BOYS STATE
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.
High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. In most cases, 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 and every Boys State adheres to the basic concept of the program - that of teaching government from the township to the state level.
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.
High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. In most cases, 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 and every Boys State adheres to the basic concept of the program - that of teaching government from the township to the state level.
BOYS STATE 2023 WILL BE HELD FROM SUNDAY JUN 25TH TO JUN 30TH AT MORRISVILLE STATE COLLEGE, MORRISVILLE, NY. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE BOYS STATE CHAIRMAN, DAVE MILLER AT 518 817-5943.
For additional information you can go to www.nylegion.net/boys-state.
Just what is Boys State? Boys State is a program of The American Legion developed from the concept that youth should be offered a better perspective of the practical operation of Government; that the individual is an integral part, and commensurately responsible, for the character and success of his government. Boys' State is easily classified as a Leadership Action Program where in qualified male high school juniors participate in a practical government course designed to develop in the young citizens a working knowledge of the structure of Government and to impress upon them that their Government is just what THEY make it.
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Be at least 15 years of age at the time of application.
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Have completed their junior year AND have a least 80% or "B" average.
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Intend to return to school to complete their education.
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be residents of New York State
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reside in adjoining state, but attend school in New York State
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Leadership
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Ability to get along with others
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Physical cleanliness and neatness
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Honest
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Good personality and Vigorous attitude
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Enthusiasm
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Good Citizenship
To keep up-to-date on what is new for the Boy's State program link to the Department of New York website for Boys State. Copyright 1996-2006 The American Legion - All Rights Reserved -
The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program for young ladies called Girls State. For online details visit www.legion.org