Life at Boys State
The Boys State curriculum focuses on government, leadership, and patriotism, but delegates leave the camp with so much more. They leave with lifelong friends and a sense of belonging to a brotherhood of highly-motivated successful young leaders.
- Extra-Curricular Time
- Plenty of extra-curricular time is provided including both organized and leisure activities. You may want to bring such items as: items for basketball, volleyball, softball and the weight room, as well as inexpensive games such as chess, checkers, cards, etc.
- Gambling, in any form, will not be permitted during Boys State.
- Music and Talent Night
- Boys State has an outstanding music program for both voice and instrument as well as a talent night. Delegates may want to bring personal instruments for the band (large instruments are provided) as well as guitars, fiddles, banjos, and other props for talent night.
- Bank, Post Office, and Store
- A bank, post office and store can be found in the Boys State Headquarters.
- Mail will be delivered to each city as it arrives daily. Mail will also be taken to the local post office on a daily basis.
- The store will have various items for sale such as caps, lapel pens, letter jacket patches, pens/pencils, toiletries, etc.
- Every effort is made to safeguard the personal items of delegates. Oklahoma American Legion Boys State cannot assume any responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects
- Money
- How much money a delegate brings is entirely up to him and his parent(s). Since we provide a city and state photo, t-shirts, all meals and housing, it is possible for a delegate to go the entire week and spend no money.
- Vending machines and the Boys State Store are available for snacks
- The Boys State store has souvenir items as well as extra t- shirts.
- Deposits in the Boys State Store and Bank can be made online via the delegate’s account created during enrollment
- It is highly recommended that delegates deposit any extra cash in the bank for safekeeping. Although Boys State delegates are the finest young men in the state, prudence nevertheless dictates that one take care of his personal belongings and cash. Money may be withdrawn from the bank as needed.
- How much money a delegate brings is entirely up to him and his parent(s). Since we provide a city and state photo, t-shirts, all meals and housing, it is possible for a delegate to go the entire week and spend no money.
- Bedding
- Bring your own bedding! No bedding is provided except for a bed. Some delegates bring sleeping bags and find this very satisfactory, while others bring sheets (college dorm twin bed) a pillow and blankets. The dorms are air conditioned so bring some cover.
- General appearance
- Delegates are expected to arrive neat and well groomed and remain so throughout the Boys State week. A barbershop IS NOT available
- Clothing
- Boys State Delegates are expected to present a neat uniform appearance.
- Delegates will wear the Boys State T-shirt or Polo shirt, jeans or slacks, closed-toe shoes (no sandals).
- Two t-shirts are included with the delegate fee. Extras can be purchased during online enrollment, in the online store, or on site at the Boys State Store
- Caps are not allowed except for the official Boys State baseball cap (which may be purchased in the store) or the Sons of the American Legion cap.
- Uniforms are not required during recreation time
- Overalls are not permitted.
- Dress clothes are not required at any time.
- Delegates should wear socks with shoes to prevent blistering as Boys State requires a significant amount of walking.
- Personal Items
- Several activities are “high intensity” and outdoors during mid day, so bring plenty of under garments
- Bring sufficient toiletries including bath soap, shaving items, over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and allergy relief, contact lens solution and/or extra glasses, etc.
- Inform your counselor of all prescription medications (including insulin) you are taking.
- Extra toiletries are available for purchase in the Boys State Store
- Bring bath towels and washcloths