American Legion 
Department of North Dakota

 66th Annual Boys State

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A Training Program in Citizenship and Democracy

 What is Boys State? 

North Dakota American Legion Boys State is a citizenship-training program sponsored by The American Legion. The American Legion believes that if our democracy is to flourish, our young men must have an understanding in the American way of life. That kind of faith is found only among those who have experienced democracy. The objective of Boys State is to develop that understanding in the American way and an attitude of love and loyalty toward our country.   Boys State is also a good time.  Many delegates make friends during this week that last a lifetime.  Boys State is not only for political science majors. It is an experience for many which is the first step toward bigger things.  The North Dakota American Legion Boys State experience is also useful to future business leaders and college bound students. Boys State attendance gives college bound students a decisive edge and is considered by scholarship committees and other select groups as important demonstration of commitment and leadership skills. Through our hands on approach of teaching how State Government works, each delegate will come away with a thorough knowledge of how our laws are made and how government services are provided and paid for. The knowledge gained during the emergency management drill will last  the student a lifetime. 

Leadership and Programs

Boys State is directed by a staff of adults and specially selected young men under Boys State Director Neil Litton.  Each year top elected State Officials make presentations at Boys State.

Method of Instruction

• The learn-by-doing method is used at Boys State. 

• The delegates learn about democratic government by actually operating it. 

• They establish a mythical state patterned after North Dakota. 

•  They elect their own state, county and city officials. 

• They set up their own legislative assemblies and city councils. 

• They 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, liberty and pursuit of happiness.

Who May Attend Boys State?  

• Any worthy boy who completes his junior year in high school during the calendar year 2008 is eligible to attend the 2008 Boys State Session.

• Eligible candidates are recommended to the local American Legion Post who makes the final selection.

• The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a program named "North Dakota Girls State" Information on Girls State can also be obtained through the school or local Auxiliary Unit.

What is the Cost of Boys State?

• The fee for North Dakota American Legion Boys State 2008 is $200.00.  This fee is usually paid by the local Legion Post or through donations from local businesses or other organizations.  The fee covers the full week of Boys State including meals, lodging, textbooks, notebooks, athletic activities and other necessities. This fee does not include transportation.   If fees are paid after April 25th, they must be paid at the rate of $210.00.

• Delegates must purchase 1 tee shirt at a $10.00 cost, some boys like to purchase additional tee shirts but this is optional. 

• They will need $10.00 for a room key deposit. This money is refunded during checkout upon return of the room key. 

• They will need $5.00 for the Governors Ball. 

• Boys are encouraged NOT to bring large amounts of money. The only money needed in addition to the above fees is a small amount of spending money for pop and snacks. The amount needed varies by how much pop, snacks, pizza deliveries, etc. they indulge in.

A delegate may be financially sponsored by anyone. Most American Legion posts pay for some delegates, but local businesses and fraternal organizations may also provide the registration fee.  All registrations are processed through the American Legion post in the area.  Should you need help with your application, contact Teri at Programs@ndlegion.org and she will help you get your application completed.

The $200.00 fee does not represent the full cost associated with a boy attending Boys State. The fee is kept artificially low to encourage a large number of boys to be able to attend this most worthwhile program.  Donations from individuals and groups are needed to make up the difference.  Donations may be mailed to North Dakota American Legion Boys State, PO Box 5057, West Fargo, ND 58078-5057. Donations of any amount are appreciated.

Within the North Dakota American Legion Foundation an account has been set up for the benefit of the Boys State program. All Memorial donations are recognized and appreciated. There are also provisions for you to include Boys State (or any other American Legion program) in your Will. Information on the North Dakota American Legion Foundation may be obtained by contacting Mitch Olson, ND American Legion Foundation Secretary.

Sunday, June 8 - Registration from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm; assignment to dormitories, city orientation from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm; first meal at Boys State at 6:00 pm; evening assembly at 7:15 pm; party caucuses to follow assembly

Monday, June 9 - Assembly at 9:00 am; state conventions, nomination of candidates for state offices, evening assembly

Tuesday, June 10 - Legion Day - Assembly at 9:00 am; parties present candidates for state offices; election of state officials; Boys State official photo; county conventions for nominating legislative candidates followed by elections, recreation, evening assembly -- installation of state officials and guest speaker North Dakota American Legion Commander Harvey Peterson, of Beach, ND.

Wednesday, June 11 - Assembly followed by county conventions nominating county officials, election of city and county officials, afternoon - organization of house and senate, recreation and Legion baseball game.

Thursday, June 12 - Assembly followed by functioning of all government bodies, afternoon - recreation program and Governor's Ball in the evening

Friday, June 13 - All governmental bodies function; Awards Ceremony; 11:00am Lunch followed by checkout