Questions frequently asked before Boys State:
- Candidates must be a resident of the State of Iowa to participate in The American Legion of Iowa Boys State.
- A candidate must have completed the 11th Grade (Junior year) and have at least one semester left prior to graduation.
- Candidates should have good scholastic ranking.
- Candidates should possess qualities of leadership, scholastic achievement, good citizenship, and a willingness to participate.
- Candidates shall be citizens of or lawful permanent residents of the United States – Exchange students will not be accepted.
- Candidates should demonstrate an interest in United States history, government, and civics.
- Candidates are required to be in attendance for the entire program.
- Candidates must believe in United States citizenship and the ideals of “For God and Country” on which our nation and The American Legion were founded.
Boys State Board Members:
| President | 6 Charlie Bowser | 2024-2025 |
| Vice President | 4 Jake Blitsch | 2024-2025 |
| Secretary | 6 John Derner | 2024-2025 |
| Treasurer | 3 Candice Lanning | 2024-2025 |
| 1st District | 1 Steve Colcord | 2024-2027 |
| 2nd District | 2 Gerald Becker | 2022-2025 |
| 3rd District | 3 Jim Zacharias | 2023-2026 |
| 4th District | 4 Jake Blitsch | 2024-2027 |
| 5th District | 5 Don Lane | 2022-2025 |
| 6th District | 6 Charlie Bowser | 2023-2026 |
| 7th District | 7 Brian Ring Sr. | 2024-2027 |
| 8th District | 8 Gary Haverman | 2022-2025 |
| 9th District | 9 Joe Erychleb | 2023-2026 |
| Department Commander | 7 Brian Ring Sr. | 2024-2025 |
| Department Adjutant | John Derner | 2024-2027 |
| Department Finance Officer | Candice Lanning | 2024-2025 |
| Director Emeritus | Dennis Hanna |
Since the beginning of The American Legion of Iowa Boys State, the program has taken place on and within the grounds and facilities of Camp Dodge located in Johnston, Iowa. Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center serves as the state headquarters for the Iowa National Guard. Anyone wishing to enter the facility is required to present a valid state identification card (state id, driver’s license, military id, etc.) at the front gate.
Camp Dodge is located at:
7105 NW 70th Ave.
Johnston, Iowa 50131
Yes, Boys State is free to you. However, you should be aware that your local American Legion Post and/or other organizations/donors in your commuity is paying your fee to attend. Please be sure to recognize their generosity. They see something in you that they believe is worth investing their limited resources and time.
If you are unable to attend due to a conflict, please notify your sponsoring post first. They may be able to find someone else to fill your reservation. Any cancellation made after April 1 prior to Boys State forfeits your reservation and your local post cannot request a refund for their money.
Once you have registered as a delegate for the Boys State program, an official handbook and separate packing list will be provided to you and your primary contact outlining details for the program including what to bring. You can also download the Boy State Handbook and Packing List. These documents and other resources can be found on the For Delegates page.
Your sponsoring American Legion Post and/or District should help you with transportation arrangements. Check with your local American Legion first since they are your sponsors for instructions to transportation arrangements. The American Legion of Iowa nor Boys State DOES NOT provide transportation for delegates, posts, or districts.
If your parents will be escorting you to Camp Dodge, please follow the signage provided to our point of check-in.
Delegates bringing cars WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO USE THEM DURING BOYS STATE except in emergencies, and then only with the permission of the Director. After you have unpacked, you will be directed to park in a lot patrolled by Camp Dodge security. Keys must be turned in to your city counselor and kept at Boys State Headquarters (C-3). You may pick them up on the last day from your city counselor or from headquarters. This restriction is necessary for the safety of Boys State delegates and conduct of Boys State program.
We highly recommend avoiding this scenario. However, we understand there may be circumstances which cannot prevent a late arrival or early departure.
If you will be arriving later on the first day of Boys State (Sunday – check in from 9 AM – 12 PM), please notify your sponsoring American Legion Post and email boysstate@ialegion.org. Please include your name and sponsoring post number. We will indicate this in our database with your registration so you will not be marked as a “no show”. If you will be arriving a day later, it is our recommendation that you do not participate. The first day is crucial to the program. There is no place in the program to play catch up after missing Day 1.
If you need to depart early, please notify your sponsoring American Legion Post and email boysstate@ialegion.org with the reason. The Director will need to evaluate the circumstance and give his approval. An early departure that is not approved will be counted as an incomplete of the program.
Your barracks will not have a telephone. Cell phone, and use of tablets/Ipads/laptops/electronic readers/etc., is permitted only when activities are not in session (during free time). Wi-fi usage is extremely limited, as you are on a military installation and security measures are followed. Please note that The American Legion of Iowa Boys State and Camp Dodge will not be held responsibile for lost and stolen items. Securing your item will be your responsibility. The inappropriate use of electronic devises while attending Boys State is prohibited. Anyone caught may be asked to give up their electronic device or they may be dismissed from the program. If such a case, your parents will be responsible for picking you up at their expense.
We advise against bringing expensive electronic in addition to your cell phone.
We strongly advise against missing a live orientation. The orientation provided by Boys State in your district provides you and your parents an introduction to the program and other delegates from your area of the state. This gives you and especially your parents a chance to interact and ask questions. It is strongly recommended one or both of your parents attend with you.
We understand during the school year this may not be feasible because of a conflicting schedule. If you cannot attend the orientation closest to you, you may attend another orientation in your district if your schedule permits. If that does not work, you may attend another district’s orienation if that works better for you.
If that is still not possible for some reason, you will need to contact The American Legion Post sponsoring you first. They are your first point of contact – they are the Legionnaires who selected you. They can review the online materials and orientation with you at a convenient time.
Questions frequently asked during Boys State:
Boys State awards and scholarships are made available to those students who have exemplified “statesmanship” in their qualities of character, scholarship, citizenship, patriotism and leadership. For a list of all the scholarships, see the bottom of the For Delegates page.
Worldwide electronics leader Samsung endowed a scholarship fund of $5 million to be administered by The American Legion in 1996. Meant to show appreciation for U.S. veterans who came to Korea’s aid during its struggle against communist forces in the Korean War, the Samsung American Legion Scholarship Program established a series of scholarships derived from interest and other income from the principal amount. To date, the Samsung American Legion Scholarship has awarded more than $5.2 million to nearly 1,800 applicants. Ten (10) national recipients, known as “Samsung American Legion Scholars,” are anticipated.
Selection Criteria for The Samsung Scholarship: Eligibility – The student must be a descendant of an U.S. veteran who served honorably during one or more of the wartime periods. Descendant is defined as a “direct lineage, i.e. child, grandchild, great-grandchild, etc., and legally adopted children. The student must attend an accredited U.S. college or university. The scholarship is for undergraduate study only and may be used for tuition, books, fees (normal and customary) and room and board (university housing or its equivalent).
More information here. Please note the online application will not be available from National until February.
You will be housed in an assigned barracks on the grounds of Camp Dodge. Two barracks make up a ‘city’. The barracks you reside in and your city name will be given to you at check-in. Bring a complete bedroll, including blankets, sheets, pillow and pillowslip. You may bring a sleeping bag if desired. NO BEDDING IS AVAILABLE AT CAMP DODGE. TAG EVERYTHING WITH YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS. Please have adequate clothing and supplies for ONE FULL WEEK. See the Packing List and other resources found on the For Delegates page.
The National Headquarters of The American Legion conducts a program called AMERICAN LEGION BOYS NATION, held at Marymount in Arlington, Virginia, and picks up in the instruction process on government where respective American Legion Boys State programs leave off.
- At American Legion Boys Nation, young men learn about the federal levels and process of our government, through “hands-on” participation, like Boys State. American Legion Boys Nation follows the national political process and culminates its program with election of the President of Boys Nation.
- The American Legion Boys Nation program is conducted at Marymount College in Arlington, Virginia.
- Two (2) Boys State citizens will be selected to represent Iowa from The American Legion of Iowa Boys State in the week-long American Legion Boys Nation program. Two (2) alternate citizens will be selected to attend American Legion Boys Nation in the event a principal delegate from Boys State is unable to attend.
- At Boys State, candidates to be considered for Boys Nation are nominated by their city counselors and interviewed by an American Legion Boys Nation selection panel, comprised of Boys State staff members.
The American Legion National Headquarters pays for the transportation costs of all delegates to American Legion Boys Nation.
Yes you can take photos as long as you abide by acceptable practices and common sense. While attending Boys State, you will be photographed professionally with your fellow citizens. Your city photo will be available to you by the final assembly, if not sooner. Candid photos of activities throughout the week will be available through an archive website provided after Boys State via email. The American Legion of Iowa and Boys State, Inc. are not responsible for photos posted by fellow Boys State citizens or visitors, to any of the social medias by fellow citizens or visitors.
Our chefs prepare three outstanding meals every day to keep you well fed. From cinnamon rolls and pastries for breakfast to burgers and pork chops with delicious sides, you will no go hungry. Did we mention the custom desserts? Meals are provided to you at no cost. Your sponsoring American Legion Post, as part of the enrollment fee, pays the meal cost. You will eat in a dining area assigned to your Boys State city. You will eat with your Boys State city and your city counselor will direct you to the correct dining hall.
Shirt and shoes are required in the dining areas. No swimming trunks are permitted. The official Boys State badge is admission to the dining area, and will be issued to you at your city when you arrive. Meals are not available for your friends or relatives. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served by schedule which will be provided to you during Day 1.
If you have a special diet or have food allergies, please indicate that on your registration.