Guy C. Parlett Post 7 Department of Maryland

American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government.  Maryland's Boys State has been attended by over 9,000 young males since 1935.  Attendees must have successfully completed their junior year in high school.  Applications require school endorsements and medical exams. 

At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.

High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. In most cases, expenses associated with attending this program are paid by a sponsoring American Legion Post, a local business or another community-based organization.

Attendees gain college credit and return to their schools as informed citizens.  Post 7 has sent 10 youths to Boy's State over the last 5 years.  Two young men have returned to be the presidents of their senior class.  Also, this year, the Post Auxiliary is sponsoring a young woman, Vivian Thompson, to attend Girl's State at Salisbury State College.

Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935 when it organized to counter the Fascist inspired Young Pioneer Camps. The program was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.