By Robert Shappell | Director, Badger Boys State

This is your week. Badger Boys State is a week that can shape a lifetime. How much it shapes your future is totally up to you. It can be an experience that will ultimately transfix the outlook you carry for the rest of your life. How do we know this? We know it because Badger Boys from the past continually tell us so. I recently had a student in one of my master’s degree courses that I teach tell me that as a 2005 Badger Boy he learned things about himself and about working with others that he knows have directly contributed to his success as a rising manager at Kohler Company. Another student, who was the Director of Human Resources at a major insurance company in Milwaukee, related how his many friends and contacts from BBS have helped him throughout his career.

If you need more assurance about the value of BBS, just ask any of your counselors. They believe so strongly in this program that they dedicate their time, much of which is vacation time from work, so make your experience even better than the ones they had as citizens. Some of them work for months to prepare the curriculum, schedule activities, prepare classes and discussions, and perform the many logistical and administrative actions needed to support almost 900 boys and 120 staff members. They do it because they care. They care about this program – they care about you.

BBS not only provides the hands-on experience on how our government works, but it also allows each of you to understand the bond and personal ties associated with cooperating toward a common goal. The friendships you develop here not only carry through the week, but can follow you for many years to come. It is up to you to reach out to your fellow citizens, learn about them and their communities, and truly get to know them as individuals. The relationships you form this week may indeed be the most cherished aspect of your entire experience.

BBS is sponsored by the American Legion, the largest veterans’ service organization in the nation. Many Legionnaires volunteer to help at BBS. When you see someone wearing the distinctive American Legion cap, take time to say hello. Maybe even ask them in which military branch they served and what they did. Thank them for their time and their dedication to BBS.

So make the most of your week. Get out of your comfort zone. Try things you haven’t tried before. Don’t fear failure – the only failure at BBS is not taking a chance. Dare to be different. Dare to step forward and lead. Dare to get to know boys with different interests and backgrounds. You have all been selected to attend BBS because of your potential to be future leaders in your communities. Let your enthusiasm, skills, and true personality shine through. And remember – this is your week.