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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.
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