Since 1937, the American Legion has proudly sponsored a program for High School boys nationwide who are in their third (junior) year. Boy's State teaches these young men the duties, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship. The California Boy's State is conducted during one week in June each year on the campus of California State University, Sacramento. American Legion Post 649 participates by sponsoring at least three young men from Castro Valley High School and Redwood Christian High School.
Boy's State is a program of education. It is a course in practical Americanism. It is a course in civics, the purpose of which is to teach the youth of high school age that there is nothing wrong with our form of government, that it has not outworn its usefulness.
At Boy's State each delegate, as he registers, is assigned a city, and thereafter he is a resident of that city. He lives in that city area. From 35 to 50 delegates are assigned to each city. All the cities in one dormitory constitute one county. The five counties constitute the State. The delegates are equally divided into political parties, not Republican and Democrat, but Federalist and Whig — so the delegates may see how political parties function under our form of government. The delegates develop their own party platform and make their own controversial issues. All of their Governmental activities, whether city, county, or State, are carried on according to the California State Constitution and the existing laws of the State of California. The delegates are guided by counselors who are attorneys.
The purpose of Boy's State is achieved by having each participant learn by doing. From this practical school of government, the delegates learn the part each can play under our system of government so that each can run for office, can vote for the candidate of his choice, and can have a voice and be a part of shaping the policies of his government.
Although there is ample time for recreation, Boy's State is not a picnic, not an outing, not a recreational camp. However, recreation is not forgotten. Athletic activities are scheduled from 4:15p to 6:00p each day.
We, as members of American Legion Post 649, are proud to be a part of California Boy's State.
Read letter From Samuel Lee About Boys State 2016 »Read letter From John Saake About Boys State 2014 »Read letter From Tyler Finn About Boys State 2012 »