Success at Boys State
Success at Boys State comes not just from winning high office, or any office at all for that matter. Success comes from sharing this week of government, leadership, and patriotism with several hundred other young men like yourself who constitute the best our state has to offer. Your success will be marked not only by your experience during the week, but also by what you will carry with you for the rest of your life. To fully benefit from this experience you must be active; get to know your fellow delegates; learn about your city; listen to your counselors and to the assembly speakers; talk, discuss, argue, laugh, and yes, even weep. If taken seriously, you will leave with a new appreciation for the men who built this nation and have given the ultimate sacrifice to keep it free.
Government Practicum
- Throughout the week of Boys State the delegates will simulate the state and local government of Oklahoma. Each delegate will be randomly assigned to either the Boomer or the Sooner party, and will also be assigned to either the House or the Senate. As the week progresses, the delegates will have the opportunity to run for office at the city, county and state levels. They may also choose to seek positions within the judiciary or law enforcement community, or remain and advance within the legislature. Regardless of position or election outcome, each delegate will play a role in the simulated government and learn by doing in the process.
- Legislation
- At the heart of our democracy is representative government and public debate. As such, Boys State puts a great emphasis on our Legislative Simulation. Each delegate will spend time in either the House or the Senate learning parliamentary procedure; debating bills and resolutions; and learning the committee system. For this process to work smoothly, each delegate should bring with him at least one piece of legislation to present to his peers during the simulation. Some topics to consider include: Welfare, Drug Policy, Public and Higher Education, Taxation and Budget, Employment, Agriculture, Criminal Justice and Corrections, Transportation and Highways, Environmental Laws, Hunting and Firearms, and other items of general interest.
Running for Governor and other High Office
- Those delegates wishing to run for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General or Chief Justice are encouraged (but not required) to check the appropriate box during enrollment to help the staff equally distribute high-office candidates throughout the state. All delegates will have the opportunity to declare candidacy for these offices after arrival at Boys State regardless of their indications during enrollment
- Do Not Bring Pre-printed campaign material
- All campaign material must be produced at Boys State. You may bring materials with which to make campaign signs, etc. You may campaign for office prior to Boys State but no information regarding delegates will be released by Oklahoma Boys State
- Do Not Bring Pre-printed campaign material
Photographers, Web Masters, and Audio-Video Production
- We will have a number of opportunities for photographers. Please bring your own camera and make plans to keep it secure. When not in use you may leave your camera in your counselor’s locked room. Be sure to indicate on your registration if you are interested in helping with photography, Video Production or working on the Web Site that will be updated on a daily basis.
For God and Country
- The American Legion exists “For God and Country” and any delegate who is not a believer or who is uncomfortable with patriotism or saluting the Flag of the United States will be VERY uncomfortable at Boys State. Boys State provides non-denominational religious activities. It is very important that religious tolerance be emphasized; nevertheless prayer and religious observances as well as patriotic observances are a part of the Boys State experience.