scholarship: $500 Scholarship (BBS Selection)   Schneider-Emmanuel American Legion Scholarship: $1,000 Scholarship

(Application)   American Legion Legacy Scholarship: $26,000 Scholarship

–   For students with parents who were killed in combat   Oratorical, Eagle Scout, and American Legion Baseball Scholarships

–   BBS will strengthen those applications!   To find out more, go to www.wilegion.org


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Registration   Don’t forget your registration card!

–   It has two sides, fill both of them out!   Parents, please make sure you sign the card as well!   Sign up to be a part of the Color Guard, Chorus, or Band


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Badger Boys State: Day 1   Students arrive in Ripon and check-in

whereby they become “citizens” of Badger Boys State. They are assigned a “City” in which they will reside and begin the process of forming the Badger Boys State government.

  The first day is primarily for citizens to acclimate to their new city, meet their fellow citizens and counselors.

  Citizens also begin the process of organizing the two party political system of Badger Boys State.

  Band, choir, and color guard begin rehearsals


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Badger Boys State: Day 2   Religious services or ethics discussion   Candidates for city offices are selected

after caucuses and they begin campaigning   Daily paper, Badger Bugle Citizen begins

distribution   The afternoon has recreation time while the

evening is used for county caucuses.


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Badger Boys State: Day 3   Schools of Instruction begin and last through

Wednesday   Focus is on city government with city elections.   Newly elected officials begin running their cities as

new laws or ordinances are passed with the aide of law enforcement.

  The evening consists of a the Evening Assembly and capped off with campaigning for county office.


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Badger Boys State: Day 4   Badger Boys State provides a variety of

opportunities for in-depth interactive discussions on civic topics. These are known at BBS as “Schools of Instruction” and cover such topics as law, peace officers, lobbying, leadership, public speaking, finance, journalism, among others.

  The “schools” also prepare citizens to run for such positions as law enforcement or to become judges in their county.

  County elections are also conducted on Day 4 followed by the newly elected county officials starting to fully function.


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Badger Boys State: Day 5   State office level position require the

nomination and election by your party. Day 5 focuses on the primary election. The evening prior, candidates addressed the caucus outlining the candidates positions.

  Daily activities continue with municipal and county government, judicial cases, and athletic competitions (counties compete).


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Badger Boys State: Day 6   The general election for state offices takes

place on Day 6 (Thursday).   The evening assembly is frequently

attended by several state dignitaries and parents as the newly elected state officials are sworn into office.

  Citizens are allowed 2 guests to attend the Thursday evening assembly. Space is available on first-come first-serve basis.

  The BBS 2014 Governor, Anthony Mensah, seen here being sworn into office by Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice, Honorable Ann Walsh Bradley.


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Badger Boys State: Day 7   On this day, all levels of the Badger Boys

State government are functioning.   In addition to city and county government

operations, the Governor makes his gubernatorial appointments, Senate and Assembly debate and pass laws, Supreme Court hears cases.

  Badger Boys State “Week in Review,” and audio-video presentation of the week’s activities takes place at the evening assembly. Final assembly and Boys Nation Senators are announced.

  Tribute to Veterans program in the evening.


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Badger Boys State: Day 8   Citizens perform their last duties as the

mayor, county executive, sheriff, city clerk, or governor at BBS as they prepare to leave.

  Final reports from state officials with a farewell from The American Legion.


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Badger Boys State: Citizens Comments   “The program has changed my life in more ways than one. The

leadership qualities, lifelong friendships and love for country and state.”

  “I had an excellent week here at Badger Boys State. My confidence in myself, my leadership, and public speaking skills have soared this week while being mayor. This is an excellent program and I hope that my kids will someday attend. Thanks.”

  “This has been one of the best weeks of my life. To all the counselors, volunteer staff and The American Legion, thank you!”

  To listen to citizens describe their experience visit: youtube.com/badgerboysstate


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Badger Boys State: Boys Nation   Just as the Boys State programs provide young men the chance to

experience state level government, the American Legion Boys Nation program provides similar experience at the federal level.

  Each Boys State program selects two exceptional young men from their program as Boys Nation Senators.

  Boys Nation takes place during July in Washington, D.C. where participants generally have the opportunity to meet the President.

  Boys Nation Senators are shown here as they lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.


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Badger Boys State: Maximize Your Experience

  In addition to learning more about the United States form of representative democracy, there are many other ways to ensure your Badger Boys State experience is memorable, including;

  Badger Bugle Citizen, the daily newspaper, utilizes citizens to serve as reporters, commentators, and artists.

  Band and Choir both perform at BBS. Bring your instruments! Percussionists should bring their sticks and snare drum.

  Color Guard: The color guard (honor guard) posts the flags (colors) at each evening assembly.

  Athletics: Include soccer, volleyball, cross country, basketball, flag football, softball, tennis, weight lifting, swimming, and ultimate frisbee.


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Badger Boys State: 2016 Session   June 11th 1:30PM to June 18th 11:00AM, Ripon College in Ripon, WI   Students should plan on attending the entire session

as early departures require approval from BBS prior to the session.

  Students may drive to BBS but will not have use of their vehicle during the session. BBS operates a closed campus for safety.

  In case of injuries or illness, BBS has a physician visit the campus Monday through Friday. A local hospital is available in Ripon, WI.

  Family and friends are welcome to attend evening assemblies. The Thursday evening inaugural program is often the most popular evening to attend. Check badgerboysstate.com for details.


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Badger Boys State: What to Bring   Alarm clock, pillow, sheets (twin size), blankets or a sleeping bag.   Casual clothing, such as shorts, t-shirts, blue-jeans, active footwear/

shoes. Please bring at least one pair of long pants for pictures. Rain gear may be helpful.

  Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, razor, shaving cream, bath towel, contact lens supplies, sun block, medications, insect repellent, etc.

  Box fan since most areas of the college are not air-conditioned.   Softball glove, tennis racket, or other sports equipment if

you plan to participate in sports. However, cleated shoes are not allowed.

  Mobile phone is encouraged, but not required.   Some spending money for discretionary items. Meals and supplies

are included. These items for purchase include snacks, city/activity pictures, book store items, shirts/shorts/caps, etc.


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Badger Boys State: Items Not to Bring   Television, DVD player, or video game consoles of any type.   Excessive amounts of money or expensive valuables.   Computer. Personal computers are of no benefit while at BBS.

Public computers are available in the library for e-mail, etc.   Campaign materials. Materials used for campaigning are closely

monitored to ensure fairness. Materials from outside BBS are not allowed and will result in election disqualification.

  Do not bring illegal drugs, tobacco, alcohol, firearms, fireworks, knives, or weapons of any kind.


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Badger Boys State: FAQ   What type of clothing do I need to bring?

–   The attire for the week is casual. Most students bring sports clothing and other summer attire. It is recommended to bring some slacks or pants in case the weather is cooler. There is no requirement for any dress clothing, as your Boys State t-shirt that is issued to you is your “formal wear.”

  What should I expect of the dorms? –   The college dormitory buildings are typical of many colleges and many have

recently been remodeled. The dorms are cleaned prior to BBS. The bathrooms are configured with individual shower stalls. College students that are on campus during that week are working for the College and are in separate areas than the BBS citizens.

  Can I leave campus while at Badger Boys State? –   No. Once the session begins on Saturday, we operate as a closed campus. We

require that students remain on campus until the end of the session the following Saturday. If there is a need for a student to leave campus for any reason, it will need to be approved by the Director.


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Badger Boys State: FAQ   May parents visit campus during the session?

–   Parents are welcome to attend any evening assembly. The most popular assembly is the Thursday night Inaugural Ceremony. Due to space, students are allowed 2 guests at the Thursday Inaugural Ceremony. Friday evening is also popular as citizens participate in the Tribute to Veterans ceremony.

  May I leave the session early or arrive late? –   If there is a need for you to arrive late or leave early from the session, please

contact the Director of BBS. Prior approval is required and will be reviewed on an individual case basis. If you are arriving late, please have your parents contact the BBS Secretary or Director as early as possible prior to the session.

  How much money should I bring? –   This is up to the discretion of the student and their parents. Vending machines

are available for snacks. An 8x10 photo of each city is available for sale for ~$10. The online photo access is ~$15. The Ripon College book store sells clothing and snacks. BBS retail store sells BBS t-shirts, shorts, and other items.


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Badger Boys State: Website badgerboysstate.com

  The goal of the Badger Boys State website is to not only help people to

learn more about Badger Boys State but also to serve as a resource for parents during the session.

  Session Progress: This area of the site is updated each morning to reflect activities of the previous day.

  Election Results: Winners are posted immediately after the elections.   General information such as the schedule, emergency contact information,

driving directions, and the mailing address are also posted.   Picture Access: This serves as the scrapbook for the week with a large

number of pictures. Access to this part of the website can be purchased at BBS or through the website for $15.


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Badger Boys State: Contact Info   Badger Boys State Office prior to June 9th:

–   (608) 745-1090 or [email protected]   Orientation questions:

–   [email protected]   Additional general program information:

–   badgerboysstate.com   Fred Berns, Director

–   (715) 533-0103 or [email protected]   Emergency Phone Numbers During Badger Boys State

–   8:00am-5:00pm: (920) 876-6000 –   After 5:00pm: (920) 876-6002

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