Boys State Questions

A

AcademyHopefulOne

5-Year Member
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Jan 21, 2014
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Good afternoon (to our Eastward friends :])!

The local American Legion post has decided to sponsor my trip to Boys State at the end of May. I have a few questions about the application and the week in general. I am pretty involved in music at my school, and a portion on the application asks about participation in the band. Would this take away from other aspects of the experience? Also, what is the process of running for office? The form doesn't say whether to choose one or multiple offices, but I'm unsure of what each position will do during the week.

Thank you!
 
All these details will be explained at an orientation meeting closer to the week. In short, boys State includes a band, and so those playing an instrument are asked to participate in that. I do not believe the band is an all encompassing obligation. You will have lots of time to participate in all the other optional activities and the required ones.
Regards running for office, again the process will be explained, but it includes an early rise to get required paperwork for each office, and getting signatures from others to gain a nomination. The week begins with local gov't offices and works up through the statehouse over the week. And as offices are vacated for an higher office, those vacancies are then filled by others. Lots of horse trading where in one candidate can be given another's signature sheet in trade for something (an appointment) and lots of candidates helping candidates for other offices by working multiple signature sheets at the same time. A very practical lesson in 'real politics.'
My DS had a great time and a very busy week.
 
I am actually a counselor for the NC Boys State program. Basically they just want to get an idea of what positions you want to run for and want you to get an idea pf what positions there are for you to run for. As far as running for office, during the week you will go to each meeting. There will be a city meeting, a county meeting, and a state meeting. The city is bipartisan, the county and state meetings are not. During these meetings, you will run through Roberts rule of order(parli pro) and have to get nominations and seconds from your peers in order to run. This is where the true political learning comes in as citizens are forced to communicate and make deals that get them elected! All your questions get answered on your first day! Us counselors will take care of you so you know exactly how you want your week to run. As far as band, it is not an obligation however they like for you to be a part of it if you can. Basically you have a free 2 hour period after lunch to go and participate in an activity. This can be moot court, athletics such as baseball or soccer, or you can do band. Its whatever you feel you would enjoy most. Alot of kids usually start out playing soccer and switch to swimming just for kicks. (Sorry for the awful pun.) If you have any other questions feel free to ask!
 
GS

My DD ended up being a Page. It was great. She got to go all over the Capital and see everything. Was a bit disappointed in not being Senator or something, but it was all good.
 
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