FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions


  1. Can anyone attend Boys State?
  2. When is my application due?
  3. If I apply late and there are no available sponsorships, can I pay for the program?
  4. What is the average day like?
  5. How do I find out about transportation?
  6. I've been accepted, now what?
  7. Can I drive myself to Boys State?
  8. Should I bring my laptop?
  9. What do I need to do if I have to leave early?
  10. I am a diabetic. Is that a problem?
  11. I am a diabetic. Is that a problem?
  12. Is there a limit to the number of people from my high school who can attend Boys State?
  13. If I attend will I be rooming with my friends?
  14. What type of sports are offered throughout the week?
  15. How much money should I bring?
  16. I assume alcohol and drug use are not allowed at Boys State.
  17. How do I contact my son if there is an emergency at home?
  18. Can I use my cell phone at the program?

  1. Can anyone attend Boys State?
    Nevada Boys' State has historically attracted the most talented future leaders of Nevada, with alumni ranging from U.S. Senators and Nevada state governors to executive officers of large corporations and partners at major law firms to airline pilots and school teachers. We strive to identify and admit the top leaders from each high school in Nevada, and we look for evidence of leadership aptitude in any field or subject. On applications we look for indicators of just such an aptitude: involvement in school and extracurricular activities, leadership positions at school, in clubs, or on athletics teams, commitment to community service and politics, etc. Because leadership is a diverse and multi-faceted quality, we strongly encourage everyone to apply who self-identifies as a leader and who also meets the following prerequisites:
    (1) Completed Junior year of high school or home school equivalent
    (2) Available to attend the full program
    (3) Male (for more information on Girls' State visit www.NevadaGirlsState.org)
    (4) Has a desire to become a better leader

  2. When is my application due?
    We strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We accept applications on a rolling basis. Any delegate that meets our qualifications is accepted to the program, AS LONG AS SPACES AND SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE. If you would like to attend the program, we recommend you submit your application now. You may apply here.

  3. If I apply late and there are no available sponsorships, can I pay to attend the program?
    Yes, if you would like to attend the program but are applying late and no Sponsorships are available, you may pay to attend the program. The standard fee is $400.00 plus the $60.00 supply fee.

  4. What is the average day like?
    That is a difficult question to answer, as there is no such thing as an 'average' day at Boys State. I would suggest examining the tentative schedule. Barring weather or last minute program changes, you'll get an idea of what each day is like.

  5. How do I find out about transportation?
    The American Legion Nevada Boys' State program arranges for bus transportation from Southern Nevada. The buses depart late on Saturday evening, and drive to Reno during the night. For more information on the bus schedule, visit the accepted delegate page.

  6. I've been accepted, now what?
    Once you have been accepted make sure to do the following:
    (a) Complete the Medical Release Form (Available Here)
    (b) Submit you Application Fee (Online Payment Here)
    (c) Submit Legislation (Online Legislation Here)
    (d) Attend an Orientation Session (View Dates and Times)

  7. Can I drive myself to Boys State?
    Yes. You can drive to Nevada Boys' State. Click here to view a parking map. Once you have arrived you may pick-up a parking pass in the main lobby for $5.00.

  8. Should I bring my laptop?
    Many delegates find that having a computer at the program is helpful. We use several online systems and many delegates create presentations and fliers for campaigns using personal computers. Although you do not need a laptop at the program, we encourage delegates to bring one if they have one. (As a note, we cannot provide security for personal electronics and do not assume any responsibility for lost, stolen or broken items.)

  9. What do I need to do if I have to leave early?
    In general, we do not allow Boys Staters to leave the program early. The program peaks on Friday and Saturday with the announcements of scholarship winners and state constitutional officers. If you must leave early, arrangements must be made PRIOR to the start of the program with the Admissions Director. You may email the Admissions Director at Tait.Ecklund@NevadaBoysState.org.

  10. Can I leave campus during the week?
    No. With over 150 students participating in the program, off campus travel is limited to pre-arranged events and emergencies only.

  11. I am a diabetic. Is that a problem?
    No. Boys State has an excellent medical staff (including several ERT trained fire fighters) and provisions will be made for you to keep any medications you need for your diabetes.

  12. Is there a limit to the number of people from my high school who can attend Boys State?
    No. Although it is our goal to have a wide range of students from different parts of the state and different high schools, we accept many students from the same high school.

  13. If I attend will I be rooming with my friends?
    Most likely not. A large part of the Boys State experience is a cultural experience. Boys from the city, suburbs, farms, rural areas, and small towns are mixed together. For most, this is a first time experience that is both fun and educational.

  14. What type of sports are offered throughout the week?
    Each day we play football, soccer and volleyball. We also begin the week with a series of Wacky-Olympic-Sports and end the week with Tug-A-War.

  15. How much money should I bring?
    We suggest no more than $75. All your meals are covered. The extra money would be used for snacks at the vending machines in the residence halls and for any souvenirs you might want to purchase (i.e., jackets, shirts, cups, etc.) as well as gas to and from the program if you are driving. We are not responsible for lost or stolen articles or money.

  16. I assume alcohol and drug use are not allowed at Boys State.
    A good assumption. But in case you were wondering, if you are caught in possession of, or using alcohol or drugs, you will be sent home immediately. We will contact your sponsor and high school and explain to them why you are being sent home and why their fees will not be refunded. As a note, we also do not allow smoking at NBS>

  17. How do I contact my son if there is an emergency at home?
    Contact Nevada Boys' State at (888) 646-6594. If you are unable to reach Headquarters, contact the UNR Campus Police at (775) 334-2677.

  18. Can I use my cell phone at the program?
    We do allow cell phone use in the evening free-time hours of the program. Delegates are not allowed to use their cell phones during program hours, general sessions, athletics, etc.