​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. 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 delegate to Palmetto Boys State. More than 900 rising seniors are nominated each year by their high school teachers and counselors to be delegates or “citizens” at Boys State. Those nominated are then interviewed and selected by the local American Legion Post.  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.

Boys State is sponsored by The American Legion and will be held annually in June.

The American Legion has established certain qualifications for prospective Boys State citizens.  Here are the recommended guidelines that are employed by most American Legion Boys State programs:

• Only males who have successfully completed their junior year of high school and have at least one more semester of high school remaining are considered eligible to participate.
  
• Any boy who has previously attended an American Legion Boys State is not eligible to attend a second session.
  
• Only boys with outstanding qualities of leadership, character, scholarship, and loyalty and service to their schools and community should be considered.
  
• In the actual selection of boys as citizens of Boys State, merit and ability alone are the basis for selection.
  

American Legion Boys States are in compliance with federal handicap laws. Palmetto Boys State requires a medical/parental consent certificate signed by a guardian.