Badger Boys State

Badger Boys State is a weeklong gathering where participants create their own city, county, and state level governments. During the session, they elect public officials at the city, county, and state levels and then work on governing effectively throughout the session.

• Ages: 17 years old
• Schedule: Weeklong gathering

Badger Boys State is a program of the Wisconsin American Legion and is 100% funded by donations. Upon arriving, participants become citizens of one of 27 cities and one of 9 counties. The 2023 session of Badger Boys State was the 80th incarnation of the program in Wisconsin, and Badger Boys State will be holding its 83rd session this upcoming June. The program’s stated mission is to educate young leaders on how to become more impactful community members of Wisconsin. 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. The program notes that Boys State involves leadership, collaboration, and communication with students from around the state and that its alumni form the Badger Boys State Alumni Association. Many colleges and organizations offer scholarships to Boys State alumni, including the Samsung American Legion Scholarship (up to $10,000), Marian University - Badger Boys State Partnership Award ($11,000 per year), UW Eau Claire - Badger Boys State Scholarship ($1,000), Carthage College - Badger Boys/Girls State Scholarship ($1,000), and Hampden-Sydney College - Boys State Participant Scholarship (up to $100,000). A CBS 58 News testimonial describes Badger Boys State as a life-changing experience, highlighting civics and companionship during the weeklong gathering and noting that participants learn how government works and the value of being involved.

Last updated July 26, 2026.