AMERICAN LEGION BOYS STATE AND
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY GIRLS STATE
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 women 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.In Maryland, Boys State is conducted annually and typically begins on Fathers Day and runs through the following Saturday. To be eligible for Boys State, a youth must be a male who has successfully completed their junior year in high school by the beginning of Boys State. Any boy who has previously attended a Boys State is not eligible.
DEPARTMENT OF MARYLAND BOYS STATE AND GIRLS STATE 2023
Boys State and Girls State will take place June 18-24, 2023. Boys State is scheduled for McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, and Girls State will be held at Salisbury University. The programs are only available to High School Juniors, who will be attending their Senior Year in the Fall. Both programs stress the understanding of our local, state, and federal government. Leadership is another very important segment of the programs. Applicants must be approved by the school counselors. Applications and information are available on line mdmylegion.org or by contacting the Post Adjutant. There is no cost to the student or the family. Expenses are paid by the Post, and the Auxiliary. All applications must be submitted by May 1, 2023. Any questions may be addressed to the Post Adjutant. liswell@live.com or (410)253-4995