American Legion Auxiliary: Keystone Girls State

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
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<p>Today I was informed I've been nominated to attend the American Legion Auxiliary summer program, girls state, and to my understanding you basically form a mock state and participate as members of the state or local government. I've never heard of this program until today and I have 3 days to decide if I want to do it. It's a week of the summer, and I'll be very busy this summer, so I want to make sure the program would be worth it. The program sheet says it is for young women interested in "student council, political science, government, law and leadership." while I am really only interested in leadership, I have little to no knowledge on any of the other topics. So, would this program be good for me so I can obtain a better knowledge about our government (which I would love to have), or is it something I would feel out of place in due to my complete lack of knowledge on these subjects? I wouldn't be there to run for office or anything, just for the experience and the knowledge about our government in which I am severely lacking. ALSO, I was wondering about the prestige of the program and the significance it would hold in the college admissions process for top tier colleges, including the ivies. </p>

<p>I would appreciate any replies from people who have attended either Girls State or Boys State, thank you!</p>

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<p>I’m assuming you have made your decision by now… what did you decide?
I was a Texas Boys Stater last year, and I enjoyed it immensely.</p>

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<p>That’s awesome, I was selected to be my school’s Girl State Delegate. I personally think it’s a very great and prestigious program, similar to HOBY. I know that Bill Clinton also attended Boys State and then Boys Nation, which was where he met JFK who inspired him to become president.</p>

<p>Anyhoo, sorry about the anecdote, but I think you should go for it and attend!</p>

<p>Btw, matt516, how was Boys State for Texas? Specifically, what do you have to do to run for an office?</p>

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<p>Collect enough signatures from members of your party within the office’s jurisdiction to get on the ballot. Then win the primary. Then win in the general election. I was elected Associate Justice on the Texas Supreme Court. Went for Chief Justice initially, but made a strategic retreat after another candidate from my city snagged all the signatures haha. Twas great, I got to give a speech to about 800 guys about my judicial philosophy. We had some awesome guest speakers, too.</p>