Guidelines for Selecting Candidates

  1. Candidates MUST have completed the Eleventh Grade and have at least one semester left prior to graduation.
  2. Candidates should have a good scholastic ranking and be recommended by the High School Principal to the sponsoring American Legion Post/Squadron.
  3. Candidates should possess qualities of Leadership, Scholastic Achievement, good citizenship and a willingness to participate.
  4. CANDIDATES MUST BE RESIDENTS OF OHIO AND CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES. NON-CITIZENS ARE WELCOME AND WILL PARTICIPATE IN ALL ASPECTS OF THE PROGRAM BUT EXCHANGE STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
  5. Candidates should demonstrate an interest in United States History, Government and Civics. Debate or Public Speaking is a benefit to candidates.
  6. Candidates are required to be in attendance for the ENTIRE Boys State program. If a candidate does not complete the program for any reason other than illness or emergency, the candidate or his family will refund all registration and travel monies to the Sponsoring Post.
  7. Candidates MUST believe in United States Citizenship and the ideals of "God and Country" on which our country and The American Legion were founded.

Buckeye Boys State is not a sports camp or vacation camp.

Buckeye Boys State is a highly structured, intense, "hands on" workshop into Ohio Government. Candidates at Boys State will learn by doing.

Candidates selected to Buckeye Boys State must be willing to give The American Legion and Buckeye Boys State an eight day commitment of their time and 100% willingness to learn and participate.

Candidates are required to attend a Boys State Orientation program in his area. Details on the orientation program will be provided to all candidates by the sponsoring Post/Squadron.

THE FINAL SELECTION IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SPONSORING AMERICAN LEGION POST. A representative of the Post must meet with the candidate and certify him for acceptance. Young men not acceptable to a Post/Squadron will not be acceptable to the Boys State Board of Trustees.

It is important that sponsoring Posts/Squadrons read and understand Section D above. School authorities must be made aware of The American Legion' s position on this matter in regards to Boys State.