American Legion of Iowa Boys State

American Legion of Iowa Boys State At Boys State, participants learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens. high school students.

The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county and state governments. American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. 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. 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.

If you weren’t here, you sure missed out! 😎
06/23/2026

If you weren’t here, you sure missed out! 😎

06/23/2026

Meet a Delegate: Sirmichael

A special thank you to Representative Eddie Andrews and Senator Mike Bousselot for taking the time to speak with our Boy...
06/23/2026

A special thank you to Representative Eddie Andrews and Senator Mike Bousselot for taking the time to speak with our Boys State delegates at the Iowa State Capitol this morning.

Your willingness to share your experiences, discuss the legislative process, and encourage the next generation of leaders made this visit even more meaningful. These young men had the opportunity to see government in action and learn from those who serve our state.

We appreciate your time, your leadership, and your commitment to investing in Iowa’s future leaders. Thank you for making our Boys State Capitol visit a memorable one!

06/22/2026
The day is just beginning, and Boys State is already making memories! Today our Boys Staters are heading to the Iowa Sta...
06/22/2026

The day is just beginning, and Boys State is already making memories! Today our Boys Staters are heading to the Iowa State Capitol to experience government in action and see firsthand where decisions that shape our state are made.

This is a great opportunity for these young leaders to explore the Capitol, learn about the legislative process, and connect their Boys State experience to the real world of civic engagement.

The week is underway, and there is so much more to come!

Day 1 is officially in the books at Boys State!From checking in our delegates and getting everyone settled to wrapping u...
06/22/2026

Day 1 is officially in the books at Boys State!

From checking in our delegates and getting everyone settled to wrapping up an incredible Boys State Fair, today was filled with energy, excitement, and new opportunities. It was great to see the boys start building friendships, getting involved, and embracing the experience from the very beginning.

Looking forward to an amazing week ahead as these young men continue to learn, lead, and grow

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720 Lyon Street
Des Moines, IA
50309

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