Boys State is a comprehensive one-week leadership course in state and
local government, developed to offer youth a better perspective of the practical
operation of government and to show that the individual is responsible for
the character and success of government. Delegates who are selected to attend
this program will "learn by doing" as they progress through the various
phases of government.
Florida American Legion Boys State is a "leadership action program" where
qualified male high school juniors take part in a practical government course.
It is designed to develop a working knowledge of the structure of government
and to impress upon each delegate that our government is what we make it.
They will have the opportunity to learn the political process. Each level
of government will be run by those delegates who are elected to serve. Instruction
will be presented on the law and court system, legislative procedure, and
Florida political history.
Boys State
Message From The Director
Omer "Gene" Smith
Welcome to Florida American Legion Boys State . . . Florida's Premier
Youth Leadership Program. We of The American Legion, Department of Florida
thank you for visiting the Boys State Web Site. We hope the information provided addresses all of your questions or concerns about the program. The 65th Boys State session in Tallahassee is scheduled for June 22 through June 28, 2008.
Legionnaires and other volunteers will lead over 500 high school rising
seniors from throughout Florida into creating a mythical 51st state.
Boys State is a learning experience in practical democracy. It is learning
by doing and as such Boys Staters create and perform functions of a city,
county and state government.
We encourage each Boys Stater to build upon the talents that he brings
to Boys State. While at Boys State he is a representative of his parents,
school, community and most of all, himself. We of The American Legion
have learned from past experiences that Boys Staters working together within
the guidelines of this program can accomplish great things during their
week at Boys State.
There are some long held traditions at Boys State. We show respect to
the American Flag, have prayer, play Taps and sing certain songs. There is no attempt to
impose any beliefs on anyone. However, we want everyone to understand
that The American Legion Creed "For God and Country" is taken seriously. If
someone does not wish to participate in any religious or patriotic
ceremony, that is his privilege, as long as he does not prevent anyone else from
participating.
It is my goal and sincere hope that each Boys Stater will have an
exciting week that is both fun and educational. We look forward to the
opportunity of working with such outstanding young men and watching them develop into
Florida’s future leaders.
The Boys State Executive Branch provides delegates with a premier, hands-on experience that is second to none in the nation. more...
Boys State Legislature
The Boys State Legislative Branch provides delegates with a premier, hands-on experience that is second to none in the nation.
more...
Boys State Judicial
The School of Law is a combination of instruction and hands-on experience for every Boys State citizen and those elected and appointed to judicial offices.
more...
