AMERICAN LEGION
BOYS STATE

Arizona Boys State, sponsored by The American Legion, is a citizenship training program designed to provide a working knowledge of our governmental process. The American Legion believes that individual students are better prepared to assume the responsibilities of citizenship.

An interesting “learn by doing” method is used at Boys State. The boys learn about government by
actually operating it. They establish a mythical 51 state patterned after Arizona. They elect their own
state, county and city officers from the Governor on down. They set up their legislative assemblies and
city councils, they introduce their own bills, organize their own courts and law enforcement agencies
and in other ways act as self-governing citizens for a full week. Each boy thus learns for himself that he has responsibilities as a citizen, and that every act of his government has some bearing on his own life.

Applications will be accepted subject to quota, for those boys who: 1) Have completed their high school junior year. 2) Have not attended a previous session of Boys State. 3) Are willing to abide by the rules
of the Boys State Program. (Any violation during the program may be a basis for dismissal)

Administrative officers and counselors in charge of the program are well-trained and experienced
leaders. They are men and women of high ideals who are recognized as being responsible persons in
their respective communities. Instructors and lecturers are state, county and city officials, members of
the Legislature, legal and educational professionals along with many others who are interested in
instilling in our future citizens a better understanding of democracy.

Each boy is responsible for bringing sufficient items of clothing to make a presentable appearance during the full program. These should include dress and sports clothes and a suit or sports coat as there will be “dress-up” functions. Bring a sleeping bag or two sheets, a blanket, pillow, notebooks, pencils and art materials, if desired. Complete rules and details will be mailed to each boy before Boys State begins. Parents or Guardians are responsible for getting each boy to NAU on time.

Two outstanding citizens will be selected to attend Boys Nation
in Washington D.C. All expenses will be paid for by the American Legion. It is a complete full week where the two citizens will
interact with other boys from all over the nation.
See your counselor today
for an application!