Boys State – Information is Pending for 2022

Boys’ State is a program of education and is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students. Boys’ State was founded in the 1930’s as participatory program in which students, who are referred to as delegates, become part of the operation of local, county and state government, thus teaching our youth the duties, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship. Upon being elected to various offices, the delegates’ activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs.

The selection process for attending Boys’ State begins with the high school principal, who is requested to recommend selected high school junior students based upon academic achievement, character, leadership potential, loyalty and service in their schools and community, and expressed interest. Upon the principal’s recommendation, the potential delegates will be interviewed by members of Smyth-Bolter Post 58’s Boy’s State committee who will determine the most qualified individuals. Applications and instruction booklets are then provided to the delegates, who must have parent or guardian approval. All expenses for attending Boys’ State are provided for by Smyth-Bolter Post 58.

The annual session of Boys’ State convenes on the campus of California State University, Sacramento in mid-June and concludes one week later. During this time delegates from throughout the state of California are housed in the University’s dorms and daily meals provided in the local cafeteria. As they delegates register upon arrival, each is assigned to a city, and thereafter he is a resident of that city. Normally there are 35 to 50 delegates assigned to each city. All of the cities in one dormitory constitute one county with the five counties making up the state. The delegates are equally divided into two political parties – the Wigs and the Federalists. The delegates develop their own party platform and make their own controversial issues.

All of the delegates’ governmental activities, whether city, county or state are carried on according to the California State Constitution and the existing laws of the State of California. Counselors, men who by experience know the structure and function of our city, county and state government guide and coach the delegates through the entire process.