BOYS STATE

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American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county, and state government.

Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935 when it was organized to counter the Fascist inspired Young Pioneer Camps. The program was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical, with city, county, and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.

This isn’t some stuffy school exercise or pretend student council. It’s fast-paced, real, and eye-opening. One morning, you might be mayor of your city; by afternoon, you’re debating planks for your political party’s platform. Along the way, you’ll gain a first-hand understanding of how decisions are made and discover your own leadership style under pressure. And yes – it’s as exciting and fun as it sounds. You’ll bond with 100+ new friends who are just as motivated as you are (finally, “everyone there was like me” – no one thinks you’re “weird” for caring about this stuff!). By the end of the week, you won’t just have head knowledge – you’ll have lived it, and that “truly changes the way you view civic responsibility and leadership.”

High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. There is no cost to the candidate. Expenses associated with attending this program are paid by a sponsoring American Legion Post, a local business, or another community-based organization.

American Legion Boys State is currently conducted in 49 Departments of The American Legion. Hawaii does not conduct a program. As separate corporations, Boys States vary in content and method of procedure, but each Boys State adheres to the basic concept of the program - that of teaching government from the township to the state level.

The post sponsors between two and five candidates each year.  If you are interested in applying, contact Post 26, Boys State Chair, Mark Conner by email, jmconner58@icloud.com.  Please put in the subject line: Boys State.

The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program for young ladies called Girls State. For online details, visit  http://www.boysandgirlsstate.org/girls.html

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