Attendees learn by doing, and during the weeklong session they form city, county and state governments for a mythical 51st state. All aspects of government are considered, from elections to drafting a state constitution and creating laws for the mythical state. Additionally, nine scholarships totaling over $15,000 are awarded at the end of the session to boys who excel in an essay contest, an oration contest, leadership and achievement during the session. Each boys state program selects two representatives to attend Boys Nation in Washington DC.

The very first boys state in The American Legion, was convened in 1935 at the State Fairgrounds in Springfield, after a vision of three Illinois Legionnaires. About 200 boys from across Illinois attended that camp, designed to give young men an opportunity to learn the operation of American government on the local, state, and national levels. By 1937, attendance at Illinois Premier Boys State session was 1,200 boys.

This program will cost an attendee a week of their time. The registration fee for the weeklong session is covered by American Legion Post 199 and donations from local businesses. Other sponsors interested in supporting the program are welcome.

Applications for boys state should be submitted to Post 199 no later than May 12, 2021. Although the Illinois Premier Boys State website offers an online registration, we request a printed application be submitted. An orientation session will be held for attendees and their parents in late May. Applicants will be individually notified of the exact date of the orientation session.

Applications and additional information may be found at https://illinoisboysstate.org, or by calling Post Americanism Chairman Larry Miller at 618-616-9415 or Post 199 at 618-656-9774.