Gem Boys State
The 2026 session of Gem Boys State will be held Sunday, May 31 to Friday June 5, 2026 at Gowen Field in Boise, ID. There will be a limit of 120 boys selected to attend. Please apply early to ensure your selection, after we reach 120 a stand-by list will be instituted. The application and other information can be found below. The deadline for applications is April 15, 2026.
American Legion Boys State is among the most respected educational programs of government instruction for high school students. Each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government.
Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935.
At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.
High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. In most cases, expenses associated with attending this program are paid by a sponsoring American Legion Post, a local business or another community-based organization.
2018 American Legion Boys Nation Idaho Senator, Wyatt Platts, shares his experience.
WATCH THE VIDEO