THE AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Boys State

"Learning today... leading tomorrow"

American Legion Boys State... There's no program like it.

Born of a desire to counter the Fascist-inspired Young Pioneer Caps of the 1930s, it continues today as a premier example of learning about government by taking an active and practical role in its operation.  Through role-playing exercises, participants soon learn that the individual citizen is ultimately responsible for the character and the success of his government.

The American Legion believes there is no better way to assure the survival of our republic than to train our young people in the ideals and objectives of our American government.  By teaching youth to understand and appreciate the basic principles involved in the successful management of a democratic society, America can remain strong and ensure our freedom for future generations.

American Legion Boys State is a unique summertime educational program that does not emphasize classroom lectures and textbook learning.  Instead, it focuses on participation and personal experience in a model state, complete with governing bodies and elected public officials.  It is designed to mirror the structure and operation of its respective state government.

Boys State was founded, and its courses of instruction designed, to supplement the information taught in high school civics classes.  It is an activity born out of a need for youth training in practical citizenship, leadership, and to instill a working knowledge of the structure and operation of state government.

Boys State has the following objectives: 1) to develop leadership and pride in American citizenship; 2) to arouse a keen interest in the detailed study of government; 3) to develop in the young citizens of Boys State a full understanding of our American traditions and belief in the United States of America; 4) to arouse in the young citizens a determination to maintain our form of government, and, from the Preamble to The American Legion's Constitution; 5) "to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; and 6) to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy."

It's a week that lasts a lifetime.

The American Legion is...

The largest veterans organization in the world, with a membership approaching three million in the 50 United 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 Oratorical Contest, the Junior Shooting Sports 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 are the almost 1 million members of the American Legion Auxiliary 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 testimony to a participant's character and leadership skills and is an experience recognized by many employers, academy and university admissions 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-building 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 returned to 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.

General Information

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 Starters 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 for 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 an 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 education and recreational aspects of the overall program.

Boys States are divided into subgroups, mostly 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 those 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 district as well as at the state level.

The government organization provides for elections at all levels, party caucuses 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 distinct 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.  These activities take a considerable portion of the time allotted 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 official, or otherwise fulfilling an assignment entailing the duties of responsible citizenship."

Eligibility/Selection Criteria

The American Legion has established certain qualifications for prospective Boys State citizens.  Recommended guidelines that are employed by most Boys States are:

• Only males who have successfully completed their junior year of high school and have at least one more semester of high school remaining are to be considered.
  
• Any boy who has previously attended a Boys State is not eligible to attend a second session.
  
• Only boys with outstanding qualities of leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty, and service to their schools should be considered.

In the actual selection process, merit and ability are the two most important factors considered.  No boys are permitted to attend because of either poverty or wealth.   It is not a program for underprivileged boys nor is it a summer camp for recreation.  Fees, or "tuition," are paid by American Legion Posts or other community-minded organizations, with little or no expense to a young man and his family.

The selection process varies in the state level Departments of the American Legion, but it is generally conducted with the school recommending several more boys than a sponsor has quotas for and the sponsor (either a Legion Post or other organization) then selects representatives from this list.

American Legion Boys Nation

Each year, Boys State selects 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.

At Boys Nation, each delegate represents his state as a Senator and participates in Senate sessions.  They organize into committees and conduct hearings on bills submitted for their consideration.  Delegates are instructed on the proper method of handling bills based on the rules of the United States Senate.

In addition to federal legislators and representatives of federal agencies, organization and lay leaders of national distinction participate in the program.

What Former Participants are Saying About American Legion Boys State

"I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Boys State.  I have encouraged dozens of young men to apply to Boys State when eligible.  The total experience taught me much about leadership, government, and community service.  Great job, American Legion!"
Kevin Mayeaux (1986), Florida Boys State

"The Boys State and Boys Nation programs have given me an invaluable opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.  They have heightened my awareness of the importance of the governmental process."
Keith Webber (1992), Okla. Boys State

"Thank you, American Legion, for the best citizenship program in the country."
James K. Moore (1950), WI. Boys State

"I tell people to this day that the greatest youth programs in America are the American Legion Boys State/Nation programs.  Without a doubt, these programs are among the only programs which are bold enough to instill basic American values into young men, truly preparing them for the future."
Judson Turner (1992), Georgia Boys State

American Legion Boys State is a program of The American Legion's National Americanism Commission and administered independently by the respective state organizations.  General information about Boys State and Boys Nation can be obtained by contacting the Americanism and Children & Youth Division, The American Legion, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206, phone 317/630-1207, or from The American Legion's Web site at http://www.legion.org or e-mail at acy@legion.org