|
|
The American Legion of Iowa"For God and Country" - "We Can. We Will." |
|
|
|
|
IOWA AMERICAN LEGION HAWKEYE BOYS STATE HANDBOOKA TRAINING PROGRAM IN CITIZENSHIP AND DEMOCRACYPrefaceThis booklet serves to acquaint you, prior to your arrival at American Legion Boys State, with an overview of the Hawkeye Boys State Program, what will be offered through the program, what is expected of you at the program, and what is provided to you by the staff of Iowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State and the National Guard at Camp Dodge, Johnston, Iowa. You are attending Iowa Boys State on the recommendation of your school officials and members of The American Legion Post in your community. Uphold the confidence placed in you. Conduct yourself in a manner to reflect credit not only upon yourself, but your school and community as well. Being selected to attend the Iowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State is an honor that should not be taken lightly. The goal of American Legion Hawkeye Boys State is to educate and train you in the understanding of one of this country’s most precious freedoms; the democratic form of government. It is hoped you will use the knowledge gained to take an active role in not only Boys State, but society as well. Upon completing American Legion Hawkeye Boys State, you join alumni of hundreds of thousands, numbering among its ranks judges, lawyers, educators, military leaders, federal, state and local government officials. Many of these individuals credit their success to the experience gained at American Legion Hawkeye Boys State. PLEASE REVIEW THIS BOOKLET WITH YOUR PARENTS. Many questions that your parents may have about The Iowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State program are covered on the following pages. Questions regarding American Legion Hawkeye Boys State or requests for additional copies of this booklet should be directed to: Iowa American Legion Headquarters 2008 AMERICAN LEGION HAWKEYE BOYS STATE
Activities begin at 1 p.m., Sunday, June 8, 2008, and continue until 12:30 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2008. THE AMERICAN LEGIONThe American Legion is the largest organization of veterans in the world, with a membership of over 2,700,000 members in the United States, the District of Columbia and four foreign countries. Since being founded in 1919, the American Legion has been a moving force for fair treatment of this nation’s veterans, their families, and especially the disabled veterans. Members of the Legion are honorably discharged men and women who served their country on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States. The Legion was the author of the G.I. Bill of Rights, which has benefited millions of ex-service personnel since its passage in 1944. The American Legion conducts programs designed to benefit the youth of America. Notable among these programs are:
The American Legion founded Boys State in 1935. Since that time, the American Legion Hawkeye Boys State program has remained one of the premier youth programs in the nation. HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN LEGION BOYS STATEBoys State was born of a desire to counter the Fascist inspired Young Pioneer Camps of the 1930s, where boys of high school age were being taught that democracy had outworn its usefulness and should be replaced by a new form of government, namely Fascism. The creation of the Boys State program is credited to Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, both educators and both members of The American Legion of Illinois, who in 1935 was an instructor at the Loyola University School of Law in Chicago and the Americanism Chairman of the Illinois Department of the American Legion. Hayes Kennedy became concerned about a project underway in the late 1930’s called “Young Pioneer Camps” promoted by the Communist Party to attract high school students. At these camps the Communist Party would advocate the virtues of the Communist system and the uselessness of democracy. It was their desire to start a counter movement within the ranks of American youth that would develop a better understanding of our system of government, and to instill in our youth a desire to preserve it. The Illinois Department of the American Legion approved Hayes Kennedy’s project, and in June 1935, the very first “Boys State” in the nation was held on the grounds of the Illinois State Fair. The format for Boys State was laid out by Harold Card and fashioned from a method employed by him in earlier years to properly police and organize a Boy Scout camp. Shorthanded on staff, he permitted the boys to govern themselves, hold an election and elect a mayor and a city council. Appointments were made to cover positions like police, fire, health and sanitation officials. Harold Card quickly found that the boys became so enthused in carrying out their ‘city’ duties; they almost neglected their Scout assignments. The boys were learning by doing. From the beginning in Illinois in 1935, the program swiftly spread among other American Legion Departments. Today, the American Legion conducts a “Boys State” program in 49 states. Hawaii is the only state that does not have a Boys State program. District of Columbia delegates attend either in the Maryland or Virginia Boys States. Now, 70 years later, the program is still providing that opportunity to young men . . . to learn by doing, and through this time well over one million young men have experienced American Legion Boys State. Though Fascism no longer poses a threat in today’s world, our way of life is still threatened by forms of government alien to our democratic ideals, and by apathy among our own citizens. The American Legion continues to sponsor and to conduct Boys State in the belief that young citizens who are familiar with the operation of our system of government will be better prepared to uphold its ideals and maintain it for future generations. IOWA AMERICAN LEGION HAWKEYE BOYS STATEIowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State is a weeklong “Hands-On” experience in the operation of the democratic form of government, the organization of political parties, and the relationship of one to the other in shaping Iowa government. Through the Boys State objective of “learning by doing”, young men will learn more about city, county and state government in one week than they would in an entire semester of high school. Boys State is an exercise in leading as well as following others. Elections are an opportunity to show the ability to perform under pressure and to show character in the face of victories and/or defeats. Boys State will test skill in solving problems and working effectively within a team. Boys State is an opportunity to gain pride and respect for our form of government and the price paid by people to preserve democracy. The week contains ceremonies and assemblies as well as marching and pageantry. Iowa government leaders attend each year to offer their vision and advice. Daily flag raising and lowering ceremonies are conducted at Boys State. Boys State is a chance to meet new people. With approximately 700 delegates in attendance, Boys State offers an opportunity to meet people who represent Iowa’s diversity in heritage and culture. One of the finest objectives afforded to young men by Boys State is the friendships they will form with other Boys State citizens, many of whom will become lifelong friends. So, what have you gotten yourself into? Hopefully, you can now see that the answer to that question depends upon your interests. It has meant something different to each of the thousands of delegates who have preceded you. Boys State cannot be all things to all people but almost 60 years of history and success has led the American Legion and all of those who help make the program possible to believe that Boys State offers something meaningful and important to the future of Iowa and the future of America. STAFFThe staff of Iowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State is comprised of over 100 highly motivated and qualified individuals who work with one goal in mind: to make your week at Boys State one of the most rewarding, educational, and worthwhile weeks of your life. The boys will be under the supervision of a director and staff members who have had previous experience. The staff is drawn from the ranks of the Trustees and Commissioners of Iowa Boys State, the Iowa State Patrol, the agencies of Iowa government, the Iowa National Guard, the U.S. Military Services and Military Academies, professional career fields (lawyers, college admission counselors and teachers) and former Boys State delegates. The staff of American Legion Hawkeye Boys State is always available to assist you. Never hesitate to come to any member of the staff should a question or problem arise. IOWA AMERICAN LEGION HAWKEYE BOYS STATE ORGANIZATION
THE ELECTION PROCESSGovernment officials at Boys State will participate in the elective process and serve in simulated executive, legislative, county and municipal positions of state government. State officials serving as part of Iowa’s state government will appear before Boys Staters and explain their respective duties. WHAT OFFICE CAN I RUN FOR?At American Legion Hawkeye Boys State, you can run for any one of the many elected public offices found in the state of Iowa, except township or village offices. The Boys State election process consists of a city and county caucus, a county and state convention and the general election. Voting in the general election is by computerized voting machines. Boys Staters who are not elected to an office must seek an appointive office. The elective offices that you can run for at Iowa Boys State are:
If you are not elected, you can apply to the Governor’s office, County offices or City offices. Everyone holds at least one elective or appointive office. Listed below are the Court appointed positions.
There are also a large number of appointive offices that will be filled by Boys Staters. CAMPAIGN MATERIALSALL CAMPAIGN MATERIALS MUST BE PREPARED AT CAMP, NOT BROUGHT WITH YOU. This is to ensure that each Boys Stater starts out on an equal footing and develops a campaign of their own effort and initiative. Campaign materials may be purchased (using Boys State currency) through the Boys State Headquarters. We are guests at Camp Dodge. Use common sense in creating campaign materials. All campaign signs should be in good taste and free from obscene language, suggestive or lewd designs. Iowa Boys State also asks each candidate to be a responsible candidate. After the elections are over, each candidate is required to remove his campaign signs and dispose of them in a proper manner. Be careful and cautious where and how you affix signs or posters. ACTIVITIESIn addition to teaching participants about our democratic form of government, Boys State provides an opportunity to select and participate in a variety of other activities. SPORTSThe athletic director and his assistants will conduct and supervise athletic activities every afternoon. Facilities are available for those interested in softball, touch football, volleyball and other special events. All boys will be expected to participate in sports, if they are physically able. Each city will organize teams in each of the three sports and a regular schedule leading to a State Championship will be played. No facilities are available for either tennis or golf. MUSICATTENTION MUSICIANS! American Legion Hawkeye Boys State presents for your consideration and participation the Hawkeye Boys State Band and Chorus. The band plays before each evening program and the chorus appears at several of the programs throughout the week. They are of excellent quality and have set the tone of the overall Boys State program. They both appear at the State Capitol the day the Boys Staters visit the Capitol for their legislative session. The band plays on the steps as the rest of the boys march in to the Capitol and the chorus sings as a finale before we return to Camp Dodge. A jazz band is also organized and is scheduled by the convenience of the members’ schedule. If you play trumpet, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, French horn, tuba, piccolo, flute, or other brass/woodwind instruments, or percussion instruments you are invited to become a member of the Hawkeye Boys State Band. YOU MUST BRING YOUR OWN INSTRUMENT AND A MUSIC STAND (folding if possible). Bass drums, cymbals and music are the only items that will be furnished. BUGLERS for the week will come out of the band. They will be responsible to appear at all flag lowering and raisings, Taps and Reveille. THE FIRST BAND REHEARSAL WILL BE SUNDAY (THE FIRST DAY) AT 1 P.M. THE CHORUS WILL MEET SUNDAY EVENING (THE FIRST DAY) AT 9 P.M. You will have an opportunity to sign up for band or chorus when you register. Band and Chorus will not interfere with any other activities at Boys State. NEWSPAPERIowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State puts out a daily newspaper that goes to every Boys Stater each day. This paper includes interesting articles, interviews and sports results and schedules. Interested Boys Staters may apply at registration for positions as editors, photographers and staff members. STATE PATROLIowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State operates a functioning Hawkeye Boys State Patrol, chaired by officers and troopers of the Iowa State Patrol. Up to two Boys Staters from each city may participate in the activities of the Hawkeye Boys State Patrol. These young men receive comprehensive training in Iowa law, law enforcement and the role of a police officer. LAWYERSIowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State operates a law school to teach participants about the role of lawyers and judges in our legal system. Up to two Boys Staters from each city may participate in the activities of the Law School. Lawyers may run for election as city attorneys, county attorneys or Boys State Attorney General. Lawyers may also participate in the Judicial Nomination Commission and seek appointment as a Judge. Lawyers have the opportunity to participate in a Mock Trial as judges, lawyers, witnesses and jurors. Lawyers appointed to the Boys State Supreme Court and Boys State Court of Appeals meet to discuss and decide the mock appeal of a legal case. Lawyers are normally allowed to view the Supreme Court chambers and the upper levels of the State Law Library, during the trip to the Capitol. The orientation meeting for all lawyers is held Sunday evening at 8:30 p.m. GENERAL INFORMATIONORIENTATIONAll young men selected to attend Iowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State should attend one of the scheduled orientation programs prior to arrival at Boys State. The Boys State Orientation programs are held to enable every delegate an opportunity to attend. Parents, school officials, sponsoring organizations, and alternates are encouraged and are welcome to attend the orientation programs. The purpose of these orientations is to acquaint you with Iowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State and help you and your parents prepare for you to attend the Boys State program. In many instances, the Legionnaires in your area will provide transportation for you and other delegates to the orientation site. As stated above, your parents are encouraged to attend. It is the responsibility of the American Legion post sponsoring you to notify you and your parents of the date and time of the orientation in your area. If you are unable to attend, please ask for the dates, times and locations of the orientations scheduled for other areas of the state. Please contact your local Post for assistance. ORIENTATION SCHEDULE (BY DISTRICT) MEDICAL RELEASE FORMIn order to ensure that no contagious diseases are brought to Boys State, you must have a medical release form, signed by your parent or guardian upon your arrival at Hawkeye Boys State. MEDICAL CAREMedical services will be provided. Sick calls will be made each morning, and arrangements for emergencies will be provided. This includes first aid any time during the week. Every care will be used to avoid injuries and prevent illnesses, but American Legion Hawkeye Boys State, Inc. will not be responsible for either injuries or illness should they occur. If the illness warrants it, the Iowa State Patrol, Boys State Staff or ambulance will transport you to a medical facility in Des Moines. If you must utilize the Boys State medical facilities, please inform your city counselor. Should an emergency arise, your counselor is well briefed on procedures to follow to get immediate aid. INSURANCEWhile you are attending Iowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State, you are covered by a blanket Accident and Liability policy maintained by the Iowa Department of the American Legion. This coverage is EXCESS COVERAGE to insurance maintained by your parents. In the event you receive treatment at Boys State, the bill will be directed through your parent’s health insurance. REGISTRATIONPlan to arrive at Camp Dodge no sooner than 9:00 a.m. Registration begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. and will end promptly at 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be available for Boys Staters from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. All boys must arrive no later than 1:00 p.m. If an emergency arises and you cannot make the 1:00 p.m. registration deadline, you must notify the Boys State Headquarters Office. SOME POST SPONSORS MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR YOUR TRANSPORTATION TO CAMP DODGE AND BACK HOME, WHILE OTHERS LEAVE IT UP TO THE INDIVIDUAL PARENTS TO ARRANGE FOR ARRIVAL AND PICK-UP OF DELEGATES. PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL AMERICAN LEGION POST! When you arrive at Camp Dodge, you will be met by Boys State traffic control personnel who will direct you where to park and to the Recreation Hall, where registration takes place. Please follow their instructions. Wait to unload your luggage, if possible, until after you register. Unless they bring you, we request that you notify your parents or guardian of your safe arrival. All of your fees are paid prior to session. Be sure to bring your medical release, signed by your parents, with you and turn it into the medics at registration. CAMP DODGECamp Dodge is located north of Johnston. ANYONE ENTERING CAMP DODGE THIS YEAR MUST HAVE A PHOTO ID. IOWA DRIVERS LICENSE, SCHOOL ID OR OTHER PHOTO ID WILL WORK. THIS MEANS EVERYONE, INCLUDING LITTLE BROTHERS OR SISTERS! HOUSINGYou will be housed in one of approximately 30 barracks on the grounds of Camp Dodge. Each barracks (or building) is a city. The barracks you reside in and your city name will be given to you at registration. Bring a complete bedroll, including blankets, sheets, pillow and pillowslip. You may bring a sleeping bag if desired. NO BEDDING IS AVAILABLE AT CAMP. TAG EVERYTHING WITH YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS. This will enable us to mail the lost articles left behind at camp. Please have adequate clothing and supplies for ONE FULL WEEK. Important articles to bring with you are: 1 small bag, underwear, pajamas, face towels, bath towels, shaving/toilet articles, small mirror, shirts, sweater/jacket, jeans & shorts, raincoat, sports uniforms/clothing, shoes for all sports, suntan lotion, musical instruments and stands, camera & film, and handkerchiefs or tissues. MEALSMeals are provided at no cost to you. 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 and swimming trunks are not permitted. The official Boys State badge issues admission to the dining area to you at your city when you arrive. Meals are not available at camp for your friends or relatives. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served by schedule, beginning at the following times: Breakfast: 6:45 a.m.; Lunch: 12 p.m.; and Dinner: 6 p.m. You will be able to send and receive mail while at Iowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State. A mailbox is located at the Boys State Headquarters. Outgoing mail is taken to the Post Office daily. Incoming mail is picked up by Boys State staff on a daily basis and will be routed to you through your city counselor. ADDRESS: Your Post Office address will be: Your Name *You will be assigned a “city” upon your arrival, which should be used as part of your mailing address when possible. TELEPHONESYour barracks will not have a telephone. In case of emergency, you can be reached at (515) 278-4859. At night emergency use (515) 278-0833. Pay telephones are located in several places throughout the camp. CANTEENThe National Guard PX will operate a canteen for the benefit of the Boys Staters. Candy, ice cream, soft drinks, postage stamps, soap, toothpaste and other articles may be purchased daily. The location will be announced. AUTOMOBILESBoys 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. 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 Staters and conduct of Boys State program. AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPSBoys State awards and scholarships are made available to those students who have exemplified “statesmanship” in their qualities of character, scholarship, citizenship, patriotism and leadership. DONALD E. JOHNSON — $2,500. The American Legion Foundation of Iowa gives this award annually to the Outstanding Citizen of the American Legion Hawkeye Boys State. The Director and Counselors of American Legion Hawkeye Boys State select the recipient of this award. This scholarship is to be used at an Iowa college. ANDY HAVERMAN SCHOLARSHIP - $500. In memory of Andy Haverman, 1996 Boys State Citizen. Selected by the Boys State Staff. These scholarships are to be used at an Iowa college and applications are submitted through city counselors. LEGAL MERIT AWARD - $500. Through the generosity of Ken Krizan, a $500 award will be presented to the Boys State Law School Student that scores the highest on the 'state bar exam' that is given under the direction of American Legion Hawkeye Boys State Law School program. SAMSUNG AMERICAN LEGION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. A. The Samsung Group, in recognition of the sacrifice and commitment of United States servicemen and women who served during the Korean War to maintain the security of the Korean peninsula, is pleased to work with America’s largest veteran’s organization, the American Legion, to offer an educational opportunity to descendants of veterans who have served so honorably. Samsung has endowed a scholarship fund of five million dollars ($5,000,000) to be administered by the American Legion. B. SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA: 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). C. In 2007, scholarship applications are available on the website at www.ialegion.org and can be downloaded by clicking here. These individuals will submit their scholarship application to the program staff when they arrive at American Legion Hawkeye Boys State (turned in at registration) or Girls State programs. Each American Legion Hawkeye Boys State and American Legion Girls Auxiliary State program will select one (total 100) application to forward to the American Legion National Headquarters. The National Selection Committee will review these “national finalist” applications in September 2006. The National Selection Committee is comprised of members of the American Legion’s National Committee on Education and a representative of the Samsung Group. D. Ten (10) recipients, known as “Samsung American Legion Scholars” are anticipated. In 2006, the Iowa delegate was chosen to receive one of the $20,000 scholarships. AMERICAN LEGION BOYS NATIONThe National Headquarters of the American Legion conducts a program called AMERICAN LEGION BOYS NATION, held in Washington, D.C., which picks up in the instruction process on government where respective Boys State programs leave off. At Boys Nation, young men learn about the federal levels and process of our government, through “hands-on” participation, like Iowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State. 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) Hawkeye Boys State citizens will be selected to represent Iowa and Hawkeye Boys State in the week-long American Legion Boys Nation program. Two (2) alternate citizens will be selected to attend Boys Nation in the event a principal delegate from Hawkeye Boys State is unable to attend. At Iowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State, candidates to be considered for Boys Nation are nominated by their counselors and interviewed by a Boys Nation selection panel, comprised of Iowa Boys State staff members. The American Legion National Headquarters pays for the transportation costs of all delegates to American Legion Boys Nation, housing and meal costs. RULES OF CONDUCTYou are attending Iowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State on the recommendation of your school officials and members of the American Legion Post in your community. Uphold the confidence placed in you. Conduct yourself in a manner to reflect credit not only upon yourself, but your school and community as well. Being selected to attend Iowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State is an honor that should not be taken lightly.
A violation of any of the rules will subject you to a DISHONORABLE DISMISSAL, without refund, and A CALL TO YOUR PARENTS AND SPONSORING POST. Since the first Iowa Boys State over 60 years ago, there have been many landmark events in the evolution of our program. Perhaps the strongest evidence of this heritage is the good reputation built by delegates who participate each year. Upon completing Iowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State, you will join alumni of hundreds of thousands, numbering among their ranks judges, lawyers, educators, military leaders, and federal, state and local government officials. Many of these individuals credit their success to the experience gained at Boys State. BE PROUD OF BEING SELECTED TO ATTEND BOYS STATE! IT IS AN HONOR AFFORDED ONLY A SPECIAL GROUP OF YOUNG MEN EACH YEAR. REMINDERSDO bring lots of ideas for campaign signs, gimmicks, slogans, etc. with you. DO NOT bring any prepared campaign material with you. YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO USE IT. DO bring comfortable clothes. T-shirts and shorts can be worn on most occasions. Candidates for office should dress accordingly. Your Boys State T-shirt will be worn for most assemblies and the trip to the Capitol. DO NOT bring clothes that are not respectable. DO plan on making a week-long commitment to the Boys State program. DO NOT plan to leave Boys State early (without the permission of the Director) to attend another program, basketball tournaments, family vacations, or for other reasons. Attendance at Boys State for the entire program is MANDATORY. DO learn the name and number of the American Legion Post that is sponsoring you at Boys State. DO NOT bring a large amount of cash or anything with you that is extremely valuable. All personal items are your responsibility. Although a “lost and found” will be created at Headquarters, Hawkeye Boys State assumes no responsibility for any lost items. DO plan on reporting about your week at Boys State at your local post, school, community, clubs, etc., after your return home. DO NOT hesitate to keep your local Legion Post informed of what you are doing. They are proud to have you represent them. DO come to Boys State with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Be prepared to spend long, but rewarding hours learning with the Boys State program. DO NOT think you are coming to a recreation camp, but have fun with the organized sports and activities. DO plan to report to the registration site at Camp Dodge after 9 a.m. and before 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 12, 2005. DO NOT think you can’t do something without trying first. DO extend yourself to the fullest within Boys State.
|
|
Send mail to
webmaster@ialegion.org with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
