<p>I know Girls State was a while ago, but I was thinking over my experience and it seemed to be pretty much a joke for all it was hyped up to be. I was elected Secretary of State, but basically anyone who wanted to be elected for anything just had to be a little unusual or creative in their speeches. Seriously, a girl went up and started chattering about how she loved trees and rainbows and everyone and was elected to a state office. She was popular and really hyper and a bit out there, but from the seriousness at our meetings leading up to Girls State, it came off as an intellectual and "patriotic" experience. Instead it ended up a little like cheerleading camp.</p>
<p>From what I've heard from my friends, Boys State was quite different. An auxiliary leader who spoke at their informational meeting was asked why it wasn't co-ed. His exact answer was that the quality of Boys State and what they could do during the week would go down if they were combined with girls.</p>
<p>Is the disparity between the two because Girls State was founded much later, the old conservative women running it, or just remnants of a patriarchal society?</p>
<p>I met some really cool people at it, but I'm not sure whether it was worth a week of my time.</p>
<p>I wouldn't go if it's segregated and some leader said that. I'd send in a photocopy of the check I would be paying with and say some like "This would be yours if you were sexist" in the letter. Hehe. But that's just me.</p>
<p>Ohhh, or I'd sign up for the boy's camp. Are they different weeks? You could say you could only make if that week, and dare them to kick you out just cause you're a girl.</p>
<p>But I guess you aren't asking for what to do next year. I really can't asnwer your original question, sorry.</p>
<p>If you like this kind of thing, my D just came back from Junior Statesmen of America at Georgetown. It was a three week class, a bit expensive, but she loved it. It was well run, the students were very serious but fun, and the speakers and events were amazing. SOmething to consider for the future.</p>
<p>How do you apply for Girls State? And when is the deadline? I looked at their websites and such but no where did it give instructions on how to apply. There was no application, etc.</p>
<p>Anybody know?</p>
<p>And also, what's Girls Nation? Are they the same thing? And how do you get "nominated" or "accepted"?</p>
<p>My boyfriend thought Boys State was complete crap. Then he went on a speech about how even though it's totally not how government should be, it's probably a true reflection of what government is.</p>
<p>Your social studies teacher will recommend a few guys and girls to the program, which interviews everyone and chooses who can attend.</p>
<p>At the camp (for us, the guys were at a military base and the girls were at a university), you set up a mock government -- president, vice president, senate maj/min leaders, house maj/min leaders, the rest of the house/senate, etc -- and you try to pass laws and bills and whatnot.</p>
<p>lydia423, Not all social study teachers receive this. Only a few of them do. On average, high school teachers are expected to send 1-2 students go to their respective gender states. </p>
<p>It's not exactly, the "best." However, should you go, don't mind public speaking (approximately 400-800 students will be there), you can get elected to Senator. Other means at which you may apply are to find out who manages Boy/Girl Nation and contact them directly. They are generally a few open slots in which they are able to help you out on. </p>
<p>If you are elected Senator ... At that point, you will be at Boy/Girls "Nation." which is very prestigious and hard to get. Many students that achieve that status later attend top colleges. Bill Clinton was at Boys Nation and spoke very highly of it.</p>
<p>Thanks, TuftsPlease. That info was very helpful. Just wondering, did you go to Girls State/Boys State? What did you think of it (in terms of it being educational, "a good experience", etc.)?</p>
<p>I was in Boys State. I lost in the final election. There are approximately 5 elections, each one cutting down more and more. It was harsh, but I took a lot from it. I was later invited back to my Ward/Sector to speak about it. I also found it, it's some kind of curse :) Every one from my ward in the past five years has had the same stroke of luck - make it all the way and then lose =(</p>
<p>It's very similar to almost all possibilities. It's what you make of it. I spoke in front of 500 students. Was it nerve racking? Very. Am I a strong public speaker today because of it? Yes. I still get nervous, (it doesn't cure miracles) but I can mask it very well because of it. </p>
<p>Educational? No, not in the traditional academic sense. It is more of a building of character. You learn how to appeal to people, and sometimes, how not to appeal to people.</p>
<p>I attended Hoosier Girls' State (HGS! Can you dig it? :D) in the summer of '05. For me, it was a very worthwhile experience, and while it wasn't 100% serious, it has become absolutely invaluable in that I learned to at least fake that I am outgoing that week, and I started along the road to speaking in front of people without losing my voice :o. </p>
<p>At least at my school, the counselors just made an announcement that applications for the two "States" were available and left it up to students to apply. The actual programs are administered in each state by the American Legion (boys) and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary (girls). Those two organizations review applications from their districts in each state. There are tons of little tiny districts per state, so while only one delegate from each district can attend, it usually amounts to one from every participating high school. This wasn't the case at my school, but in some schools, kids fight tooth and nail to be the delegate. And, as is always the case, some girls I met were out-and-out forced to go by their parents.</p>
<p>Everything at the "State" level is modeled after state-level government, so you can be elected anything from governor on down the line. The "Nations" are comprised of two students from each "State" who are nominated by the volunteers who run the program. If you aspire to this, you must be on your best behavior and an absolute humanitarian throughout the week.</p>
<p>Hope this helps! Ask if you have any questions!</p>
<p>I went to Girls' State. There were five hundred of us there, and probably about 495 loved it. For me, it was the worst week of my life. </p>
<p>I will say that you learn a lot, and it made government so much easier for me. I do have good memories and met some cool people. The staff and counselors tried to make it serious, but sometimes it got out of hand and they didn't really do their jobs 100% of the time. The other citizens took it really, really seriously and I think that contributed to their appreciation. My advice is to talk to people who have been in your state. Each state is different, so where you are will make a difference. I think one of the reasons I was so miserable is because no one told me what to expect (not that I would have believed it if they had.) If you're into government and your ideals fit those of the session or the citizens, you will probably have the time of your life. </p>
<p>If ya'll have any more questions, let me know</p>
<p>I think that Girls State is what you make of it. I could say "man, I'm stuck with 750 girls for a week and we have to do flag ceremonies every day," or I could accept the lack of interaction with anyone with a Y-chromosome and make the most of everything. Some of the lectures weren't great, but like most camps/classes, I think it's the people you meet who make the experience what it is. i made so many great friends that week.</p>
<p>I also went to Girls Nation, which was absolutely amazing. Since there were only 100 girls, I really got to know them a lot better. Plus, we go to meet Boys Nation. If anyone wants details on GN pm me.</p>
<p>I've been nominated from my school and my interview is coming up soon. Any tips for the interview? What kind of questions do they ask? Anything like current events/politics? Thanks!</p>