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. To teach how partisan politics work, two political parties are formed for the boys. 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. Primarily, cities compete for awards in spirit. This involves many chants, cheers, and comradery. Awards are also given to cities for college bowl trivia, athletics, and several other events. There is also a media school for citizens to participate in. This school specialized in producing many videos throughout the week, nightly live news casts, and a daily newspaper. Boys can take part the Boys State Band, a law school which conducts mock trials, and a criminal justice academy.

Furthermore, Palmetto Boys State citizens will hear from many current leaders of South Carolina. 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 and Girls State programs both began in 1937 and are held in each of the U.S. states (excluding Hawaii), usually on a college campus within that state. South Carolina first hosted Palmetto Boys State 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 first held in a small school by Columbia, SC's airport. Palmetto Boys State was soon moved to the University of South Carolina. In the 1960s, the program moved to another South Carolina institution: The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina in Charleston. Palmetto Boys State found a great home here and stayed until 1990. The next host for PBS was Wofford College in Spartanburg and the program stayed there through 1998. In 1999, the program returned to the Citadel but 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