2026 Session

Wyoming Boys’ State

is a fast-paced, hands-on leadership experience where high school juniors step into the roles of citizens, candidates, legislators, judges, and local officials to build a functioning government from the ground up. During the session, delegates form cities and counties, organize political parties, debate real issues, run campaigns, and learn how Wyoming’s government works—by doing it. Along the way, they sharpen public speaking, teamwork, and decision-making skills, connect with motivated peers from across the state, and gain mentorship from veteran counselors and respected civic leaders.

If you’re ready to be challenged, to lead, and to leave with greater confidence and a stronger understanding of citizenship, Wyoming Boys’ State is where it starts.

General Information

Time

Boys’ State will officially open on Sunday, June 7, 2026, and will continue until the following Saturday, June 13, ending with a graduation ceremony. Check-in begins at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Location

We are fortunate to have select facilities at the University of Wyoming in City of Laramie.

Housing

Each boy will be assigned to a dormitory room with a fellow delegate as a roommate. On Sunday, each of the four cities will elect its own officials, namely, a Mayor, three (3) Councilmen, and a Chief of Police. All those not elected to an office will be appointed to a position by the Mayor.

Transportation

All arrangements for transportation to and from Boys’ State should be made with your local American Legion Post. Contact the Post for these arrangements. No provisions are made for boys arriving in Laramie prior to the opening (1:30 p.m.) on Sunday. If your transportation schedule necessitates an earlier arrival, be prepared to cover your own expenses.

Medical Care

Medical assistance will be available to all delegates at all times. The facilities of Ivinson Memorial Hospital and other urgent care options are available to Boys’ State. The American Legion purchases a supplemental health and accident insurance policy covering all of the delegates of Boys’ State for the duration of the program.

Mail and Phones

While we encourage parents and delegates to be in communication throughout the week, we ask that physical mail not be sent. Personal cell phones may be used during free time only. Contact a staff member in case of an emergency.

Photographs Available

All photos will be published on our Flickr website, and are free to download.

Publicity

When releasing publicity on this program, please refer to it as “The American Legion Wyoming Boys’ State.”

Non-Partisan

The entire program is non-partisan. Political parties are given fictional names and are in no way connected with existing political parties.

Political Parties

Each boy will be assigned to a political party, either the Frontier or Pioneer Party, and will be required to file for an elective office. On Sunday, the opening day, the political parties will organize and each will elect a chairman, vice chairman and secretary.

Elections

Primary elections will be held Tuesday afternoon and general elections will be held Thursday morning.

Inauguration

Formal inauguration of Boys’ State elected officials will be conducted Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. A qualified Judge will officiate at this ceremony.

Legislature and Courts

Boys will be assigned to the Boys’ State Senate, House of Representatives, or the Courts. There will be two Legislative and Court sessions each day. Legislative sessions will be conducted under the rules of the Wyoming State Legislature. The Boys’ State Senators and Representatives will introduce, debate, and vote on their own bills. Mock trials will be conducted in the Boys’ State Court.

General Assembly

General Assemblies will be held throughout the week with important speakers from government and private industry.

Music and Entertainment

Depending on interest, there may be a choir or band formed during the week. Boys should bring their own musical instruments. Boys may also bring material for comedy skits, readings, etc., for talent shows.

Recreation

Although Boys’ State is primarily a place for instruction, ample time will be available for recreation and athletic events, including ping-pong, volleyball, flag football, basketball and soccer, etc. Boys should bring their own gear.

Cheyenne Day

On Friday, the boys will be taken by bus to Cheyenne to visit the State Capitol and meet the elected officials of the State of Wyoming. Also, the Boys’ State Legislature will hold a session in the Wyoming State House and Senate Chambers and members of the Boys’ State Court will visit the State Supreme Court.

The American Legion Boys’ Nation

Two outstanding boys from the Wyoming American Legion Boys’ State will be elected to attend The American Legion Boys’ Nation with all expenses paid. This program is held for one week during the month of July, in the Washington D.C. area.

What to Bring

Clothing

One (1) suit of dress clothes for visit to Capitol (dress shirt, tie, dress pants, dress shoes, coat optional)
At least six (6) shirts and/or sweatshirts
At least three (3) pairs of jeans, khakis, slacks, or shorts
Athletic clothing and tennis shoes for recreation and morning exercises
Sleepwear
Socks & underwear
Warm jacket or coat
Shower shoes or flip flops

Bedding

Pillow and pillow case
Sheets and blankets OR a sleeping bag

Bathroom Items

Bath and face towels
Toiletries including shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.

Additional Items

Any required medication(s)
Backpack
Water bottle
Camera, cell phone, musical instruments, etc.

You may choose to bring a laptop, iPad or other Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) at your discretion. There is no secure storage for valuables.

UWYO Campus Map

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Scholarships

Samsung Scholarship

Eligibility: Scholarship applications are restricted to high school juniors who attend the current session of either The American Legion Boys State or Auxiliary Girls State program and are a direct descendant – i.e. child, grandchild, great grandchild, etc. – or a legally adopted child of a wartime veteran who served on active duty during at least one of the periods of war officially designated as eligibility dates for American Legion membership.

Samsung scholarships are for undergraduate study only and may be used for tuition, books, fees, and room and board. Winners are selected according to academic record, involvement in school and community activities, community service and financial need. Applicants who are direct descendants of Korean War veterans will receive special consideration.

Applications must be completed online at http://www.legion.org/scholarships/samsung.

Proofread your essays and applications in addition to having at least one other person proofread your application. Spelling errors or poor writing skills will have a negative effect on your chances of receiving the scholarship. Incomplete/unprofessional applications are unacceptable.

Each application is judged on its own merit so include any information that makes you exceptional and a good candidate to receive the award.

Rules

No boy should accept an appointment to Wyoming Boys’ State unless he is prepared to abide by all of the rules, and prepared to remain for the duration of the program.
No delegate shall be permitted to  leave the University of Wyoming campus between the opening session on Sunday and final checkout the following Saturday.
Each delegate is responsible for  the neatness of his dormitory.
All delegates must be prompt for meals, sessions and ceremonies, including flag raising and flag lowering each day.
Any delegate who becomes ill or is injured is requested to report to his counselor or to the Boys’ State office immediately.
No delegate of Boys’ State may drive a car during the session. Keys must be checked upon arrival.
Cell phones and other electronic devices may be used outside of any official function.
Delegates who violate any of these rules may be dismissed from the program, subject to review by the Committee Chairman and Boys’ State Director.

Elected Offices

During the week, every Delegate will have the opportunity to run for political office. The offices include, but are not limited to:

Governor of Wyoming Boys’ State
Secretary of State
Superintendent of Public Instruction
State Treasurer
State Auditor
City Mayor
Party Chairman
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Senate President

FAQs

When and where is Boys’ State?

Boys’ State begins on Sunday, June 7, 2026, and concludes on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The program is held at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. Transportation may be arranged by local American Legion Posts.

What if I need to leave early?

Only delegates who are prepared to remain for the entire program should apply. In order to receive the full benefits of the Boys’ State program, delegates must participate in all scheduled events and exercises. Diplomas are awarded on Saturday morning and the program usually ends by 10:00 a.m. Delegates are then released for their return home.

Are there accommodations made for those students with disabilities?

The University of Wyoming complies with A.D.A. requirements and Boys’ State welcomes delegates with disabilities. Delegates are responsible for their own medications, but should make the Boys’ State Staff aware of any special dietary requirements and conditions that may require preparation or exemption from certain activities.

How much does it cost?

Local American Legion Posts or local sponsors provide registration fees, meals and transportation. The delegates may be responsible for a $50 registration fee assessed at the time they register. Boys’ State T-shirts will be provided at registration. Delegates may wish to bring additional spending money.

Is there a dress code?

Casual attire is acceptable for most Boys’ State activities. Jeans or shorts, t-shirts and sneakers are suitable for most events. Athletic shorts and tank tops may be worn during free periods and during athletic events and morning stretch exercises. Business attire (suit and tie) is appropriate for Cheyenne Day.

What do I need for Cheyenne Day?

On Friday, Boys’ State Delegates will be guests at the State Capitol in Cheyenne. Delegates will need to wear dress pants, a dress shirt, a tie, and dress shoes for this event. Dress coats may be worn, but are not required.

Are visitors allowed at Boys’ State?

We ask that families refrain from interrupting the program during the week. The Inauguration will be live-streamed on our social media accounts.

How many delegates attend Boys’ State and how are they selected?

Boys’ State Delegate numbers range from 100 to 200 young men of good character from nearly every high school in Wyoming, who have successfully completed their junior year. Delegates are selected by the local American Legion Posts, based on academic achievement, community and school involvement, and an interest in government. Application information may be obtained from the student guidance office at school or from the Wyoming Boys’ State website.

Are home-school students eligible?

Home-school students are eligible, as long as they have completed their junior year of high school and have at least one semester remaining in high school. Even though the student is schooled at home, he must have a transcript or equal to validate his education.