 JUNE 15 - JUNE 20, 2008
LYNDON STATE COLLEGE
LYNDONVILLE VT
GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS' STATE
THE AMERICAN LEGION OF VERMONT
 PURPOSE
The American Legion, Department of Vermont, is sponsoring Boys' State to assist in the education of our youth in the duties, privileges, rights, and responsibilities of American Citizenship; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state, and nation; and to teach the fundamental precepts of GOVERNMENT.
Over sixty years ago, the American Legion of Vermont realized the importance of educating the future leaders of this state, and possibly of the nation. They developed a sound program that offers these young men in-dept insight into government, beyond that which is taught at the elementary and high school levels. This program, Boys' State, provides the opportunity to see firsthand how our government operates and to actually participate in mock deliberations and decisions.
SELECTION
Each year, Boys' State brings together over 200 high school boys, who have completed their junior year. The first step in the process of selection is for the schools to identify future leaders. In a variety of ways, boys are selected who best represent what their schools and communities feel are the characteristics of leadership, responsibility, and integrity. In addition, schools are encouraged to send representatives who will derive the most from the Boys' State program and bring back with them an enthusiasm for both the program and for involvement in public affairs. With these goals in mind, delegates should be chosen who are active and involved in their school and their community, and who are truly interested in attending Boys' State.
PROGRAM OF GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS' STATE
The program, conducted for one week following the close of the school year, has been created to simulate town and state government. The boys, all considered "citizens", are randomly placed in one of eight mock towns, which in turn are a part of a county structure. Then the "citizens" become members of the mythical Federalist or Nationalist political party. (As happens in real politics, the boys sometimes form third or fourth parties!) They are then presented with a week long series of situations, which at first will give them either elective or appointive office, and later offer them insight into how the government actually deals with the needs and problems of the community and state.
As in a real town, these boys must participate in choosing their town, county, and state officers in accordance with regular election procedures. These officials are then instructed in the duties of their offices, whether executive, legislative or judicial. In practice sessions, they will carry out their duties to administer the function of government. The established procedures of Vermont are followed: the standard meetings and hearings are conducted, and a town meeting is held.
ACTIVITIES
During the week, balance is created for these hardworking "citizens" providing them with a variety of activities, including sports, the publication of their own newspaper, THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS' STATEMENT, and the Boys' State Band.
BAND
The Boys' State Band is an integral part of the program, and practices daily. Many boys bring their own instruments, but for those who don't, Norwich University furnishes sousaphones, bass drums, and a glockenspiel. The Band presents a concert each evening. For musicians, the instruction is actually equivalent to a high quality band camp.
DIGNITARIES
To give the boys who attend a better sense of the reality of their government, many local and state officials visit during the week. Some formally address the group, while others are on hand to answer questions and offer advice to the "citizens". Resource experts from many fields are invited as a regular part of the program. The Governor of Vermont addresses the "citizens" assembly each year.
CONCLUSION
The American Legion hopes that each boy will, as a result of this unique experience, develop an appreciation of government, some insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the legislative, executive and judicial branches, and most of all an understanding of the importance of the individual citizen's role in government.
The success of Green Mountain Boys' State program depends primarily on the level of commitment of the boys who are chosen as delegates. It is their responsibility to become involved in the activities of the week at all levels, to truly work to their full potential, and to develop a positive attitude about the Boys' State Program and its intentions.
BOYS' NATION
At the end of the week, the Boys' State staff will elect two delegates to Boys' Nation. They will be sent, expenses paid, to Washington, D.C. where they will practice mock citizenship on a national basis; a president of Boys' Nation will be elected.
AWARDS
At the conclusion of the week, various awards are presented. A Model Town and Model County are selected. Delegates may apply for college scholarship awards, including those from Norwich, Castleton, Lyndon and Johnson. They may also apply for the American Legion awards: the Richard C. Curtiss Scholarship or the Harry Loyzelle Scholarship.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT
GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS' STATE
Contact Norman Messier at gstrainer@charter.net
Norman Messier, Director
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