FAQ's

Why should I give up a week of my summer to attend Boys State?

The #1 Asked Question

This is a tough one. I mean really. Boys State is in June and you have just spent the past nine months racking your brains out learning about science, math, etc.

Why would you want to spend another week having to learn stuff? There are many good reasons to attend Boys State.

Here is our very own Top 10 list

10.) If you pay attention at all, you’ll almost (this is a disclaimer) be guaranteed to be a star in your senior class.

9.) It is good to have on your college admissions applications.

8.) The food is very good. REALLY!

7.) You will most likely be attending college in a little over a year and this is a good test of your ability to meet new and different people.

6.) It’s cool to learn with people who actually want to learn.

5.) Sparkling counselors.

4.) This is an excellent place to try out your leadership skills with people who don’t know you.

3.) It is VERY good to have on your scholarship applications.

2.) Even though you might not want to admit is now, you like having friends. Most graduates make life-long friendships with young men from across the state they have met during this week.

1.) Did I mention sparkling counselors?!

Where and when is Georgia Boys State held?

Georgia Boys State is held at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA. June 9-15, 2024

When does registration start ?

12:00 Noon on Sunday. You are responsible for lunch on Sunday. Many have sandwiches during the trip to Valdosta. Others have lunch at fast food establishments that within a couple of miles of VSU. Your sponsoring American Legion Post should see that you have lunch before reporting on Sunday.

What kinds of clothes should I bring?

First, bring enough clean clothes to last one week without laundry. For the day’s activities you will want to wear comfortable clothes: shorts, jeans, whatever you like. You will receive 2 Georgia Boys State T-shirts at registration, which is provided as part of your fees. These T-shirts are worn to all Georgia Boys State Functions. You may purchase additional Georgia Boys State T-shirts from the Georgia Boys State Supply Office. For recreation you will want to bring shorts, T-shirts, athletic shoes, ball cap and personal equipment like softball gloves. During the athletic period you will be involved in softball, basketball, volleyball and touch football.

Should I bring anything else?

Sheets for a single bed, pillow and light blanket
Towels, soap, shampoo, toothbrush & toothpaste, shaving items, etc.
Comfortable shoes
Three ring 1″ notebook (blue preferred but not required) is a must
Paper and pen or pencil

If I drive to Boys State, is there a place where I can park my car?

Yes. The parking lot is near the residence halls and patrolled by campus security. However, you will NOT have access to your car during the week. You will register your car when you check in with Georgia Boys State. Parking on the campus is at your own risk. The Georgia Boys State program is not responsible for damage to your car.

When is the first meal?

The first meal will be Sunday evening Dinner at 6:00 PM Sunday.

What will I need to do if I have to leave before the conclusion of the Graduation Ceremony Saturday morning?

If you cannot attend the ENTIRE program through the Saturday Morning Graduation Ceremony, you should relinquish your invitation and let another student take your place. Your local American Legion Post has paid your enrollment fees and transportation so that you may attend Boys State at no cost. The sponsoring Post deserves their money’s worth. More importantly, you will not receive the full benefits of the program. Finally, you will be a part of a TEAM, the city you are assigned to. For you to leave early will put your fellow citizens and city at a disadvantage. For example, imagine in your hometown a citizen runs for the position of mayor and as soon as he is elected he moves away. The faith and trust his fellow citizens placed in him to serve have been broken.

If during the week a family emergency arises your parents can contact the Georgia Boys State office at (TBD) and arrange for your departure.

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 may be arriving late, contact the Georgia Boys State Director at 229-938-9352 and discuss the situation with us. Once you arrive on campus follow the directional signs to registration.

What types of sports will be offered during the week?

There is softball, basketball, touch football and volleyball.

When will we be dismissed from the program?

Saturday morning after the Graduation Ceremony and as soon as your city counselor gets you checked out. You are expected to return home in the same manner that you traveled to Georgia Boys State. Anything different should be arranged with your sponsoring American Legion Post (such as my parents will be picking me up).

Generally, the Graduation Ceremony is over between 9:00 and 9:20 AM.

Can I leave the campus during the week?

No. With nearly 500 delegates and counselors, we restrict off campus travel to emergencies and pre-arranged events.

How much money do I need to bring?

All your meals are covered. Any extra money would be used for snacks in the residence halls and for any souvenirs you might want to purchase. 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 opportunity to meet new people and learn about the diversity of our state. The room assignments are based on random computer housing assignments.

I am diabetic. Is that a problem?

No. 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 why you are being sent home and why their fees will not be refunded.

If you still have questions, e-mail them to: director@dogboysstate.org

Follow directional signs to registration