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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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