Here is a list of common questions asked. You can also post a question at the bottom of the page and we will get to you as soon as we can. The question may or may not populate until we answer it. We are notified of new questions via e-mail and check the site regularly.
Who pays for the boys to attend Colorado American Legion Boys State?
Answer: An American Legion Post must sponsor all boys attending Colorado American Legion Boys State. The Post is responsible for the $200 tuition.
Is the American Legion steering our boys towards the Military?
Answer: NO – Although military service is a requirement for membership in The American Legion, the Boys State program is a non-partisan state and local government educational program designed to develop and encourage responsible citizenship.
Is attending Boys State helpful for boys applying for an appointment to a Service Academy?
Answer: YES. Military service academies applications do grant additional credit for attending American Legion Boys State.
Are college credits available for completing American Legion Boys State?
Answer: YES. Please view the College Credit page.
Are there scholarships opportunities for boys attending Boys State?
Answer: YES. Scholarship opportunities are available to Boys State delegates. Click HERE for more information.
Who covers the transportation costs of the boys to and from Boys State?
Answer: Boys attending Colorado American Legion Boys state are required to provide their own transportation. Some assistance may be available from the local sponsoring American Legion post. If you have further questions on this, please contact us.
What personal items should a student bring?
Answer: This information is available in the Boys State ManualĀ and additional will be provided in a packet mailed prior to Boys State. Also check out the What to bring Page.
Is there a cost for boys while at Boys State? How much money should a boy have?
Answer: Boys State tuition costs are paid by sponsoring American Legion posts. Citizens will need some spending money during Boys State and should bring sufficient funds to meet their anticipated requirements. No more than $40 should be necessary for purchases such as toiletries, laundry supplies, refreshments, and souvenirs.
What are the rules of conduct for the boys at Boys State?
Answer: Refer to Colorado Boy State-Manual. Manual is located HERE.
What is the daily schedule at Boys State?
Answer: Refer to Boys State Guide. Manual is located HERE.
Where will the boys be housed?
Answer: They will be housed in the University Dorms which are typically 2 boys per room. Boys will be assigned to a Boys State city comprised of 20 to 25 boys. Laundry facilities available-coin operated machines. Students pay for their own laundry.
What is the objective of Colorado Boys State?
Answer: The objective of Colorado Boys State is to “educate our youth in the duties, privileges, rights, and responsibilities of American citizenship.” Refer to Colorado Boys State – Manual.
How do Boys State students participate?
Answer: Refer to Colorado Boys State – Manual. Manual is located HERE.
How do the boys get the most out of attending the Boys State Program?
Answer: Refer to Colorado Boys State Manual. Manual is located HERE.
What date, time and place is check in?
Answer: Registration for American Legion Colorado Boys State will take place between 8:00 am and 12:00 noon on the first day of the program at the college campus.
What is the cost of meals?
Answer: All meals are provided as part of the Boys State tuition paid for by sponsoring American Legion posts.
Can friends and family attend the graduation ceremony?
Yes, it is encouraged! It is a great ceremony and you will be able to see what was accomplished throughout the week.
I just want everyone to know that Boy’s State in 1965 was a highlight of my youth!!!!! From a small town of Wiggins, Colorado.
Thanks for all you do American Legion!!!!
Ron Roark
Major, USA (ret.)
Ron, We appreciate your comment. For your information we are establishing a Colorado Boys State alumni and if you are interested, let me know and I will add you to our list.
BTW do you belong to The American Legion?
Tom Bock, Director
How do I get sponsored by an American Legion Post? I’m in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Hello Christian, thank you for your question. When you apply to the program using the application page, the application is sent to headquarters. From there, it is assigned to your local post and that is how you become sponsored. They will contact you and go through the rest of the process with you.
Thanks! Ben
We have had 4 sons attend CO Boys State and our 5th is registered to attend this year, 2019. I see that the format is different for the final night, and they no longer have a graduation banquet. I really enjoyed the dinner and hope that they are able to bring that back.
Thank you for your comment. This is something that we may consider bringing back in the future. It does add to the program and the food is good! Thanks, Ben.
I have questions. What time are boys expected to arrive on the first day? And are they allowed off campus during the program? If yes, what time can they leave? What time do they need to be back?
The arrival time on the first day is from 8am to 12pm. There is that 4 hour window for them to show up and get checked in. During the week, they are not allowed to leave campus at all. The schedule is packed with things to do from 7am to about 11pm.