A Week That Shapes the Future
Rider University, Lawrenceville
June 16-21
American Legion Jersey Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government.
Boys State was founded in 1935 to counter the socialism inspired Youth Pioneer Camps.
At Jersey Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.
High school juniors are selected by a committee of Post 371 Legionnaires to attend the program. Post 371 pays all expenses associated with attending this program. Jersey Boys State is in compliance with federal handicap laws.
Eligibility
Boys in 11th grade are considered. The student MUST either live in Camden County or go to high school in Camden County. Previous participants of a Boys State competition are not allowed to attend a second session. Only those who illustrate leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty and service in their schools and community will be considered. Merit and ability are the basis for evaluation during the actual selection process.
Schools recommend eligible candidates to be considered and we then conduct interviews and select those to represent Post 371 at the program. We draw our candidates from Eastern Regional High School and Camden County Tech. However, we will consider students from any high school located in Camden County.
Click Here For More Information on Jersey Boys State
(American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a separate but similar program for young women called Girls State.)
