About Boys State

Boys State is a program of experience and education for high school juniors. It is, in effect, a government unit in which each boy participates in the operation of local, county and state government.

In 1935, the Department of Illinois developed and conducted the first Boys State. The St. Louis National Convention in 1935 mandated that this activity be made a program of the National Americanism Commission.

For 73 years, The American Legion Boys States have given an inside look at the demands of good citizenship and civic responsibilities to tomorrow's citizens and future leaders attending these annual workshops in government operations.

Only juniors in high school are eligible to be citizens of Boys State. The experience gained here can be invaluable in their senior year in school and, in fact, through life. Each boy is sponsored by a Legion Post or by some other patriotic, civic, fraternal or religious organization.

Upon arrival at a Boys State, each boy is assigned to a mock political party and to a city and county. The citizens of each city and county nominate members of their individual parties to be candidates for the various city and county offices. Elections are held with the citizens conducting their own registration of voters and the actual balloting. Election boards serve at city, county and state elections, according to the laws of each state.

Legislative, administrative and judicial programs are developed to hold the interest of all citizens. State legislative sessions, court trials, law and police schools, evening assemblies, bands and choral groups, etc., all involving boy citizens, are popular activities in a typical Boys State.

Citizens of a State are instructed in the duties of the various public offices they learn the function of each office, its powers and limitations. They set up their own state government, have their own governor and staff of state officials, name the appointive officers, establish the state Supreme Court and other courts, and organize the legislature and all other divisions of government.

Every phase of the program includes practical instruction on the duties and responsibilities both of citizen and of  public officials. Counselors are chosen with an eye to securing highly qualified leaders and instructors. Attorneys and judges, high school and college teachers, athletic directors and public office holders are often selected as counselors.
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Boys State Creed
American citizenship is my most priceless possession. I believe in the constitutional form of government of the United States of America which guarantees me as a citizen equal opportunity, equal educational rights, and the right to worship God as I choose. It is my obligation to participate in and contribute my effort to the civic and political welfare of my community, state and nation.

I resolve to learn and understand government and the civic needs of my community and I hereby dedicate myself to the task of arousing and maintaining a like interest in my fellow citizens.

Therefore, may the experience of Boys State be ever with me a reminder of my obligation to God and Country.
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                              Welcome to
Arkansas Boys State
Today's Youth.......
        Tomorrows Leaders