Boys State

Navalacademy

5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2011
Messages
18
Hey guys,

I was just wondering what exactly Boys State is. Is the program acknowledged by the service academies as a good extracurricular? Thanks!
 
Yes, Boys State holds alot of weight in the application process. It's on all three SA's Class Portrait, right next to honor society, varsity athletics, and Eagle Scout.... It has its own check-box on the application. I read somewhere that West Point values Boys State as much as Eagle Scout.

I went to Boys State last summer and had a blast. It's typically a one week long seminar where you attend different mock conventions and run for government office for your "Boys State" (i.e. governor, senator, house rep, commisioner, judge, etc...). You give speeches, vote on fake legislation, and determine laws and rules for your Boys State. And most importantly, you make tons of friends with like-minded individuals who have the same life ambitions. In fact, a few people I met at Boys State I met again at summer seminar. It's definitely worth your time.
 
Is there any other specific non school/scouting activity that is favored by the Service Academies?
 
Yes, Boys State holds alot of weight in the application process. It's on all three SA's Class Portrait, right next to honor society, varsity athletics, and Eagle Scout.... It has its own check-box on the application. I read somewhere that West Point values Boys State as much as Eagle Scout.

I went to Boys State last summer and had a blast. It's typically a one week long seminar where you attend different mock conventions and run for government office for your "Boys State" (i.e. governor, senator, house rep, commisioner, judge, etc...). You give speeches, vote on fake legislation, and determine laws and rules for your Boys State. And most importantly, you make tons of friends with like-minded individuals who have the same life ambitions. In fact, a few people I met at Boys State I met again at summer seminar. It's definitely worth your time.

Every guy I met at my senatorial interview went to Boy's State. The only Girl I met there went to Girl's State and I met her at NASS.

I went to Boy's State to do something that boasted my app, but it turned out to be more fun than expected. Too bad I had to leave a day earlier for NASS.
 
Every guy I met at my senatorial interview went to Boy's State. The only Girl I met there went to Girl's State and I met her at NASS.

I went to Boy's State to do something that boasted my app, but it turned out to be more fun than expected. Too bad I had to leave a day earlier for NASS.

My son did the same and he expected it to be very dull. He had a great time, lots of fun, and learned something too.
 
Boys' State

I wanted to respond to the question about Boys' State. My son was nominated by his school and selected by the Commission Chairman for our area in California. Boys' State is sponsored by the American Legion and it immerses the high school boys in a week-long program to learn about the operation of our local, county, and state government. The boys do learn a great deal about the "process" of government and they even hold "mock elections" with various political parties (such as the "whigs" and the "federalists". The activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement, etc. My son had just returned from his week at NASS and went (the next day) to a week at Boys' State in California. He was surprised at how much he learned that week, and what a great time he had with the other young men. Many of his peers also wanted to attend one of our nation's military academies. It was a great experience, and taught him many skills that he has used as the Student Body President of his school this year. I would HIGHLY recommend attending your Boys' State meeting if you have the honor, because you will forever be grateful for this experience. My son has made friends for life and so will you!
 
Another excellent youth leadership program is the Hugh O'Brien Youth program accessible through your guidance counselor or the local service clubs. One of the great values of these programs is they give you a more thorough, practical perspective on how our government is supposed to function, as well as practical lessons in peer leadership. They are highly valued, but you should plan to get fully involved. Ohio's Boys State has a large college fair during the week.
 
Just to clarify about boys state- at least in our district. You can not chose to "apply " to boys state but need to be selected by administration to interview for the position. My DS was selected as one of 3 ( 30 boys were on the list) to interview with the American Legion. He spent hours putting a beautiful packet together, prepping for the interview and sat through a grueling 3 hour group interview only not to be selected. I won't go into details but from what we have been told in this case the student selected had a very personal (grandparent) connection to the interview board. Some areas may not be as competitive as ours, I have heard of areas where they don't even have one student interested in attending but wanted to be sure that the OP knew that this is typically not something you can just apply for like SS. My suggestion is to go talk to your counselor and express your interested in boys state and other leadership camps ( there were several in our area sponsored by local organizations). Boys state is a fantastic opportunity but just in case it doesn't work out there are other opportunities out there.
 
Just to clarify about boys state- at least in our district. You can not chose to "apply " to boys state but need to be selected by administration to interview for the position. My DS was selected as one of 3 ( 30 boys were on the list) to interview with the American Leagon. He spent hours putting a beautiful packet together, prepping for the interview and sat through a grueling 3 hour group interview only not to be selected. I won't go into details but from what we have been told in this case the student selected had a very personal (grandparent) connection to the interview board. Some areas may bot be as competitive as ours, I have heard of areas where they don't even have one student interested in attending but wanted to be sure that the OP knew that this is typically not something you can just apply for like SS. My suggestion is to go talk to your counselor and express your interested in boys state and other leadership camps ( there were several in our area sponsored by local organizations). Boys state is a fantastic opportunity but just in case it doesn't work out there are other opportunities out there.

I think it varies by American Legion Post and have no idea as to what is typical. My son was able to get in with a few last minute phone calls and faxes. Our local post had no one attending until he contacted them. They did send several gals to Girls State though and I have no idea how they were determined. YMMV.

The attendees were invited to a Post dinner after attending and were asked to say a few words. My son opened with, "When I first heard about Boys and Girls State, I of course, wanted to attend Girls State". Got a lot of laughs from the audience.
 
A friend I met at Boys State wasn't able to pick up his school's nomination, but he appealed to his local post, went to a meeting, and laid out his case ("I want to learn more about government, it would be an honor to attend, I want to go to West Point and put this on my resume" etc etc.). Even though he offered to pay the full cost to attend, the post was so impressed at his sincerity and desire that they paid his way in full.
In the end, I think if you want it bad enough, you can attend, one way or another.
 
Back
Top