Boys State

Story by Dharma Blake-Cole

Just like the citizens at Cornhusker Girls State, the delegates at Cornhusker Boys State experienced some of the awkward encounters and starts of relationships on the first night. The boys have become great friends with town bonding exercises and great group chats.

Unlike the common belief that the boys at Boys State have a lot of free time, they are actually just as, if not more, busy than the citizens at Girls State. The boys have many activities to keep them busy including football, softball, sand volleyball,  track, basketball, newspaper, band and choir.

The boys had a choice to compete for as many offices as they wanted to and if they did not compete for offices they were required to join an activity during the time the candidates would be competing. The boys that did compete said that it was not difficult and very fun. Their campaigning was also just as crazy as ours. Justin Casas said “No one cares about how much you know until they know how much you care.”

During their campaigning the boys were allowed to use social media to help them. They could buy ads in their newsletter that goes out every day and is created by the media citizens.

Boys State has had many great speakers brought in for them. They have many sessions and are kept busy all the time. The boys have enjoyed the different speakers, the opportunities given to them and the teamwork involved in Boys State.

The boys have a virtual money system in place to use for campaigning and supporting their political action committees (PACs). They all start out with the same amount of money and can earn more by doing surveys on their website among other ways. The boys donate money to the PACs, which are a group of people that represent an idea, then the PACs can use that money to support one of the candidates.

The boys were not required to adhere to a specific dress code although it was highly suggested that they wear either jeans or slacks. The boys did not have to take a current event quiz or a government test, but the candidates running for office could be asked questions from the Nebraska Blue Book.

Boys State and Girls State are highly different in the rules and regulations the citizens must follow but are both a fun and exciting week of learning and growth.