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What is Boys State?

Boys State is an educational program sponsored by the American Legion Departments across the country to help young men learn about government and how it works. Our motto is "Learn by Doing". The Boys State educational staff's goal is to facilitate the learning process by giving the citizens of Boys State an opportunity to govern themselves, and to run their own state.

Boys State is...LEARNING.

Delegates have the opportunity to learn more about their city, county, and state government in one week at Boys State than in an entire semester in a formal classroom setting. Boys Staters meet with elected and appointed officials to learn more about the duties and responsibilities of a variety of positions in government from people on the "inside." Additionally, in Boys State, each citizen has the opportunity to learn for himself that his government is just what he makes it.

Boys State is...POLITICS.

The first half of your Boys State experience will expose you to the world of politics. You will nominate candidates for partisan and non-partisan offices on the city, county, and state level. You will also no doubt, be exposed to the "seamy" side of politics...the wheeling and dealing, the promises that cannot be kept, the vote trading, and the cajoling, to give a candidate or a party that "extra advantage."

Boys State is...GOVERNMENT.

When the dust has settled from the conventions, campaigns, and elections, Boys State needs to be governed for four days by its elected and appointed officials. Boys Staters will find themselves performing exactly the same functions as real office holders in the everyday world. Education and University Boards must make policies for their areas of responsibility. City councils, county commissions, and the state legislature must make ordinances and laws for their constituencies. Executive departments and other administrators must see that laws and policies are properly interpreted.

Boys State is...INVOLVEMENT.

Come to Boys State determined to become as involved as possible in the many activities that are available to you in this mythical 51st state. The more active and involved you are, the more you will benefit from the program.

Boys State is...FRIENDSHIP.

You may arrive at Boys State knowing no one else. However, one of the fringe benefits of Boys State is how easy it is to get to know people, many of whom may remain your friend for the rest of your life.