Learning from the states most powerful governmental leader
Each year the Nevada Boys’ State program culminates with a trip to Carson City. The delegates travel by bus to our states capital and spend the day working as statesmen in a mock government. Legislation is debated on the floor of the Senate and Assembly, cases are heard in Supreme Court Chambers and the NBS elected Mayors, Governor and his cabinet work on important state business.
The experience is one that combines and reinforces the friendships and learning that has taken place throughout the week. In coordination with the hands of learning and state business, the delegates have the opportunity to meet with a number of important state leaders ranging from Assemblymen, Senators, state Lobbyists and even the Governor.
In 2006, the Nevada Boys’ State Executive Cabinet had an opportunity to meet with Governor Guinn. As the NBS Governor was working closely with the Senate whip to move an important omnibus bill through the legislature, a bill that his party had been working on for the week, a page interrupted the Governor and informed him that he had an urgent meeting with an important state dignitary.
The NBS Governor and his cabinet step out of their office and meet with the true State Governor. Both the delegates and the Governor enjoyed the opportunity to talk about Nevada and the challenges and wonders of state government. Governor Guinn reflect on his years in office, and provide and personal perspective on the importance of government and being an engaged and active citizen. This tradition has continued with 2007. At the 61st Session of Nevada BoysÂ’ State, the newly elected Governor, Governor Gibbons, addressed the full NBS delegation. Governor Guinn, a former Nevada Boys’ State delegate, took the opportunity to discuss the rich heritage of our state and emphasis the power of youth.
Governor Gibbons reflected on his experiences at Boys’ State and how they lead him into the political arena. As he explained to the delegation, until the BoysÂ’ State program, he had never truly understood the American form of government. It was the hands on experiences that he had, nearly three decades before that provide his first glimpse into politics.
To learn more about Nevada Boys’ State, visit the main page at www.NevadaBoysState.org. To apply for the upcoming session, held in early June, visit apply.NevadaBoysState.org.
