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 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.

 

 

 Ladies and Gentleman of the American Legion, I would like to personally thank you  for selecting me to represent Kern Valley High School and Post 711 at the 2010 California Golden Boys State. I had a unique and educational experience at  Boys State  and I appreciate your commitment and dedication to this extraordinary program . This opportunity allowed me to learn  how our government works and make new friends. Here is my summary of each day at Boys State:

 Day 1:  I learned my duties and obligations as a citizen of  Drake city within Haley County.  I was placed into the Federalist political party.  I also experienced voting for the first time by voting for our city offices.

 Day 2:  We worked together to create laws and regulations for our city. I attended the Federalist Party’s political rally. It was interesting to listen to the Federalist candidates for state offices express their views on certain  topics.  

Day 3:  County office elections were held and  I was elected Sheriff. I began learning about this position’s obligations and tasks. I started enforcing laws and  we even set up a jail system that would be the punishment for lawbreakers.

Day 4: I voted in the Primary Election for state offices and decided not to vote for federalists just because I was a Federalist, but to vote for the candidates I felt could perform well in those positions.

Day 5: I voted in the General Election for state offices. We also had college and career night where I had the privilege of listening to and meeting with representatives from University of Notre Dame, Harvard University, Princeton University, and Yale University.

Day 6: We had our Inaugural Program where the state officers were instated. Afterwards, we visited the Capitol Building in order to meet with our Senator and Assembly member. I was presented a Certificate of Recognition by both Senator Roy Ashburn and Assembly member Jean Fuller.

Day 7: This was my last day as Sheriff and as a citizen of Drake city. We had final city and county meetings.  

Once the program had reached its closing, I looked back at what we as Boys State citizens had accomplished. We built a fully functioning government from scratch in which all of us held some type of office or position. This not only helped us understand how our government operates, but it also helped educate us on the right way to vote. I feel that I am much more prepared to be a responsible voter and citizen. Boys State has truly been an experience that I will never forget and I thank you for selecting me as your delegate.