RIPON, WI (WTAQ) - Hundreds of Wisconsin high school seniors will get a first-hand look at how state and local governments operate, when the annual Badger Boys State program begins June 9th in Ripon.

The boys will hold a number of mock government positions during the eight-day event. They’ll campaign for offices, create party platforms, act on laws, and create their own State Patrol and judicial system.

And some will learn the media’s role by writing for the Badger Boys State official newspaper. They also can participate in a band and a choir.

Over 62,000 boys have taken part in Badger Boys State since the program started in 1939.

Governor Scott Walker is scheduled to speak at this year’s event, along with Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley and Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen.