What is the Boys State Program?
There are many summer leadership camps; Boys State is one of the original leadership camps nationally. Established in 1937, Boys State was originally created in response to Soviet Union-led camps that were making inroads in the United States. Today, it is a program that teaches the civic aspects of citizenship in the United States, the mechanical aspects of how our government functions, and encourages participation in those government structures.
Within about 12 hours of arrival, students will be organized into cities, and have their first opportunities to run for political office: their City Council (and a couple others). Over the next couple of days, they will be provided with extensive instruction on court procedures, legislative rules, criminal procedure, civil rights, and others. It isn’t all work though; students will participate in a city-vs-city basketball tournament, the Band or Choir, or other recreational activities. Students who are so inclined can write for the Boys State Record, our daily newspaper.
Boys State providesan exceptional opportunity to network with other students from around Arizona, and really to learn what it is like outside of their little corner of the state.
Because Boys State generally gets students who are the best of the best from around Arizona, it also provides students with an opportunity to encounter what it is like when they are no longer the elite at their school. When everybody is already excellent, students need to work to distinguish themselves.
What to expect for the week
Students will find many opportunities for participation at Boys State, including:
- A review and execution of city-, county-, and state-level government
- Instruction and participation of legal and legislative procedures
- Information about political party operation
- Becoming a candidate for political office
- Boys State Band and extracurriculars as time permits
- Opportunities to meet with leaders of our state government and outstanding citizens of Arizona
Boys State participants have a unique experience, and have an opportunity to prepare for future leadership circumstances. However, every student’s Boys State experience is individual; as we tell every student who arrives on Day 1, you get out of this program what you put into it.
Former students repeatedly recommend that the best way to enjoy Boys State is to take every opportunity to become acquainted with as many of the boys as possible. Don’t hesitate to talk to your counselors or members of the staff – they are here to help.