The differences

By: Haley Pierce

Throughout the week, many girls have noticed differences between Boys and Girls State. Truly, both camps are a powerful experience and learning instrument in leadership and government. However, each accomplish their goals in their own manner. Here, specific differences between Boys and Girls State are revealed.

Town bonding

While girls are often considered more emotional than boys, it is the Boys State citizens who have experienced specific bonding exercises. The Boys State cities played various games and shared personal information for team building. As Joseph Hunter explained, the exercises were, “kind of weird.” Over in Sandoz Hall, specific exercises were not used, and team building was the responsibility of the citizens. Even though the girls did not engage in specific bonding activities, the floors have become close throughout the week, and each citizen will leave with a new friend.

Activities

Throughout the week, Boys and Girls State citizens have participated in many activities. Many of the boys’ choices included sports. Football, softball, sand volleyball, track and basketball were all available. Options for girls included service learning and places of interest. Both camps offered choir, band, and media. However, the media programs demonstrate their own differences. At Boys State, a newsletter is produced every day; whereas Girls State produces a final newspaper. The Boys State news crew was even so lucky as to receive a presentation by a journalist who uses drones.

Cell phones

The use of cell phones also differentiates between the camps. Neither group is allowed to use cell phones during session. However, boys are encouraged to use their cell phones for campaigning and other Boys State activities. At Boys State, a website is used to manage campaign funds. Through this website, delegates can support people and ideas by forming Political Action Committees (PACs). Campaign space is also available in the newsletter. In contrast, Girls State citizens are discouraged from using technology and are not allowed to campaign on social media. Most boys are satisfied with the cell phone policy, while many girls are not.

Education

Girls State and Boys State take different approaches to educating the delegates. For the boys, there is an emphasis on leadership, and less time is spent discussing government specifics. Boys State often brings in guest speakers, but Girls State prefers in-house experts. Additionally, Virginia Nelson puts together exams for the Girls State citizens. A current events quiz and a government test are part of the Girls State curriculum.

Even though Boys and Girls State have their differences, everyone can agree the week has been fun-filled and educational. It is an opportunity that everyone will cherish. One thing will always be true of Boys and Girls State, along with many real political elections. As Jestin Casas explained, “No one cares about how much you know until they know how much you care.”