What is boys state? I had heard someone mention it and did a quick Google search about it.
I was wondering if any of you have gotten into it and what your experiences were.
Also how do you get into boys state?
Is there something special that you have to do to get in?
I’m into politics and government systems so from a glance this seems like something I’d be into.
Any help or information would be appreciated.
Boys State is a week-long mockup of local and state politics by rising seniors. You have to apply to participate a few months in advance. I would have applied, but was stopped by the eligibility requirement of belief in “God and America”.
My son is attending Boys State this week. It is run by the American Legion; it is for rising seniors; and a kid has to be sponsored by a local American Legion post to attend. The sponsor pays the cost, at least in our case, so it is free to the attendee. Almost every state has one, and each program has a slightly different name (e.g. in Ohio it is Buckeye Boys State and in Iowa I think it is Hawkeye Boys State or something like that).
Attendees run a mythical state government. At registration, each attendee is assigned to a city and to a county, as well as one of the two Boys State political parties (nationalists or federalists). The political parties caucus and create their respective agendas. There is a full slate of city, county and state offices and attendees can run for one of those offices if they choose. If they do that, they have to go through a petition process, a primary election and a general election. There are also jobs in media, banking, realty, policing, private attorneys, etc. that attendees can hold. Each attendee gets paid a salary in “Boys State” money and has to manage certain expenses out of that. Real life counterparts to some of the elected offices and jobs come to visit to show what is involved in their jobs - for example, in Ohio, the governor and attorney general usually come, along with elected officials in the city where the program is held and Boys State alumni who currently hold positions at attorneys, bankers, etc.
Participation in Boys State makes a student eligible to be chosen for Boys Nation, eligible for the Samsung American Legion College Scholarship, and (in Ohio, I think it’s different in other states) eligible to apply for the U.S. Senate Youth Program. There are many notable alumni of Boys State, many of whom are involved in politics (e.g. Bill Clinton, Beau Biden, Mike Huckabee, Trent Lott, Chris Christie, Samuel Alito, Tom Daschle) and many of whom are not (e.g., Neil Armstrong, Tom Brokaw, Scott Bakula, Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen).
If your son is interested in politics and government, this is something that might be for him. The American Legion also runs a Girls State if you have a daughter who might be interested.
As to the other poster’s comment, so far, we have not gotten a sense that you have to believe in God to be eligible nor that religion dominates the Boys State experience. The materials we received made clear that God would be mentioned and that you had to be able to “respect and tolerate” that. The first assembly opened with a nondenominational prayer, as I imagine each of the nightly assemblies probably do, and there is an optional ecumenical service on Sunday morning. If you are offended by the mere mention of “God” or bothered by the fact that the program allows your fellow attendees to go to a non-denominational religious service if they so choose (no one will make YOU go), then Boys State might not be your thing.
And, since the program is put on by the American Legion, there is predictably an emphasis on patriotism and citizenship. They recite the Pledge of Allegiance; the flag is present at all of their assemblies; there is mention of the American Legion’s connection to the military when they explain the history of the program; and the Boys State Band plays patriotic (and other) music such as America the Beautiful. If you are bothered by that, then Boys State is probably not your thing.
Hey @Elementop . I’m a high school junior (rising senior) and I’ve been chosen by the teachers at my school to participate in Virginia Boys’ State this year (which is in less than a week, for me.) This is essentially what I’ve heard about Boys’ States, both on this forum and by teachers and former participants :
- Some selection processes are different. For me personally, I found it odd that all I had to do was be selected by my teachers and BAM done. On its website, and according to many other people, you have to go through an extensive acceptance process that includes essays, interviews, and a bunch of other crap. I’ve had to do none of this, and my friend who did it last year didn’t have to do anything like it either. Just ask around, contact a post representative and get stuff straightened out.
- In Virgina, the program is restricted to high school rising seniors. This may be different in other states...
- Attending Boys' State is sort of a huge deal... on the citation that I received, it said I was selected because of my "integrity, leadership, patriotism, and honesty." So yeah, it's a huge resume booster. From what I've heard from others who've done it before, it really helps you get into good colleges. My AP Psych teacher is a former graduate of the USMA at West Point and told me personally that "this asset will help you to get into some of the most elite colleges in our country, especially service academies." Maybe he exaggerated, but from all that I've heard about it, he can't be too far off. It makes sense though right? If you got through a rigorous selection process by a highly respected organization (The American Legion), why should colleges not at least give you more of a chance? Also, I've heard that selection to Boys' State is almost like automatically assuming the role of Eagle Scout (not literally, but colleges look at it the same.)
- If you're into politics, I'm pretty sure this program is for you. Again, I'm going in less than a week (and therefore haven't personally experienced it), but I've heard that it truly is an enlightening experience.
- Anything special? Be highly respected by your teachers. Conduct yourself well. Get excellent grades by brain power not cheating. Show love of country and love for your peers. Demonstrate leadership. Be square with everyone you encounter. I know it sounds cliche, but each of these are greater than the sum of their parts.
Overall, Boys’ State is an incredibly special thing to have on your resume. I mean sure you have that awesome experience, but when it comes down to what colleges are looking for they want to see stuff like this.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
My son attended last year. The guidance councelors presented the information during civics class and interested students could apply. I’m not sure who makes the selection. It was an extremely worthwhile experience. My son still keeps in contact with the friends he made there. Also had some of the best conversations!! One thing he really liked was being surrounded by other high achieving and serious students for a week :).
It will be an amazing experience. I have heard NOTHING but rave reviews of it from everyone I know that has been. Many adults called it the best thing they did in high school and said they still have friends and contacts from it that have at times helped their career. I will be going this summer and I can’t wait!