Pennsylvania American Legion Keystone Boys State is a unique week long summertime educational program that does not emphasize classroom lectures and textbook learning. Instead, it focuses on participation and personal experience in a model state, complete with governing bodies and elected public officials. It is designed to mirror the structure and operation of its respective state government.
The American Legion believes there is no better way to assure the survival of our republic than to train our young people in the ideals and objectives of American Government. Boys State is designed to supplement the information taught in high school civics classes. It is an activity born out of a need for youth raining in practical citizenship, leadership and to instill a working knowledge of the structure and operation of government.
Keystone Boys State has the following objectives:
- to develop leadership and pride in American citizenship
- to arouse a keen interest in the detailed study of government
- to develop in the young citizens of boys State a full understanding of our American traditions and belief in the United States of America
- to arouse in the young citizens a determination to maintain our form of government, and from the Preamble to The American Legion’s constitution
- “to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation, and to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy.”
Eligibility Criteria
- Only males who have successfully completed their junior year of high school and have at least one semester of high school remaining are to be considered.
- Any boy who has previously attended a boys State is not eligible to attend a second session.
- Only boys with outstanding qualities of leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty, and service to their schools are to be considered.
In the actual selection process, merit and ability are the two most important factors considered. No boys are permitted to attend because of either poverty or wealth. It is not a program for underprivileged boys nor is it a summer camp for recreation. Fees, or “tuition,” are paid by American Legion Posts, with little or no expense to a young man and his family.
Those applying for the Samsung Scholarship will need a copy of the military discharge (DD-214). If one is not easily available you can request a copy.
Click Here to go to Keystone Boys State website
Click Here to download the Keystone Boys State Application
Click Here to download the Keystone Boys State Brochure
Click Here to download the Samsung Scholarship Application
Click Here to find out more about requesting a copy of the DD-214
Click Here to go to National’s boys and girls state website
To participate or to find out additional information on Keystone Boys State contact Sharon Delancy at Department Headquarters at 717-730-9100
State Police Youth Week is sponsored by The American Legion Department of Pennsylvania and The Pennsylvania State Police.
Program overview:
Cadets participate in a wide variety of instructional sessions with Local, State Police and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. You will learn how to work as a team and be taught self-esteem, as you will be the future Leaders of our state and nation. There will be classes in Pennsylvania Vehicle and Crime Codes, forensic sciences, radar, riot control, tactical drug operation through the use of specially trained dogs, weapon firing, and other police related skills. Recreational activities will be scheduled as time permits. This is a six-day camp used to introduce students in all procedures of law enforcement. Cadets march to their classes in platoon formation and have drill competition. You should be physically fit and have a good academic record to be able to participate. This is not a recreational camp.
Eligibility:
Cadets, male or female, must have completed either their sophomore (10th), junior (11th) or senior (12th) grade prior to June 20th of this year. The Post or District Commander, or his/her representative will interview each cadet nominated to select candidates, and their alternates. Cadets must be in good health, with no physical defects, and have an average or above standing in their class and of course express a personal interest in either law enforcement or military service.
Cost:
Fee of $125 includes meals, water bottle, ball cap and (3) t-shirts. This is paid by the sponsoring American Legion Post/Unit or other civic group.
This fee is non-refundable
Transportation:
This is the responsibility of the sponsoring group or the parent(s) of the student.
Click Here for the State Police Youth Week Brochure
Click Here for the State Police Youth Week Application
To participate or to find out additional information about State Police Youth Week contact Department Headquarters at 717-730-9100