“Shaping Florida’s Future — One Boy at a Time”
Florida Boys State
Empowering Future Leaders Through Civic Engagement
American Legion Boys State is one of the nation’s most respected and selective educational programs for high school students, focusing on government, leadership, and civic responsibility. Founded in 1935 by two Illinois Legionnaires—Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card—Boys State was created to counter the influence of socialist youth programs and provide a hands-on experience in democratic government.
At Boys State, students become active participants in a simulated local, county, and state government. Each delegate learns the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of American citizenship in an immersive, non-partisan environment.
A Week of Leadership, Learning, and Legislation
At Florida Boys State, delegates ("citizens") gain real-world insight into how government functions by role-playing as lawmakers, campaigners, judges, city officials, and more. The experience includes:
- Campaigning and Elections: Students run for office and are elected to positions in a simulated city, county, and state government.
- Legislative Sessions: Citizens write, propose, debate, and vote on bills—just like real legislators.
- Civic Instruction: Delegates receive education in parliamentary procedure, the judicial process, and Florida’s political history.
- Political Engagement: Participants are assigned to one of two mythical parties—the Nationalists or Federalists—to encourage constructive debate and non-partisan problem-solving.
This dynamic format ensures that students don’t just learn about democracy—they live it.
Non-Partisan & Values-Based
Boys State is strictly non-partisan. All political activity is conducted without any connection to actual political parties or ideologies. The goal is to foster a deeper understanding of democratic principles and the personal responsibility required of engaged citizens.
Through this program, young men develop leadership skills, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for civic duty—all in an environment free from propaganda and partisan bias.
Girls State
The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a parallel program for young women called Girls State, which offers the same immersive civic learning and leadership training.
The Magic of Boys State
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What is Florida American Legion Boys State?
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Florida American Legion Boys State celebrates 80 years
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Join Us
HELP OUR CAUSE
Dear Friends and Supporters,
We have a remarkable opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of one of our own. A promising young man from Tarpon Springs High School will be selected each year to attend Boys State—a prestigious program that cultivates leadership, citizenship, and community servic