Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
What are the dates of the 2011 session?
Sunday, June 5 through Saturday, June 11, 2011.
When does registration (check-in) begin?
12:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 5. Eat lunch BEFORE you arrive!
When does the program end?
10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 11 following the final county meeting.
Note: Closing Ceremonies for the 2011 session are Friday evening in McCain Auditorium. They are scheduled to conclude at 8:45 p.m.
What kinds of clothes should I bring?
First, of all, bring enough clean clothes to last one week without laundry. Bring a light jacket in case of rain or cool weather. For the day's activities you will want to wear comfortable clothes -- shorts, T-shirts, jeans, whatever you like. You will receive two Boys State T-shirts at registration which are provided as part of your fees. For recreation you will want to bring shorts, T-shirts, athletic shoes and personal equipment like softball gloves, tennis racquet, etc. For the formal ceremonies you will attend, you will wear your Stater T-shirt and long pants (e.g.: nice jeans/slacks).
If I drive to Boys State, is there a place where I can park my car?
Yes. The parking lot is three blocks away from the residence halls and will be patrolled by campus police. It is also under video surveillance. However, you will NOT have access to your car during the week.
When is the first meal?
Dinner is served at 5:30 p.m Sunday for delegates and counselors. We suggest that you eat lunch BEFORE you arrive in the Kramer parking lot at KSU.
What will I need to do if I have to leave early?
In general we discourage leaving early for any reason, family emergencies excluded. However, if you must leave early, all arrangements must be made PRIOR to registration. Contact the office at (866) 241-9920 Toll Free or email our main office.
Due to circumstances beyond my control, I may have to arrive after the registration line is closed. What should I do?
As soon as you know you will be arriving late, contact the Boys State office at (866) 241-9920 Toll Free and let us know. Or you can email our main office.
I want to play in the marching band. If I bring my own instrument, is there a place where it can be stored safely?
Yes, a locked room will be provided for secure storage of band instruments, however, Boys State assumes no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged instruments.
What types of sports will be offered during the week?
Organized basketball, volleyball, softball, tennis, soccer, a two-mile run and arm wrestling.
Can I leave campus during the week?
No. With over 550 delegates and counselors, we restrict off campus travel to emergencies and prearranged events.
How much "REAL" money do I need to bring?
We suggest no more than $75. All your meals are covered. The extra money would be used for snacks at the candy and pop machines in the residence halls and for any souvenirs you might want to purchase (i.e., jackets, shirts, cups, etc.) as well as gas to and from the program if you are driving. We are not responsible for lost or stolen articles or money.
My friends and I are coming to Boys State. What are the chances of us rooming together?
Hopefully little. One of the major benefits of the program is the chance to meet at least 50 people on your residence hall floor whom you don't know. The room assignments are based on a sophisticated computer algorithm.
I am diabetic. Is that a problem?
No. We have a great medical staff at Boys State and provisions will be made for you to keep any medications you need for your diabetes.
I assume alcohol and drug use are not allowed at Boys State.
A good assumption. But in case you were wondering, if you are caught in possession of, or using alcohol or drugs, you will be sent home immediately. We will contact your sponsor and high school and explain to them why you are being sent home and why their fees will not be refunded.
There is no American Legion in my hometown. Whom should I contact for sponsorship?
While Boys State is a program of the American Legion, many other civic organizations sponsor delegates like Eagles, Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, high schools and others. If you have trouble finding a local sponsor to pay the FULL amount, you may use more than one sponsor to help defray the costs or your parents may help to sponsor part of, or all of your costs. If you still have trouble finding sponsors, email our main office. Leave your full name, address, and phone number
Is there a limit to the number of people my high school can send to Boys State.
No.
How does the 'economic' part of Boys State work?
At Boys State you start out with a bank account, and you are assigned a fictitious job (however, some people are unemployed). You 'work' at a job depending on your area of residence at Boys State (did I say this has nothing to do with where you actually live in Kansas). You receive wages for your work, however, you will need to solicit funds for your campaign from other staters and from political action committees which we call associations.
What will I do if I don't get elected to an office?
If you are not elected to an office, you will be appointed to a government department (i.e. Department of Transportation, Highway Patrol, Wildlife and Parks, etc.). It is in your interest to pursue an office you would like because it will occupy most of your time during session.
If I am a precinct committeeman can I run for another office?
Yes, if you are not elected to another office, you will be appointed to one; being a committeeman is not a full-time position. However, newspaper staff and PAC (political action committee) representatives ARE full-time and they may not seek another office. Delegates to Boys State hold one and only one office with the exception of the precinct committeeman.
If I am elected to an office, may I resign it to take another office?
No. Time is too short during session to find replacements for offices. Once elected, we serve.
Can I run for a county and state office at the same time?
No, you cannot run for more than one office in the primary election and one office in the general election.
What happens on an average day at Boys State?
To begin with, there really isn't an 'average' day at Boys State. Each day has its own unique format.
Sunday - Orientation, establishing cities and counties, campaigning for the primaries.
Monday - The Political Fair and the primary elections plus campaigning for the general election.
Tuesday - The Candidates' Debate and the general election.
Wednesday - Legislature convenes and state officials begin their duties.
Thursday - Hearings and state budget debates.
Friday - Wrap up of the city, county and state projects. Closing Ceremonies and a celebration at the Union.
Saturday - Pack up and head home.
Now, that's a simplistic overview, but basically each morning and early afternoon you will role-play your position (be it elected or appointed). Mid-afternoon we break for athletics at the KSU sports complex. After dinner various guest speakers make presentations and other special entertainment activities take place. Lights are generally out around 11 p.m.