Palmetto Boys State

The American Legion's Boys State program is a unique way for young men to learn about the American system of government and politics by participating in a mock governmental system. It's designed as a "Laboratory of Government" because during the week each young man will have the opportunity to run for and be elected to mock offices ranging from city level (e.g. city council, mayor) to state constitutional offices (e.g. lieutenant governor and governor).

While at Palmetto Boys State, citizens will be divided into "cities" named for South Carolina state rivers which make up "counties" named for famous South Carolinians. Citizens are also divided into two political parties from which they will campaign and/or elect city, county, and state officers. By doing so, citizens will learn about government and politics by participating in the process. They will have an opportunity to prepare speeches, compose party platforms, debate current issues, and vote for elected offices.

Cities also compete for ribbons in athletics, spirit, college bowl trivia, and other 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

It is an honor to be chosen as a delegate to Palmetto Boys State. More than 800 rising seniors are selected each year by their high school teachers and counselors to be delegates or "citizens" at Boys State. The program is considered to be as much leadership training as it is an opportunity to learn about and participate in government and politics. In fact, many of South Carolina's political, business, and community leaders attended Boys State.