Palmetto Boys State

The American Legion's Boys State program is an involved summer camp that allows young men to actively learn more about the American governmental system. The young men are called citizens during the week, which is usually held during the second or third week of June every year. By participating in a mock governmental system, the boys learn about politics, government, and self-discover. It's designed as a "Laboratory of Government." The young men will have opportunities to run for and be elected to mock offices. These mock offices range from city level (e.g. city council, mayor) to state constitutional offices (e.g. lieutenant governor and governor).

Citizens are divided into mock "cities" during the week. Each city is named for South Carolina state rivers and multiple cities compose "counties" which are named after prominent South Carolinians. Two political parties are formed for the boys and they're split into the two parties. These political parties compose party platforms and debate current issues. Citizens will also campaign and/or elect city, county, and state officers from each party. The participating young men will have an opportunity to vote for mock elected offices. For each office, students will prepare speeches, therefore working on public speaking and confidence building.

Competition is a vital part of Palmetto Boys State. Cities also compete for ribbons in athletics, spirit, college bowl trivia, and otherC events. Citizens may also participate in a media school which publishes a daily paper, nightly news videos, and conducts web updates regularly. They may also participate in a law school which conducts mock trials, a criminal justice academy, and a Boys State band.

Furthermore, Boys Staters have the opportunity to hear from some of South Carolina's top leaders. Speakers from years past include Senator Strom Thurmond, Senator Ernest F. "Fritz" Hollings, Governors Dick Riley, Carroll Campbell, David Beasley, and Jim Hodges, Speaker of the House David Wilkins, Congressmen Lindsey Graham, James Clyburn, and many others.

History

Boys State, which is sponsored by The American Legion, was first held in June 1935 in Illinois. Today, every state except Hawaii conducts Boys State. South Carolina began to host the program in 1940.

The American Legion founded the Boys State program to teach young men about government and politics. More specifically, the program is intended to spark interest and pride in government on a local level as well as the national scope. The greatest aspect of the program is that the participants learn by doing. Active participation in Palmetto Boys State is key.

Location

Palmetto Boys State was originally housed at a school by the airport in Columbia, SC. Shortly thereafter, Palmetto Boys State was moved to the University of South Carolina. In the 1960s, PBS again moved to The Citadel in Charleston where it stayed until 1990. Wofford College in Spartanburg was then host to PBS through 1998. The program returned to the Citadel in 1999 and finally moved back the University of South Carolina in 2004. 2011 marks the first year that Palmetto Boys State will be held at Anderson University.

Prestige

To attend Palmetto Boys State is considered an honor. Every year, over 900 rising seniors are selected by teachers, counselors, and American Legion Posts to be "citizens" or delegates at Palmetto Boys State. Many of South Carolina's business, community, and political leaders attended the program. Palmetto Boys State is more than just an opportunity to learn about and participate in government and politics; it's leadership training.

External links

• Palmetto Boys State website
• Boys and Girls State website
• Boys State website
• Boys State Directory
• Famous Boys' State Alumni