Post 77: Leading by example
Be a part of the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students.
About Boys State/Nation
Boys State
American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students. A participatory program in which students become part of the operation of local, county and state government, Boys State was founded in 1935 to counter the socialism-inspired Young Pioneer Camps. The program was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.
American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a separate but similar program for young women called Girls State.
At Boys State, participants learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens. The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county and state governments. Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs.
Legion posts select high school juniors to attend the program. In most cases, individual expenses are paid by a sponsoring post, a local business or another community-based organization.
Boys State programs currently exist in all Legion departments in the United States except Hawaii. As separate corporations, Boys State programs vary in content and method of procedure, but each adheres to the same basic concept: teaching government from the township to the state level.
Georgia Boys State
Georgia Boys State is a comprehensive one week course in state and local government and is a program of the American Legion Department of Georgia. The date for the program is June 8-14, 2025 and will be held at Valdosta State University in Valdosta.
Post 77: Here to assist
American Legion Post 77 – Supporting Local Youth Through Boys State
American Legion Post 77 in Conyers, GA, is proud to support our local high school students by providing opportunities to participate in the prestigious Boys State program. Boys State is a unique leadership and citizenship program that educates young men on the workings of government, the importance of civic engagement, and the value of public service.
Each year, Post 77 sponsors outstanding high school juniors, covering the costs of attendance to ensure finances are never a barrier to this life-changing experience. Through our efforts, we help shape the future leaders of our community by giving them the chance to develop leadership skills, build lasting friendships, and gain a deeper understanding of our nation's democratic process.
We are committed to investing in our youth and strengthening our community. If you know a young man who would be a great candidate for Boys State or would like to support our sponsorship efforts, please reach out to American Legion Post 77. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of our future leaders!