BADGER BOYS STATE--A Statement from the Chairman of the Board

Badger Boys State is unable to hold a session in 2021. The Boys State program has existed for 79 years, serving Wisconsin students and citizens for generations. The health and safety of our participants, staff, and volunteers will always be our top priority, and with the continuing concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, cancelling the session for this year is the right decision.

The Board of Directors of Badger Boys State agreed that it was necessary to cancel Badger Boys State this year, originally scheduled June 12–19, 2021.

Over one hundred staff, volunteers, and Board members have spent a significant amount of time and effort preparing this year’s program. Our thanks go out to them knowing that this decision is in all of our best interests. Their dedication and investment of time is inspiring, and it is unfortunate that the fruits of their hard work will be delayed until next year.

Although we are disappointed that our 2021 session will not take place, the quality of the program will not be damaged. We are committed to an excellent program in 2022. We will continue this tradition and provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience to our participants for many years to come. We look forward to a spectacular, educational, and fulfilling 79th session in 2022.

Should you have any questions regarding the cancellation of our program, please direct them to info@badgerboysstate.com

Tomorrow's Leaders Built Legion Strong

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.  The journey can be described as the most challenging and most rewarding (and fun) experience by those who have already participated in the program.

This program is designed to teach boys that the American form of government is stronger and more vital in today's world of struggle than ever before.  It teaches that the American people have no more precious possession than that great document, the Constitution, which at once safeguards and transmits to posterity those principles of the great American heritage -- justice, freedom and democracy under God. Approximately 900 boys from every part of Wisconsin will come to Badger Boys State this year.  
Upon arrival at the Ripon College campus, boys will be grouped into cities and counties, which will form a "51st state."  For eight days the citizens of the "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 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.

2021 Badger Boys State Brochure

Watch Governor Scott Walker describe his Boys State experience.

Enjoy this video of the 2019 Badger Boys State Session.

Register for the 2021 Session

The 2021 session will be held from June 12-19, 2021. For those who have previously sponsored, you will receive your sponsor cards by the end of October. Sponsorship of a Badger Boy is $400.00. If you need a sponsorship packet, contact Sheri at (608) 745-1090 or sheri@wilegion.org.

Samsung Scholarship

High School juniors who are attending Badger Boys State or Badger Girls State who are direct descendants of a wartime US Military Veteran. The application is open until the first day of the program.

Access the application here.

$10,000 Scholarship Winner

Support Badger Boys State

You can make the difference for young men across the state of Wisconsin by supporting Wisconsin Boys State. DONATE TODAY to change a life.