Welcome

Parents/Guardians

Objectives

A program of this scope encompasses many important objectives. The American Legion feels the following are the most important:

  • Develop civic leadership and pride in American Citizenship
  • Promote a keen interest in the detailed study of Florida’s government
  • Develop a full understanding of American traditions and a loyalty to the USA
  • Motivate young citizens to maintain our form of government
  • Inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation
  • Safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy
  • To learn more, reach out to your local American Legion post for more information and an opportunity have your child interviewed.  Find your post: Post locator 

Transportation

Transportation to and from the program is the responsibility of the local Post, unless parents make special arrangements to get Delegates to Tallahassee.

Each District Boys State Chairman for The Florida American Legion, arranges charter buses or other means of transportation to and from the program.

If a Delegate misses their bus, it is the Delegate's responsibility to arrive in Tallahassee at the appropriate time.

Delegates are not allowed to drive their cars to Tallahassee as there is no parking available for them.

Dress
  • Sleep Wear – Enough for 6 nights (t-shirts, boxers, PJ’s, etc.)
  • Socks – 1-2 pair dress (awards night and maybe at the capitol); 5-7 pair sport/regular
  • Shoes – 1 pair dress (awards night); 1 pair walking/tennis shoes for the Capitol; sandals (must have heel strap, NO FLIP FLOPS); tennis shoes for around campus
  • Underwear – 8-12 pairs
  • Dress Shirt – 1-2 (awards night & scholarship interview)
  • Suit Jacket & Tie or Bowtie (awards night)
  • Dress Pants – 1-2 (awards night & scholarship interview)
  • Long Pants – 2 non-jeans for the Capitol, jeans for around campus for 3-4 days.
  • Shorts – for around campus 3-4 days, NO CUTOFFS (jeans and shorts are not needed for around campus; however, it is Florida and jeans may be hot!)
  • Belt – The Boys State shirt is worn tucked in, except during recreation time.
  • Gym Clothes – Dodgeball game and for those who wish to jog each morning.
  • Extra T-shirt for Dodge Ball game (one that can be written on or altered)
  • Regular Jacket – For Indoor Events
  • JROTC Uniform – (Optional) May be worn during award night and by any delegate who wishes to participate in posting and retiring colors during the program. 
  • Hats / baseball caps are not allowed

Room Items

  • Bed Sheets (2) – Twin XL Mattress = 39 x 80 inches
  • Pillow and Pillow Case
  • Light Comforter, blanket or sleeping bag – Resident hall beds are not known to be very comfortable. You can use this extra padding to make your bed softer or bring a mattress pad.
  • Mini Fan – Just in case the room is warmer than you like it to be for sleeping since the AC cannot be controlled.
  • Shower shoes – For use only in the shower.
  • Bath Towels and Washcloths  – Used for showers, washing hands, place on the floor as bath mats.
  • Hand soap / Hand sanitizer – The rooms are only supplied with a shower curtain and toilet paper.
  • Bath Soap and other toiletries
  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo
  • Toliet Paper will be provided

Additional Items

  • Funds for incidental purchases – Snacks, Boys State memorabilia from the Boys State Store, etc.
  • Inexpensive poncho or raincoat and/or umbrella
  • Sunblock – for outdoor Dodge Ball game.
  • Snacks/bottled water – for storage in the dorm room (small refrigerators are found in each dorm room) 
  • If participating as a Boys State Bugler or in the talent show, bring your instrument or prop. 

Items Provided

  • x2 Boys State t-shirts.
  • x1 Pen for writing.
  • x1 Backpack.
  • x1 Delegate Manual
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the program (note: Dietary menu options will be available)

Items Not Needed

  • A Backpack – All Delegates must use the provided Boys State Backpack.
  • Jewelry including ear rings – Only religious jewelry may be worn under a delegate's shirt.
  • Hats
  • Electronic Gaming Devices
  • Laptops

Security

Our program has had a comprehensive safety plan in place for several years. Our safety plan includes background checks for all staff and counselors, controlled access to facilities, on-site State Troopers, and regular security audits.

Our program has worked with the Florida Highway Patrol for many years which has offered support by providing more than a dozen Troopers to be Staff counselors. There will be a State Trooper located on each floor of both resident halls. Each State Trooper will be assigned to a group of boys to ensure the group gets to and from the resident halls and FSU Tucker Civic Center safely.

We truly understand the concerns parents and guardians have when tragedies strike. It is our number one priority to ensure that your children come home to you safe and healthy. By working together, we can prevent these tragedies in our program. Thank you for entrusting your children to our care.