The American Legion Department of Virginia Boys State

The American Legion
Department of Virginia
Boys State

66th session
June 15-21 2008
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia

History

In 1939 a group of dedicated Virginia Legionaries, along with those of six other states joined in with sixteen already functioning states in a practical program to teach the basic principles of self government to Virginia high school students completing their junior year of studies. This summer more than 28,000 young men from all states with the exception of Hawaii, both with the District of Columbia will participate in Boys State programs studying and applying the principles of sound government at the local and state levels.

The Boys State Program

Boys State is a comprehensive one week course in state and local government . Virginia American Legion Boys State is a "leadership action program" where qualified male high school rising seniors take part in a practical government course. It is designed to develop a working knowledge of the structure of government and to impress upon the citizen the fact that our government is just what we make it. Along the way they will have the opportunity to learn the political process. Each level of government will be run by those delegates who are elected to serve. Instruction will be presented on the law and court system, parliamentary procedure and Virginia political history.

Boys State Objectives

Boys State is a non-partisan program which encompasses the following objectives:

	To develop civic leadership and pride in American Citizenship.
	To arouse a keen interest in the detailed study of our government.
	To develop in the citizens a determination to maintain our form of government, primarily by bringing them to the realization of how great it is to be an American.
	To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the Community, State and Nation.

Program Highlights

Boys State is a learning experience in practical democracy.

	Citizens learn the political process through the election process for the offices of the mythical 51st state.
	Each delegate is assigned to a political party which has no philosophy or platform until the delegates develop one.
	Delegates use the basic laws and procedures of the State of Virginia as a guide for their week.
	Speakers from all levels of government provide valuable lessons for the delegates.
	A highly qualified staff provides guidance and leadership.
	Two delegates will participate in Boys Nation held in Washington, D.C. in July.

Political Organization

An effective political organization is created at Boys State to operate from the local through the State level.

The government organization provides for such features as city and state elections. The citizens are organized into two political parties. The Nationalist and Federalist. In each Boys State city, half are Nationalist and half are Federalist. Each citizen is pre-assigned to a party, and roommates are from opposite parties. Each political party meets to establish its platform and candidates for state offices .

Eligibility and Selection

The American Legion has established certain qualifications for prospective Boys State citizens.

Only males who have successfully completed their junior year of high school and have at least one semester of high school remaining.

Any boy who has previously attended a Boys State is not eligible to attend a second session.

Outstanding qualities of leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty and service to their schools and community should be considered.

An interest in the governmental process.

Above average scholastic standing.

The prospective delegate and their parents must be residents of the state of Virginia.

Selection of those to attend Boys State is based on the following:

	A recommended list of candidates to interview is made by the high school at which the eligible boys are enrolled.
	Posts will interview those recommended and make their selections based on the interview and other criteria such as a resume or written assignment.
	Those not selected as primary delegates become alternates in case a primary delegate cannot attend.

Boys Nation

Two delegates will be selected to attend Boys Nation.

This program extends the Boys State experience to the national level. Each state sends two delegates for this once in a lifetime experience. Through counselor recommendations and a interview process two delegates and two alternates will be selected. The program is held in Washington, D.C. during the month of July. all expenses are paid by the American Legion Boys Nation program.

Transportation

Transportation to and from the program is the responsibility of the local Post.

Each District within The American Legion arranges bus charters or other means of transportation to and from the program. If a delegate misses their charter, it is their responsibility to arrive in Lynchburg at the appropriate time. Delegates are not allowed to drive their cars to Lynchburg.

Sponsorships and Funding

Legion Posts may solicit sponsorships from other organizations. Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Masons, Knights of Columbus and other patriotic or civic organizations help sponsor delegates to Boys State. All fees are paid by the local American Legion Post. Parents are not allowed to buy their sons way into Boys State, and parents of boys selected to attend Boys State will not be asked to pay the registration fee. Parents will only be responsible for the cost of the Medical and Physical Requirements. All delegates must be able to actively participate in the program for the full week. Delegates must have a physical exam certifying that they are healthy and free of communicable diseases, and do not have any medical condition that would preclude them from this program. A medical form will be provided and must be properly signed and completed by a licensed physician. The cost of the physical exam is the responsibility of the parents of the delegate. A special medical insurance policy covers delegates at the program, but is excess to any and all other insurance.

Other Information and Facts

This is a educational program. It is not a sports camp. It is a highly structured instructional program in local and state government. We operate under a strict set of rules which must be accepted by each potential delegate. Parents of delegates need to understand how the program operates and what type of students will be attending. Although it is not a "boot camp", we do utilize moving about the campus in a military like manner in order to maintain order and discipline. We also conduct roll calls to make sure everyone is accounted for at all times. Many traditions are found at Boys State. The American Legion creed "For God and Country" is taken very seriously. Each session is opened and closed with prayer. The pledge to the flag of our country and other flag ceremonies are conducted. We respect all religious beliefs. No one is forced to participate in any religious or patriotic ceremony. The American Legion Boys State program does not receive an Federal, State or other public funds. All monies are raised through the local Posts. Our counseling staff are all volunteers.

BOYS STATE OFFICERS

MIKE HARRIS ..........................Director

CURT DICKINSON..................Asst Director

ANDY BABIC ...........................Chief City Counselor

MARTY RHYNE.......................Registrar

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JERRY HOWARD.....................President

CURT DICKINSON..................Vice President

BRUCE JAMERSON...............Secretary

LARRY GREENE.....................Treasurer

21 Elected Members of the Board

For more information contact your local Post

Director: Director@vaboysstate.org 540-569-6612
Program Director: David Braun dbraun@virtual-strategies.com
Media Coordinator: Chuck Cunningham ChuckC@visi.net
Registrar: Marty Rhyne marty@valegion.net 703-221-4848

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