A program of this scope encompasses many important objectives. The American Legion feels the following are the most important:
To develop civic leadership and pride in American citizenship. The American Legion hopes that each young man attending Boys State will return to his community a better citizen and display his willingness to make greater civic contributions.
To develop a keen interest in government.
To develop in the young citizens of Boys State a full understanding of our American traditions and belief in the United States of America. The American Legion Boys State teaches citizens the glorious traditions of this country
To develop in the young citizens a determination to maintain our form of government
The final two objectives come from the Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion:
“To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation . . .”
“To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy . . .”
In the actual selection of Boys State citizens, merit and ability alone are the basis for selection. Boys State is not a program for underprivileged boys nor is it a summer camp for recreation. American Legion Posts or other community-minded organizations often pay fees, or “tuition,” with little to no expense to the young men.
We wish to secure equal delegate representation from all areas of the State of Texas; therefore, the Department Boys State Committee asks for one or more boy(s) from each accredited high school (public or private) to be nominated by the school to attend.
The candidate must demonstrate:
Strong academic performance (e.g., a quick study) to thrive in this fast moving program
Excellent Interpersonal skills (e.g., gets along very well with others from all backgrounds)
Exhibited leadership (e.g., a leader of leaders)
Solid Oratorical skills (e.g., a persuasive speaker and confidence shown in group settings)
In addition, in order to be eligible for the program, the candidate must:
be a male high school student
have successfully completed his junior year
have at least one semester remaining
have not previously attended Boys State
be recommended by his school officials
have parents’/guardians’ permission to attend
be certified by the sponsoring American Legion post, and
sign the Texas Boys State Pledge
American Legion Boys State is designed to bring out the best in America’s future leaders. Attendees are selected because they are the best representatives of both their schools and their communities.
This pledge reminds all potential delegates of the honor and value that the American Legion has for and requires of each young man.
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.
I have never attended The American Legion Boys State.
I sincerely want to attend Texas Boys State, and if accepted, will, to the best of my ability:
Take a serious and conscientious interest in discharging my duties as a citizen
Obey the rules of Boys State
Respect the judgment of the Boys State Director, Counselors and Staff
Participate in all activities
Seek election or appointment to office, and if elected or appointed, serve that office
Keep myself neat and well groomed at all times
Avoid the use of profane language and actions
Refrain from injurious habits such as the use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs, and
Upon my return home from Boys State, I will make a formal oral or written report to my sponsor(s) and brief next year’s Boys State nominee(s)
