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.
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.
The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program for young ladies called Girls State. For online details visit www.legion.org
One week of your summer can…
We are looking forward to our 73rd session and our 19th year on the beautiful Kansas State University campus in Manhattan, Kansas.
The 2010 session runs from Sunday, June 6th - Saturday, June 12th.
The purpose of this site is to better explain what you can expect from your 2010 Boys State experience. If I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me by clicking the e-mail link at the bottom of this page.
At any time you may return to this page by clicking on the HOME tag on the left column. If you are brand new to this site, I would suggest you click on "Boys State Introduction" Webcast video and learn more about what this program has to offer. If you would like to download the 2009 brochure click here.
If you would like to nominate a student for Boys State 2010 (or beyond) click here.
If you are an alumni of Kansas Boys State and would like to update your information click here.
- Distinguish you in the competition for college admissions and scholarships
- Expand your leadership and problem-solving skills that will help you throughout life
- Give you a huge head start in your senior government class
- Introduce you to some of the smartest, most motivated high school juniors in Kansas
- Establish lifelong friendships
We are looking forward to our 73rd session and our 19th year on the beautiful Kansas State University campus in Manhattan, Kansas.
The 2010 session runs from Sunday, June 6th - Saturday, June 12th.
The purpose of this site is to better explain what you can expect from your 2010 Boys State experience. If I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me by clicking the e-mail link at the bottom of this page.
At any time you may return to this page by clicking on the HOME tag on the left column. If you are brand new to this site, I would suggest you click on "Boys State Introduction" Webcast video and learn more about what this program has to offer. If you would like to download the 2009 brochure click here.
If you would like to nominate a student for Boys State 2010 (or beyond) click here.
If you are an alumni of Kansas Boys State and would like to update your information click here.
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