Boys State
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Chairman: John Louk 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 part of the operation of his local, county, and state governement. The American Legion organized Boys State in 1935 to counter the Fascist inspired Young Pioneer Camps. Two Illinois Legionaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program for young ladies called Girls State. Participation in American Legion Boys State exposes boys to the rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical, where students are elected to various offices, and function in those offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus, and recreational programs. American Legion Posts select high schools juniors to attend the program. In most cases, the sponsoring American Legion Post, or another community-based organization, pays the expenses associated with attending the program. Currently, 49 Departments of The American Legion conduct an American Legion Boys State program. At this time, 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 fo the program - that of teaching government from the township to the state level. Contact your local American Legion Post for infomration on how to participate. Boys State 2012 is June 10 through 15 RESOURCES: |