American Legion Delaware Boys State

2025 Session: 6/8/2025 - 6/13/2025

Goldey-Beacom College, 4701 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808

The American Legion believes there is no better way to assure the survival of our republic than to train our young people in the ideals and objectives of American government. Through the Boys State program, The American Legion teaches youth to understand and appreciate the basic principles involved in the successful management of a democratic society, thereby allowing America to remain strong and ensure freedom for future generations. Our American Legion Delaware Boys State is a unique educational program that does not emphasize textbook learning. It focuses, instead, on participation and personal experience in a model state government, complete with governing bodies and elected public officials. The Boys State program mirrors the structure and operation of Delaware's state government.

Requirements for Attendance

All applicants must be recommended by one of the following:

Delegate's High School
An American Legion Post
Military Recruiter or Representative of one of the U.S. Armed Forces Academies
A Former Delegate

Further, all applicants must meet the following requirements:

Young man who has completed his junior year of high school and is in the upper third of his class
Demonstrated leadership abilities
Genuine interest in learning about government through practical application
Able to attend the entire program from Sunday to Friday staying on campus at Goldey-Beacom College.

Activities During Session

PATRIOTIC PROGRAMS

Delegates engage with members of The American Legion, learning about their service to the United States. In many years, they are able to tour the Dover Air Force Base.

Delegates learn flag etiquette and how to honor our American flag.

Young men folding an American flag during the AL DE Boys State program

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Delegates have opportunities to ask questions of government leaders at all levels, as well as community activists and non-profit leaders.

Many years, delegates participate in a service project where they are able to give back to their community.

Two young men cleaning headstones at a cemetary during a community service project

LEGISLATION

Delegates develop their own legislature and are responsible for running it, using the actual chambers of the Delaware General Assembly.

Delegates must draft their own bill or resolution and if passed through Boys State it will be shared with Delaware’s governmental leaders.

Young man with raised right hand swearing an oath

VOTING

Using fictional political parties, students collaborate to form their party caucus and select candidates for elected office.

Delegates select their own state officials, who then have the uniquet opportunity to shadow their real-life Delware government counterparts for a day.