I will be attending the New York Boys’ State this June and I would like any tips from people who attended the New York Boys’ State or any other state and ESPECIALLY those who were selected to Boys’ Nation. For YEARS it’s been my dream to go to Boys’ Nation and any tips on how to get elected to go or things I can start doing now to increase my chances would be immensely helpful. Thanks!
I would love some information about this too. I’m attending too from big state like you and it’s also my dream to go to Boys Nation.
The biggest tip I can give is to not be a politician during Boys State. Make friends, develop connections, but don’t go solely for the chance of going to D.C. (or you’ll be very disappointed!).
You will meet many talented and bright individuals, but the most talented and bright might not be elected to Boys Nation. Sometimes, it’s the kids that are liked by their peers, or the most active participants, or the most enthusiastic that get elected.
That said, just be active and friendly. Try to get elected to a high position, but don’t act like your life depends on it. It is, after all, just a simulation of American Government. It does not matter in the end.
I was elected to attend Boys Nation because I made many friends and impressed the coordinators with enthusiasm and active participation. Tbh, Boys Nation was one of the best experiences of my life and although I initially thought of it as another thing to tack onto my application, I now see it as one of the most significant opportunities that I had the chance of partaking in.
I went to Boys State this past summer and it is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. You really develop a brotherhood with your city and all of the other citizens as well. I did not go to Boys Nation but someone from my city did, and my best advice for you would be to get the most out of you experience. Talk to people, build connections, and don’t be afraid to give it your everything. I’m usually a more quiet and reserved person, but after a few days of Boys State, I was loud and energetic. Personally, I feel like you’re not doing Boys State right if you don’t lose your voice.
Run for offices. I was never great at public speaking, especially in front of large crowds, but Boys State helped develop those skill and I usually would win my party nomination. Sometimes winning is based on popularity, but the people who are over Boys Nation representatives really want to see skills, passion, and energy. My friend who was selected for Boys Nation had all of that. He was the person from the other party always running against me, but I’ll gladly admit defeat to someone who’s that passionate about the offices he ran for. At Boys State, you’re always busy and you don’t have much time to craft speeches so you should run for offices that you are passionate about and maybe have experience in. I ran for City Treasurer, County Superintendent of Education, and State Superintendent of Education because I had teaching/tutoring experience and I was Treasurer of FBLA at my old school. It helps when you have examples and facts instead of broad generalizations.
My number one tip is to enjoy Boys State. It’s really an experience where you get out what you put in. Regardless of whether you go to Boys Nation or not, the experience is what makes everything worth it. When you walk around with your Boys State shirt, you’ll be surprised at how many people have respect for you. I’ve had people young and old stop me because of my Boys State shirt. With your passion, I’m sure you’ll enjoy Boys State and be a good contender for Boys Nation.