General Organization

Boys State is conducted in 49 states. Hawaii does not conduct a program. The length of the programs average about seven days and enrollments range from as few as 25 to well over 1,400.

Most programs operate from campuses of colleges or universities, although some are conducted on military reservations and other facilities that offer the space needed for its operation. Boys Staters are housed in dormitories and dine in cafeterias.

For many of the young men who participate, Boys State offers a preview of what college life will be like and also puts them in a real-life situation of decision making and the resulting accountability of their actions.

Boys State Staff

The success of American Legion Boys State can be attributed to the professional staff that is assembled to conduct the program. Staff members are chosen only after a thorough review of their character, qualifications, and experience.

The supervision of activities at Boys State and the responsibility for the full program is entrusted to its director. He is assisted by an Administrative and Instructional staff that usually includes volunteer educators, attorneys, and other professional people, many of whom are drawn from the membership of The American Legion. The Administrative staff has responsibility for providing services while the Instructional staff consists of individuals responsible for the educational and recreational aspects of the overall program.

Boys States are divided into subgroups, most commonly called "cities", which usually consist of 25-30 boys. Counselors are assigned to these cities to oversee the physical welfare of the boys. Legionnaires, students at the major service academies and ROTC students fill many of these positions.

The Political Organization - Precinct through State

Upon arrival at Boys State, the young men are assigned to one of two political parties. In most programs these parties are called the "Nationalists" or the "Federalists". Such a political organization results in involvement at the precinct level, the city, county, judicial circuit, senatorial or legislative districts as well as at the state level.

The government organization provides for elections at all levels, party caucses and conventions, platform development, and the organizing and operation of local government units such as county boards, agencies and courts.

The Instructional Program

The effectiveness of the American Legion's Boys State programs, in teaching about state government, can be placed squarely on the shoulders of its instructional program. That important facet of the overall activity is carried out in three components: limited classroom instruction, functional activities (learning by doing), and general assemblies of instruction.

Generally speaking, about 50 percent of the program hours are devoted to government instruction and practical exercises. Classroom instruction is held on subjects such as law, civil service, election procedure and parliamentary procedures. Many states conduct special schools to inform candidates of the duties of the office they seek. Topics of instruction include detailed explanation and instruction on the legislative, executive and judicial procedures of the respective state government.

Functional activities start with a caucus or other method of nominating candidates for city offices and conclude with the election and inauguration of the Governor of the mythical state organization.

The functional activities are the heart of the instructional program. These include such activities as elections, caucuses, conventions, operation of the courts, legislative assemblies, law enforcement and public welfare. Tthese activities take a considerable portion of the time alloted for instructional purposes and constitute the primary means through which the young men "learn by doing".

Boys State programs use assemblies as a means to spur enthusiasm and spirit, inspiration and patriotism, political fervor and a real zeal for "the American way".

The bottom line is...

"Every citizen becomes an integral part of Boys State, assuming responsibilities and performing duties either as an elected or appointed pofficial, or otherwise fulfilling an assignment entailing the duties of responsible citizenship."

The American Legion is... the largest veterans organization in the world, with a membership approaching three million in the 50 Unites States, the District of Columbia and several foreign countries. All members are current or former members of the United States Armed Forces with honorable service on active duty during periods of armed conflict.

The American Legion was founded and organized in 1919 and has touched virtually every facet of American life, fulfilling its main objective of service to the community, state and nation. The American Legion also conducts many programs designed to benefit the youth of our nation. Notable among these are: American Legion Baseball, Boys State and Boys Nation programs, the National High School Oratorial Contest, the junior Shooting Spoorts Program, Scouting and the American Legion School Awards Program.

A network of almost 15,000 local American Legion posts in communities coast to coast and around the world carry out the programs of the organization. Working hand-in-hand with the Legion aree the almost one million members of the American Legion Auxillary and several hundred thousand members of the Sons of The American Legion.

American Legion Boys State is...

To the participant: ... A richly rewarding and educational program that has provided the motivation for many former participants to seek careers in public service. Selection serves as a testimony to a participant's character and leadership skills and is an experience recognized by many employers, academy and university admission boards as an indicator of strong leadership and character traits.

To the Sponsor: ... An opportunity to make a positive difference in that young person's life. For a few dollars, a sponsor provides a character-building and educational experience that the participant will remember for a lifetime. It is also a source of great satisfaction to the sponsor.

To the Parents: ... Assurance that their son is participating in a character-buildig program of rich tradition that is open to those who have earned the right to attend. It has been said by many parents on many occasions... "We sent you a boy and you have returned us a man."

To the School: ... A practical educational experience that teaches young men about state government and how to become better leaders. As they return to their schools for their senior year, they are able to take a more active role in student government and serve as a positive influence to other students.

American Legion Boys Nation

Each year, Boys States select two outstanding participants to represent them at American Legion Boys Nation, an extension of the State-level experience. It has similar objectives and goals as that of Boys State, however, American Legion Boys Nation is also designed to instill in each delegate a deep loyalty to America while providing practical insight into the operation of the federal government.

The weeklong program in the nation's capital combines lectures, forums and visitations to federal agencies, institutions, memorials and historical sites in and around the District of Columbia. Actual participation in the political process is highlighted through the week's activities to include the organization of party conventions and the nomination and election of a Boys Nation President and Vice President.