<p>Apparently, they learn the proper drills from Army or Marines. The learn to march in formation, etc. I know that other states do it too, including New York. It is actual “left, left, left, right left” stuff.</p>
<p>Is it at all an honor to be nominated for Boys State, or is it just one of those things that, if you pay for it, you can go? S got a couple letters about it, but didn’t reply because he has already committed to another activity during that week. Do they send out these letters to everyone in the top half of the class or something? (S is an excellent student, but not at all involved in ECs). I heard it was some sort of honor to be picked for it, but if you have to pay for it yourself or “find your own sponsors” it sounds like any other summer camp experience that you pay for.</p>
<p>^^</p>
<p>You don’t pay for it. They pay for you to go. They are looking for leaders and they are vetting candidates and I think it is an honor to be selected.</p>
<p>I think it is an honor to be selected and probably a plus for a resume but I think it is only worth going if it interests you. My S went a few years ago and loved it enough to go back as a counselor. He did say that the first day was really boring and prior participants had warned him of that. He really enjoyed being part of a platform committee and running for office, even when he didn’t win. He also enjoyed being in the band and said others enjoyed the athletics. He said it is worth going only if you are into it and he was.</p>
<p>The boys didn’t seem to like Boys State because of the marching involved that MizzBee referred to. They felt it was very militaristic. We live in NJ, though based on the other comments here it sounds like the marching is done in many, if not all states.</p>
<p>My daughter did not pay for it. There was a sign-up for interested students through the guidance office, and the kids who signed up were interviewed by an American Legion rep who made the final selection. The local American Legion chapter paid for the program.</p>
<p>My S is going this year - and there is definitely marching in NY!</p>
<p>He is not really into politics (math/Science kid), but enjoys history and is looking forward to it.</p>
<p>At our HS the kids are selected by someone…probably the guidance dept. AFAIK, there are no applications involved and no selection by the American Legion post. (AFAIK there is no marching practice involved in the actual event, either.) They usually select some kids who have actually demonstrated interest in government/politics/public life, and some kids who have never evinced any interest at all for whom they are clearly “punching their leadership tickets” for selective college applications.</p>
<p>In our state, they don’t pay for it–you are “free to find your own sponsors” or your parents can pay–cost is around $350(?) if I remember correctly.</p>
<p>In Wisconsin it is an honor to be selected. Each high school can only nomintate a certain number of students depending on the school enrollment. All costs are covered for selected students and there is no marching. During his week at Boys State, one of his classmates from high school died from an accident. Son left the camp for 24 hours to attend the funeral and then went back. He was really amazed at how supportive all the boys were in his section, especially since he didn’t really know any of them. Because he was gone, he wasn’t able to run for Supreme Court, but at that point, it didn’t matter. He was glad he attended.</p>
<p>There was no marching in CA four years ago. I can report back this summer if that’s changed!</p>
<p>No marching here! My oldest son went as did a friend of his from his HS. They said the American Legion guys running the week swore a lot. Here you fill out an application including an essay. The local American Legion picked the kids who attend. It is free for all although our local legion gave my son gas money as well. It is considered an honor here to be picked and good for college apps. Both my son and his friend were in speech and debate. Here it is that same pool of kids which attends. Some of the kids from bigger schools were more in the know about the program and came in prepared to run campaigns for the higher offices.</p>
<p>Bumping this up.</p>
<p>I just got back from Michigan Boys State yesterday. It was an awesome experience and I definitely recommend it to people who are interested in government or law. I did not expect to enjoy the program, but once I got into it, it was really fun. I was elected to the Court of Appeals, and bonded immensely with my city mates.</p>
<p>DS also just finished CA Boys State and had a great experience.</p>
<p>I was there last year. It made me to believe that a career in government is not my cup of tea.</p>
<p>^ Same Arbydan, same.
I went to FL Girl’s State and applied via the local auxiliary. It was all expenses paid and a great experience. I met a lot of girls who now attend my university and DID decide to go into politics/government because of the experience. I did very well (won Best Senator) but did a complete 180 and went with a science major in college because I found that was what fit my personality better.
Overall…a great experience and recommended to anybody!</p>
<p>Both of my sons have done it [with the youngest just doing it this summer]. They both had terrific times. The first one was elected to go to Boys Nation so also had the week experience in DC. They end up meeting tons of like minded good boys and maintain that contact. My oldest has returned each year as a counselor and my youngest plans on returning as a counselor as well. Best of all, the experience provided good fodder for college app essays which in part helped my oldest to get accepted to several Ivy’s…</p>
<p>My daughter went to Girls State last year. She was nominated by someone at her school and then interviewed. I believe 3 girls attended Girls State from her local high school. She had a great time and was elected Senator. She then attended Girls Nation. She had such a great time and met so many great young women from around the country.<br>
This was great EC for her college applications and I think helped her get into a few Ivy’s. My D also mentioned that at least 5 girls she attended Girls Nation with were accepted to the same Ivy.</p>
<p>I just got back from boys state! It was great. I was appointed attorney for our city and had a blast. We also won honors county and I got best citizen, so it was pretty good. 
I would recommend it to anyone.</p>
<p>S was nominated, but it conflicted with a national tournament he qualified for. But in our state, you have to pay your own way or find a sponsor on your own.</p>
<p>My S went last summer and learned a lot about human nature. He learned that people often vote for candidates based on superficial traits and not their qualifications for the office. The elected Governor showed up to the inauguration with his girlfriend and two small children (this was a high school senior) and went on the verbally insult the real governor of our state who was in attendance. The following day the entire population of Boys State voted to recall him. Actually sounded pretty interesting.</p>