Boys State

At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with City, County and State governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.

High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. In most cases, expenses associated with attending this program are paid by a sponsoring American Legion Post, a local business or another community-based organization.

Virginia Boys State is a leadership action program, designed to develop a working knowledge of the structure of government and to impress upon the citizen the fact that our government is just what we make it. Along the way 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, parliamentary procedure and Virginia political history.

To apply you should contact your Local American Legion Post. If you need assistance locating the Post responsible for your school, contact the 16th District Chairman Mike Wilson 540-935-4669.

You can find more information about the American Legion Boys State for Virginia at the Virginia Boys State website.

Forms needed by Post Boys State Committees can be found below.

2021 Boys State Application Form

2020 Boys State Pledge Card