Orientation Presentation
2008 Badger Girls State ‑ 65th Session
June 15th – June 20nd
Opening:
Pledge
Welcome
Introduction: introduce yourself and any Staff members that are present. If group isn't too large have the girls introduce themselves and tell what school they are from, delegates or alternates also Parents, any school personnel, Unit Members, and Contributors. Another method would be to ask for a show of hands of delegates, alternates, parents, school personnel, etc. You could also use the sign‑in sheet for introductions.
Sponsor:
Badger Girls State is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. However, American Legion Posts that do not have an Auxiliary Unit may also be a sponsor.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the American Legion Auxiliary, we are a patriotic organization that was founded in 1921. Our primary purpose is to serve the nation's veterans and their families. Our programs encompass many humanitarian and social concerns including the welfare and care of veterans, children and youth, women's issues and service to the community. Year after year, members donate more than $18 million and six million volunteer hours to communities nationwide. Some of you may be familiar with us through the Poppy Poster and Americanism Essay Contests, which are conducted in many schools.
The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary's Preamble begins with the words "For God and Country," which is the foundation of our organizations. During the week of Badger Girls State Session, non-denominational prayers will be included during various assemblies; we will also recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing our National Anthem along with other government activities. Badger Girls State is an Americanism program of the American Legion Auxiliary originating over 65 years ago in part to instill in those that attend the week long Session a greater sense of patriotism and respect for the democratic principles on which our country was founded. If you do not feel that you would be able to participate in a program where one of the goals is to instill a greater respect for your country and its form of government, then we ask that you advise your school to select another delegate.
Contributor:
A Sponsor is not always the Contributor. Sometimes the sponsor may not be in a financial situation to pay the fee for Badger Girls State. In these instances civic organizations, service clubs, businesses and school groups may be contacted by the Unit and if they assist, they are recognized as the contributor. I would suggest you check this at school so you know who paid the fee so you can thank them. This is very important, as we would want them to continue supporting our program for many years.
History:
(Background information on how and why Badger Girls State started.) Long before many of us were were born, back in the 1930's, American Legion members from the State of Illinois were informed that there were a number of youth camps in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin where Nazism and Fascism were being taught. They decided to counter those teachings by having a camp where Americanism would be taught. Shortly after they did this, Wisconsin Legionnaires, knowing a good thing when they saw it, decided to follow suit, and in 1939, the first Badger Boys State session was held at St. John's Military Academy in Delafield with 484 boys attending. In 1941, the Wisconsin American Legion Auxiliary members, also knowing a good thing when they saw it, started the first Badger Girls State session held on the University of Wisconsin‑Madison campus. The sessions are now being held on the campus of the UW-Oshkosh.
Purpose:
Our purpose in sponsoring this Americanism program is to develop leadership and pride in American citizens, to educate citizens about our system of government, to instill a greater understanding of American traditions and to stimulate a desire to maintain our democratic government processes. We believe that every citizen completing this program will help to ensure the survival of our republic.
Staff:
Our staff is composed of approximately 60 volunteers who are either members of the American Legion Auxiliary or who are former Badger Girl Staters. They give of their time freely, many of them taking a week of vacation from work, all because they believe so strongly in this program.
Scholarships:
Samsung Scholarship: Each delegate received an application. Attendees of both BGS and BBS are eligible to apply. The Samsung electronics firm joined with the American Legion in 1995 to offer scholarships to direct descendants or a legally adopted child of honorably discharged veterans of any war era in recognition of U.S. Veterans who unselfishly aided the Korean people with the struggle against communist forces during the Korean War. Scholarships are derived from earnings on a $5 million Samsung endowment. Each year 10 $20,000 Scholarships are awarded to High School seniors.
To date, The American Legion and Samsung have awarded scholarships totaling over $3.2 million. Website links to download and print the application will be located on the Badger Girls Website. The deadline to submit an application is July 1, 2008. Applications cannot be turned in at Badger Girls State as envelopes must be postmarked. Check your application over to ensure that it is completely filled out and requested forms are attached.
BGS Scholarships: Each delegate completing this year's session will be sent an application towards the end of December. In 2006, 8 - $500 Scholarships were awarded.
*On both the Samsung and the BGS Scholarships. It is your responsibility to see that they are filled out and mailed in.
Ripon College: offers $4,000 scholarship to attendees of both BGS and BBS. This is renewable for four years.
Carroll and Carthage College: each offer a $1,000 scholarship to attendees of both BGS and BBS. This is renewable for four years.
Please check with other colleges to see if they offer scholarships due to completing this Badger Girls State program.
Citizens completing this course will be eligible to have Badger Girls State appear on their high school transcript.
Parent Concerns:
DELEGATE INFORMATION: Badger Girls State Session Information for Delegates was made available online at www.badgergirlsstate.org. You should have received this information from your School Counselor. This information will not be sent to your home. If you do not have Internet access at home, ask your counselor to print this information for you or call Auxiliary Headquarters Offices 608-745-0124 ext. 114.
Insurance: Supplementary general insurance is provided for all in attendance; however, your own group insurance will be the primary carrier. This is another reason why it is so vital that the Health Form is completely filled out. This supplementary insurance will not cover a citizen if she goes off campus without permission. ("Campus" is limited to the area and buildings where general assemblies, lectures, classes and special interest groups are held.) Every precaution is taken to avoid accidents and sickness at Badger Girls State. Mercy Medical Hospital and Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh are available in case of an accident or illness that our nursing staff feels requires their attention.
This insurance coverage provided by Badger Girls State, Inc. will not cover problems caused by pre‑existing conditions. If the selected delegate/alternate has a questionable health condition, such as recent exposure to communicable disease, disability, temporary handicap, or need for a special diet, a letter describing the degree of disability from the parents to the Executive Director is required so every consideration of the delegate can be made.
Interest Groups: Your interest group selection should have been selected during online registration. You'll need to remember what you sign up for – come prepared to participate in that group (i.e.: bring instrument(s), camera, running shoes, etc...). If you don't make a selection, you will be assigned an Interest Group based on need and availability. We have a new interest group this year "Patriotism". This group will participate in all flag ceremonies and will learn about proper Flag Etiquette. Please see the note on special attire for Inaugural ceremonies in the "Clothes" section of this presentation.
Health Form will be on the Badger Girls State Session Information for Delegates on the website. Make sure everything is completely filled out. When the form is completed, make 2 copies - bring one copy to hand in at registration on Sunday, June 15, 2008 and one copy left at home for your parents. Failure to have these forms with you or incomplete information, will delay your registration until we are able to contact your parents and have the information faxed to us. There are very explicit instructions in the BGS Session Information for Delegates packet and also on the Health Form itself. It is imperative that your insurance information is written on the form and the person we are to contact in case there is an emergency and we cannot contact your parent or guardian. Again, if there are health questions please contact the Executive Director. Note: Health form does not require a signature by your physician. A physical is recommended within 24 months of the session. All that is requested is the date of the physical. Any delegate with restricted mobility of any kind must contact the Executive Director prior to acceptance.
Prescription Drugs/Medications: This information will also be explained in the Badger Girls State Session Information for Delegates but if you are taking or will be taking any prescription drugs or medications, the amount required for the days you'll be at Badger Girls State must be in its' original container and clearly labeled. Place all medications in a quart size ziplock bag labeled with your name. Medications must be given to our Nursing Staff at time of registration. The label is to include the name of the person, name of the medication, the dosage, the frequency of administration and the route of administration. The bottle or container must be labeled to include the name of the prescribing physician, the prescription number, date prescribed, possible adverse reactions, the specific conditions when contact should be made with the physician and other special instructions as needed. All medications brought to Badger Girls State by a citizen under 18 years of age shall be kept in a locked unit and shall be administered by one of our nurses. Bee sting medication, inhalers, an insulin syringe or other medication or device used in the event of life threatening situations, including Epi pens, may be carried by a citizen. Any birth control medications may also be kept with the citizens. Any deviation from this will be up to the Head Nurse.
Safety of your Daughter: Roll call is taken at all meetings. If a citizen doesn't answer roll call a search will be conducted until she is located. Traffic is minimal around the campus. Campus has University Police that are only a phone call away. Your daughter will reside in Gruenhagen Conference Center. Gruenhagen's entrances are locked 24 hours a day with the main entrance locked at 12:00 a.m. Counselors do bed check at 10:30 p.m. each evening.
Emergency Numbers: The Main Desk in Gruenhagen is manned 7:00 a.m. until Midnight 7 days a week. Their phone number is 920 ‑424‑1106 or 920‑424‑1107. The number to the Badger Girls State Office is 920‑424‑0439. This office will be manned 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. In case of an emergency, the Executive Director, Jeannine Conradt, can be reached through the Main Desk or the Badger Girls State Office.
Telephones: Citizen lodging rooms do not have telephones. Citizens may bring their cell phones but they may be used only in the dorm. In case of emergencies, citizens may check with their counselor for the closest available phone. You may find it advantageous to purchase a phone card for your daughter. Phone cards may be purchased at the Gruenhagen Conference Center front desk. Phone cards are available in $5 and $10 values.
Mailing: Address while at Badger Girls State: Citizen’s Name, Gruenhagen Conference Center, University of Wisconsin‑Oshkosh, 208 Osceola Street, Oshkosh, WI 54901.
Money: Your room and board has been paid for. Your dorm rooms have a small refrigerator so you can bring lots of snacks and beverages. Some optional things you may want to have money for are:
* City pictures: will be taken by a professional photographer. (8 x 10 colored for $10.00). These pictures will be displayed for ordering and must be paid for when ordered. City Counselors will be collecting the money and will distribute the purchased pictures.
* Shopping: in the Badger Girls State Store and Reeve; the Corner Convenience Store and the University Book Store, but there certainly won't be much time available to shop there.
* Vending machines: are available around campus.
* Taxes: Citizens as well as staff fill out a voluntary tax statement as part of their city business. Contributions vary up to $1.00. All tax money is deposited in the BGS scholarship fund. In December, you will receive a scholarship application for scholarships paid out of this fund.
*BGS Slide Show: The Multi Media group puts together a slide show that is shown on Friday. This year it will be available for purchase on disk.
* BGS Store: We have a small store where such items as shirts, sweatshirts, cards, water bottles, disposable cameras, small BGS bears and
other items can be purchased. A schedule of store hours will be published in the daily Badger Tales paper.
*BGS Bank: We ask that girls do not bring large sums of money. If they do, we suggest depositing it in the BGS Bank (located in the BGS
Office) and take withdrawals when needed.
Items Available at Gruenhagen Main Desk: Shampoo, conditioner, soap, razors, pain relievers, toothbrushes and toothpaste, lanyards, postage stamps, GCC postcards and phone cards. If you forget to bring towels, they can be rented at a minimal cost. A copy and a fax machine are also available at a minimum charge. The GCC fax number is 920‑424‑0429.
Transportation: The sponsoring Unit, The American Legion Auxiliary, is not responsible for transportation to the session. However, if there is a problem you may contact them for possible assistance. It is recommended that parents carpool as much as possible (i.e. one family brings delegates on Sunday, another picks them up on Friday). Delegates are discouraged from driving a vehicle to Badger Girls State. If there is no other means of getting to the session you must contact the Executive Director for special permission. Do not arrive in Oshkosh with a car without this permission! It is the policy of Gruenhagen Conference Center not to allow lodging to anyone under the age of 18 without parents or chaperone on the premise. Therefore, citizens are not allowed to arrive on Saturday.
Transportation by bus will be available for the Northern part of Wisconsin. Check Session Info/Delegate Info/General Info for cities stops and contact information.
Directions to Oshkosh: (pass out maps) As you travel on Hwy 41 to Oshkosh, take Exit 119th (Hwy 21/Oshkosh Avenue) and proceed two blocks and turn right on High Avenue (a one-way street leading into campus). Stay on High Avenue, in the right-hand lane, until the university parking ramp, located on the corner of High and Osceola Streets. At this point signage and BGS staff will be available to assist with traffic, parking and answering questions.
After parking, the delegate will go to the Fox River Room, in River Center, to register. Parents/guardians/etc. are being asked to wait by the vehicle for the delegate's return for her luggage. At this time they may assist with carrying her luggage to the Gruenhagen Conference Center.
Registration: Registration will be conducted in the Fox River Room of the River Center facility from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Many signs as well as staff will be available to direct you to the proper areas. Citizens are to leave their luggage in their cars or by buses until they are registered. Please make sure you have any prescription drugs and all paperwork with you when registering (Health Form ‑ 1 copies, Badger Girls State Pledge/Waiver and Media Information). Citizens will be given their dorm room key, nametag, and a bag containing a citizen manual and other material. Please note: If you lose your dorm room key you will be charged $25.00. So be careful! Your dorm room key should be placed on the chain supplied by Gruenhagen Conference Center and your name tag must be worn on either shoulder.
Once registered at the River Center facility, you may meet your parents/guardians, etc. in the parking lot/ramp. They may assist in carrying luggage to either Tower A or Tower B in Gruenhagen Conference Center. Staff members will be located throughout the registration area to assist with directions. Immediately upon arrival on your floor, register with your City Counselor before going to your dorm room. She will be sitting either outside the elevator or in the Floor Lounge.
To do list following registering with City Counselor: Utilize this time for unpacking, making your bed, look through your Citizen Manual, completing the information required on the back, and getting acquainted with your roommate and other girls on the floor. Identify your tote bag with your name and room number and remember to take it with you to all meetings. Make sure you have your citizen manual, pen, plus any other items in your Tote Bag, as you may not get back to your dorm room for several hours, possibly most of the day. Once these tasks are done, you may leave your floor to take advantage of the Father's Day Buffet being served in the University cafeteria (Blackhawk Commons) located directly across the street from the Gruenhagen Conference Center. The cost will be $9.00 per person w/dads receiving a free meal with two other purchased meals. Hours of service will be from 10:45 am - 1pm and the menu will include such items as: Scambled Eggs, Quiche, French Toast, Carved Roast Beef & Ham, Stir-Fry, etc. Remember this is at your own expense. Citizens will go to Convocation by City. If your parents, guardians or friends have remained on campus they may attend the Opening Convocation with you. Keep in mind you must be at the Opening Convocation prior to 1:30 p.m. However, once the Opening Convocation is over, you must be on time for the next scheduled meeting.
Visitors: Visitors are not allowed on the dormitory floors at any time. The only exception is on Sunday, Registration Day, when help may be needed to carry luggage. Emergency visits must be approved by the Executive Director in advance of the visit.
Visitors are invited to attend the 1:30 P.M. Opening Convocation on Sunday, the Inauguration on Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. and the Reception following. Guests will not be allowed at the Inaugural Dinner due to space. Visitors are also welcome at Friday's General Assembly at 10:30 a.m. where they would observe the 32 member Flag Folding Demonstration, Governor's address to the Citizens of Badger and the Power Point Presentation by the Multi Media Group depicting all aspects of "government in action" in the State of Badger. All of these programs will be held in Albee Hall. For safety purposes, guests will not be allowed in Gruenhagen Conference Center either before or after the Inaugural on Thursday.
Friday Pick‑Up: No early releases without permission of the Executive Director. Those individuals who will be picking up citizens on Friday, June 20, should park in the Parking Ramp, Lot 30 or Lot 6. You are invited to attend the final General Assembly at Albee Hall at 10:30 a.m.. No one will be allowed in Gruenhagen unless you are planning to visit our store for a last minute souvenir. Parents/guardians, etc. may wait outside close to the tower where your daughter, has been housed all week. Those returning home by bus will be released first at 11:30 A.M. If you are picking up two girls they can be dismissed at the same time as long as their counselor is advised. Unless you plan to attend the final General Assembly, please try not to arrive before your daughters scheduled release time as the parking lots become very congested.
Release times: 11:30 - Busses, floors 10 and 2
11:45 – floors 9 and 3
12:00 – floors 8 and 4
12:15 - floor 7
12:30 – floor 6
12:45 – floor 5
Let's go into what you girls are interested in. What will be happening to me or what will I be involved in at BGS?
Badger Girls State will be an experience unlike anything you have experienced before. You will be doing things. Not out of a textbook, but hands on. Badger Girls State is a mythical state very similar to the State of Wisconsin. Each one of you lives in a township, village or city, which is within a county and within the State of Wisconsin. Each of these levels have elected and appointed officials, political parties, laws, taxes, etc. You will be learning all facets of government, including nominations, the campaign process, circulating nomination papers, elections, installation, budgets, taxes and how to write ordinance and create laws. Not all laws and ordinances need to be serious.
At BGS we have two political parties, the Federalists and Nationalists. When the girls arrive in Oshkosh, they have already been assigned to a Political Party, you will be assigned to one of these and your roommate the other, and are placed in a Senate and Assembly District. Each floor of the dorm is considered a City and 2 Cities make up a County. Cities are named after Wisconsin Trees and Counties are named after prominent Wisconsinites.
On the very first day, the girls are already volunteering for their Political Party Platform Committee.
This Committee works on the issues their Party will take a stand on during the State Election Campaign. The girls are also beginning to organize as a City by electing a temporary Chairman and Secretary. In the cities, an Election Commission is chosen and they work the Poles so that no one can stuff the ballot box on Election Day. The Commission counts the ballots to see if everyone has voted. The City can then conduct the 1st order of business, which is to install their Elected Officials.
The Mayor announces her appointments to the various committees... The School Board hires a Superintendent of Schools, The Police and Fire Commission hires Police Officers, etc. All Commissions must work on a Budget and submit it to the Finance Committee. They learn how the school budget affects the General Tax Base of the City. They must also figure out where the finances will come from in order to run a City.
Also on the City level, each dorm room will become a business with advertisements posted on the door. You and your roommate will decide what business you will have. A city map will also be created that will include Businesses, Schools, Parks, Neighborhoods, Etc.
A tax system is set up and everyone will fill out a voluntary income tax report and pay Real Estate taxes. Taxes collected from Cititzens as well as Staff are deposited in the BGS Scholarship Account. In December, you will receive a scholarship application, monies of which will come from this account.
This can be fun, learning experience for you, but you must be involved. Not everyone wants or cares to run for an elected position. Many citizens accept appointments from their City Mayor or on the County or State levels, and many, many citizens assist others in campaigning, being on the Election Commission, Town Criers, etc. There are many ways to get involved. The most important thing is to be like a sponge and absorb as much as you can. (Read "Other City and County Jobs").
Next, the 2 Cities in your County meet and hold County Caucuses. They will nominate candidates for the County Officials and then Elections will be held. Here the girls learn that the County serves as a Liaison between the County and the State. The County administers such services as... Health and Welfare, Parks and Highways, Job Services, Register of Deeds, Veterans Affairs and many more.
The defeated candidates for Sheriff and District Attorney automatically become the Under/Deputy Sheriff and Assistant District Attorney.
At the end of day 2, 15 cities and 7 Counties will be in full swing with the Citizens in control and the Counselors serving as advisors.
If your ambition is to serve on a State level, you will have the opportunity to run for Senate, Assembly or one of the Constitutional Offices. Campaigning for Constitutional office is handled a little differently than that on the City or County level. Those that want to run for office must pick up Nomination Papers from the City Counselor. They need to get 40 signatures and file their papers in the Elections Office and register as a candidate. This must be done by the deadline set by the Elections Office or they will not be able to run. We have very strict campaign rules that must be followed. There have been cases of cheating (Elections Fraud) where girls have been eliminated from the Ballot.
So far the Girls have been very busy on the State, County and City levels and with their Political Caucuses, working on their Party Platforms. The Political Party Convention is called and the candidates who are running for office will address the assembly. This begins the Campaigning for the State Primary. Rallies are held and Candidates are heard here as well. The girls are to vote only within their party at this point to choose the candidate that will best lead their Party to victory. After the Primary is held and a candidate is chose, the most vigorous campaigning for the General Election begins.
At this point Debates are held and candidates are really scrutinized by all. Debates are on the most serious and current events.
Because of tight time constraints, we do have a few shortcuts at BGS. For example, we use what we call the "Duck Vote". It may seem silly but it works.
After the elections are over and the results are posted, you will see some heartaches and emotions at a high. Thursday night is the Inauguration and visitors and visitors are welcome. Our Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice, Shirley Abrahmson, will administer the Oath of Office to our Elected Sate Officers. A reception is held after the Inaugural and the girls will have the opportunity to meet their true counterparts. We also encourage all of you to contact your State Senators and Representatives and invite them to this event.
Also on Thursday, 2 Girls are elected to go to Girls Nation and spend a week in our Nations Capitol. The results of this election are announced at Inaugural.
During the week we will have outside speakers from a variety of Careers and Occupations and possibly BGS Alumni.
There will be downtime each day for you to get involved in various Interest Groups. During on-line registration, each of you should have selected your Interest Groups. Activities offered are: Band, Chorus, Badger Tales, MultiMedia, Americanism/Community Service, Patriotism, Parlimentary Procedure, Physical Activity (bring your own gear) and the View (a three part series covering City's Anatomy, CSI: County Scene Investigation and Law & Order BGS). Whatever you decide must be completed during the time alloted and everyone must stay on campus. Failure to do so will result in immediate dismissal.
BGS is a very strenuous week both mentally and physically. Do not report to BGS tired, as it will be hard to catch up on your sleep and keep up the pace of daily activities.
We know that some girls may get homesick or may feel overwhelmed. All of the Counselors are willing to lend an ear or shoulder. We are all Daughters, Sisters, Mothers or Grandmothers and we are there to guide, encourage and sometimes, comfort. So, don't be afraid to come to us for help.
When you see any of "us" at Girls State, say HI! We may not always recognize you, so tell us how you know us. We like to see familiar faces too!
We hope you enjoy Girls State, make lots of friends and when you get home, don't forget to report back to your Sponsors and Contributors about your week with us.
Dorm Rooms: Two girls will be assigned to each room. Each girl will have her own single bed, desk, dresser and closet space. Bed linen (and pillow) will be provided. Girls will be responsible for making their own bed and bringing their own towels, wash cloths and toiletries. Lodging rooms are not air- conditioned, however, meeting rooms are. Girls may bring their own fan and alarm clock.
Clothes: Plan your wardrobe according to Business attire. This would include dresses, skirts, dressy slacks, capris, blouses and suits. Undergarments must be worn and shall not be visible. Good walking shoes are a must. If you bring dress shoes (high heels), carry them and wear your walking shoes when “on the move". The weather is unpredictable in June so be prepared for rain, cool evenings and perhaps, extremely warm weather! Bring a raincoat/umbrella and a light jacket or coat. A comment from a former citizen was, "It's better to over pack and have too much than not have enough." You'll definitely want to bring an outfit for each day. Thursday evening is Inaugural. Here we want you to wear something dressy. Not as dressy as a Prom, but more like church or a nice dinner.
If you have signed up for the Patriotism Interest Group you will be carrying flags in Inaugural ceremonies. You must have a pair of white dressy slacks (no Capri's), a white short sleeved, button down blouse that will be worn tucked in and white tennis shoes.
Note: Blue Jeans and shorts will only be acceptable during the State Fair. All other times you are expected to be in business casual attire.
General: Clothes hangers, pen, pencils, notebook paper. Optional: felt tip markers, blue painters masking tape, scissors, radio, camera, flashlight, family pictures, etc. to share with other citizens.room fan. Backpacks will not be allowed, as a bag will be provided to carry your material.
State Fair/Talent Show: On Thursday afternoon we have a State Fair where the Band and Chorus have performances and we conclude the fair with a Talent Show. All girls interested in this will compete within their counties to win the honor of competing for the State Talent Show. So, if you have some special talent come prepared to compete.
Band Students: Girls that selected Band as their first choice are automatically in Band and should bring their instruments and music stands. If you play drums, bring your sticks. Drums will be provided. If you selected Band as your second choice, the Advisor will notify you. Band members are to register their instruments and music stand with Mrs. Judy Shafel, Advisor, who will be located in the Titan Lounge in the Gruenhagen Conference Center following Registration at River Center. First practice will be at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday as Band will play during the Opening Convocation. Numbers played during this program will be the National Anthem, On Wisconsin, Washington Post March and Stars & Stripes Forever. Remember to stop back to the Titan Lounge and pick up your instrument and music stand to take with you to your first practice at Albee Hall.
Attention: Our first meal will not be served until 5:00 p.m. so it is extremely advisable that you eat prior to arrival. However, Gruenhagen will have food available for you to purchase near the registration area at your own expense.
Food: All meals will consist of traditional menus. If anyone has a special dietary needs they should contact the Executive Director prior to the start of BGS. Do not wait until registration day. Menus will be posted telling what selections will be available at each of the food stations. It will be fun trying to make selections. There definitely won't be a lack of food.
Girls Nation - Girls Nation is an extension of Girls State where Federal Government is the focus. It's a week long session sponsored by the National American Legion Auxiliary and is held at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, MD
Two girls are elected from each Girls State session around the Country to participate in Girls Nation. The program is held in July 19-26, 2008.
Girls Nation "Senators" spend the week organizing into political parties (they retain their party affiliation they had at Girls State) electing party officials, preparing legislation in mock Senate trials and conducting a National Convention for each party. They visit with their State's Representatives and Senators and sometimes get to meet the President or Vice President.
Other highlights include visits to the various War Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, the Senate Gallery, The Pentagon, The Kennedy Center and the U.S. Military District of Washington's "Twilight Tattoo".
At Badger Girls State, Girls are nominated on Wednesday, election of Girls Nation Senators is held on Thursday. Two girls from each County are placed on the ballot and the results are announced at Inaugural.
A special note to Parents: On Friday we are having a Wisconsin Careers/College Options in the main lobby in Reeve from 8:30 a.m. ‑ 10:00 a.m.. If you plan to attend our final General Assembly at 10:30 a.m. and have time, please take advantage of this opportunity to visit with Wisconsin Colleges/Universities/Technical Colleges and representatives from the different branches of the military while waiting for your daughter.
We hope you are looking forward to a fantastic week.