Boys State

American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective

educational programs of government instruction for high school students.

It is a participatory program where each participant becomes a part of the

operation of his local, county and state government.

Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935 when it

organized to counter the Fascist inspired Young Pioneer Camps.

The program was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires,

Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card,

who organized the first Boys State at the

Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program

for young ladies called Girls State.

At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and

privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training

is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by

the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions,

court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus

and recreational programs.

High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the

program. In most cases, expenses associated with attending this program are

paid by a sponsoring American Legion Post, a local business or another

community-based organization.

American Legion Boys State is currently conducted in

49 Departments of The American Legion.

Hawaii does not conduct a program.

As separate corporations, Boys States vary in content and method of procedure,

but each and every Boys State adheres to the basic concept of the program –

that of teaching government from the township to the state level.

If you are a High School Junior and you would like to participate,

please contact your local High School for an application.

If they are unable to provide this, then contact your

local American Legion for help with this.

William Bloys Post 2 covers the Tempe, AZ area.