Frequently Asked Questions - Dirigo Boys State

FAQs

Before Boys State

How do I apply for Boys State?

Delegate selection each year is performed by your local American Legion post, or your high school, depending on where you live in Maine. You can also download application materials on our website here: How to Apply
What are the dates for the upcoming session?

The 66th Session of Dirigo Boys State will be held from Sunday, June 16 to Thursday, June 20, 2013 on the campus of Thomas College in Waterville, Maine.
Where is Boys State located?

Dirigo Boys State is located on the campus of Thomas College in Waterville, Maine. For more information about Thomas, or for directions to campus, click here.
What should I bring with me to Boys State?

First and foremost, bring a positive attitude, a solid work ethic, and an open mind. Boys State is NOT a recreational summer camp, so be ready to work while having fun and meeting new people. For a list of specific things that you should bring to Dirigo, please see our Packing List.
What should I expect at Dirigo?

You should expect a fast-paced, high-energy educational program designed to test your leadership, citizenship and scholastic abilities. You should expect to compete with the best and brightest high school students in the state of Maine. You should expect to push yourself like never before. You should expect to commit yourself to the program for the entire week and not allow yourself to be distracted by outside influences. Finally, you should expect to leave the program a better person than you were before you came. Learn more about what to expect here.
What time do I have to be at Boys State?

All delegates must arrive at Thomas College in Waterville for Boys State registration on Sunday, June 16, 2013. More information on arrival procedures will be mailed to you at your home address.
What if I arrive late?

Dirigo Boys State is an intensive experience, and starts as soon as registration is completed. Please make sure to arrive during the scheduled arrival time.
Can I drive my car to the program?

Yes. If you have your own vehicle and you are able to transport yourself, you may bring your vehicle to Boys State. Upon arrival, your counselors will collect your car keys and keep them until graduation on Thursday. For more information about transportation, click here.
Can I bring my laptop, stereo, or other electronic equipment?

You can, but you won't need it during the week. The Boys State program does not require you to bring a computer, and you won't spend much time in the dorms where you would be able to use it. Dirigo Boys State can not be responsible for lost or stolen property, so please leave anything of great financial value at home. For more information, see our Packing List.
Can I bring my cellphone, iPad, tablet or computer?

Sure! We understand that communication is important to delegates and their families. All we ask is that all delegates keep phones and other devices on silent/vibrate during speakers and events. Also, please understand that the Dirigo Boys State program is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items while you attend the program.
What should I do to prepare for the program?

Get plenty of rest! Boys State is a fast-paced program. Also, read and review all information mailed to you prior to the Boys State program. The more you know about the program the better you will fare. You may also want to brush up on your public speaking skills since you will need them!
Can I bring my musical instrument?

Sure! If you are interested in playing in the Dirigo Boys State band, please let us know.
How much money should I bring?

Generally speaking, you won't need any money during the program. Each evening after dinner, the Dirigo Boys State store (located in the lobby of each dorm building) will have drinks and snacks available for purchase, with prices ranging from $1-2 per item.
What offices can I run for?

There are elected offices on three levels – municipal, countywide and statewide. You can run for any office you want whether it be Moderator of your town, Sheriff of your county, or Governor of the whole state. All it takes is determination and the will to succeed. If you do not win an election, run for another office! Boys State runs on the leadership of its elected officials.
Do I have to stay all week?

Yes! Gaining the best experience possible at Boys State is dependent on your full participation during the whole course of the program. You have been selected over many others at your high school to attend this program. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, leaving early not only wastes your sponsor’s money, but also keeps another student from the experience of a lifetime. Delegates may not leave the program prior to graduation on Thursday.

During Boys State

Will I see other delegates from my high school during the week?

Probably. However, we try to take the students from the same high school and place them in different towns. Because there are hundreds of participants in the program, you will most likely not interact with your friends. When you leave the program, hopefully you will have made countless others from around the state.
Can my best friend / relative be my roommate?

No. We want you to have the experience of meeting new people. We try to divide up the students who come from the same high school into different towns.
Will I have internet access or access to email during the week?

Unless you have a smart phone capable of connecting to the internet, you will probably not have access to internet or email during the week. Delegates will not have the ability to access Thomas College's wireless network.
What are the lodging arrangements?

You will stay in the university dorms for the entire week. You will have at least one and possibly two roommates. To learn more about what you might bring, see our packing list.
What is the food like?

The Thomas College cafeteria provides dining facilities for the entire week. We provide three square meals a day with a variety of menu items during the week. The Dirigo Boys State store offers a variety of drink and snack products for a small fee after dinner each evening.
What kinds of sports or recreation activities are available?

Beginning on Monday, activities including Softball, Basketball and Quizbowl (jeopardy-like game) are offered during your two-hour recreation period. Other activities are also available including Town Flag (creating your town's banner) and the Dirigo Newspaper. Your town councilors will give you more information about recreation time during the week.
How much free time is there?

Not much. We'll keep you pretty busy for the entire week, and there won't be much time for anything that's not related to the program. Generally, there might be between 60 and 90 minutes of "open" time in your schedule each day.
Can I leave campus during the week?

Generally, No. You must stay on campus during the entire week. The Boys State program takes place entirely on the campus of Thomas College. If you leave campus, you are no longer able to participate in the program. We must have your complete attention throughout the week. Boys State program boundaries will be fully explained at the beginning of the week. We ask for your full cooperation. If you drive a car, we will ask you for your keys to help alleviate the temptation to leave the campus.
If you have an extenuating circumstance beyond your control (important doctor's appointment, etc.), please let us know before you arrive, or speak to your town councilor during the week, and we'll see what we can do.
I'm 18 years old. Can I smoke?

No. Thomas College property is smoke-free, and use of any tobacco products is strictly prohibited.
What is the political structure of Boys State?

Boys State is a pure democracy in that every delegate is allowed to vote and participate in the political process. Each delegate will be assigned a political party upon arrival at Drigo Boys State. Boys State employs the two party political system. The two parties at Boys State are called the Federalist Party and the Nationalist Party. Neither party is associated with any real life political party. Each year, delegates develop their own party platforms and their own style of governing.
What is a typical day like at Dirigo?

Each day is packed with activity. Generally, you'll wake up around 6:00am and have breakfast, attend your town meeting, take an exam covering the previous day's events, hear from a guest speaker (someone serving in government in Maine), meet with your party caucus to go over your party platform, have lunch, participate in sports or other activities, vote in your primary or general election, and listen to keynote addresses from major political figures (including the Governor, etc.)
For more information about what to expect at Boys State, and for the outline of a typical day, click here.
Do I have to participate in all activities?

Boys State is what you make it. If you don’t involve yourself, you are missing out on a great opportunity. Every activity you involve yourself in earns points for your town. At the end of the week, the town with the most points earns the prestigious Honor Town award. The more you are involved, the better your town’s chances of winning are, and the more you will take away from the program.
What is Honor Town?

Honor Town is the award given at the end of the week to the Town with the most participation points from activities, elections, and delegate involvement during the week. The more you do, the more offices you run for, and the more you involve yourself, the better your chances will be of winning Honor Town. The winner of Honor Town will be named the Capital of Dirigo for the next session.
Can I have visitors while I'm at Dirigo?

If extraordinary circumstances arise, a visitor to the program will be able to contact you through the Boys State Office, located on the Thomas College campus. Generally, visitors to Boys State during the program week are discouraged, as participation in the full program requires your full attention!
What is Boys Nation?

Each year, every American Legion Boys State program selects two delegates to represent their state in Washington D.C. at Boys Nation. For more information, click here.