What is 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.
We call it 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).
It is an honor to be chosen as a delgate 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. We consider the program to be
as much leadership training as it is an opportunity to learn about and participate
in government and politics. In fact, many of our state's political, business,
and community leaders attended Boys State.
While at Boys State, citizens will be divided into "cities" named for 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.
Boys Staters also 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.