By AVERY SUBIK

The vast majority of students in New York high schools have never heard of Boys’ State — and that’s a problem.

Knowledge of the American Legion and its week-long immersive program is slipping away, made evident by the decreasing enrollment of Boys’ State citizens in recent years. This downturn in awareness can be attributed to many reasons; but whatever the cause, it is vital for future generations that current countrymen promote and maintain one of our long-standing veteran communities.

Unless presently involved in a JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) Unit, students of New York State school districts often lack any information pertaining to the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization; and consequently, never learn about its annual Boys’ State tradition, tracing back to its inaugural camp in 1935. 

Several factors have contributed to this issue. One of the most significant is the shortage of financial support available to Boys’ State programs throughout New York. While local American Legion posts and community organizations continue to sponsor students whenever possible, rising operational costs make it increasingly difficult to send as many delegates as in previous decades.

A second — and perhaps even greater — challenge is the steady reduction in American Legion membership. For decades, regional Legion posts served as the primary advocates for Boys’ State; visiting schools, interviewing applicants, and sponsoring delegates. As membership has lessened due to the aging of veterans and fewer new members joining the organization, scarce volunteers remain to promote the program. Without these dedicated volunteers, awareness naturally decreases, leaving many schools and students unaware of Boys’ State’s existence.

Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic brought further challenges. Programs were canceled (2020) and significantly altered (in 2021, when Boys’ State New York was held virtually) during the height of the pandemic, interrupting decades of continuity. Recruitment efforts slowed and school visits became difficult. Although the program has resumed, rebuilding participation after years of disruption has proven difficult, particularly when many students and teachers are unfamiliar with what was lost.

These circumstances are severely unfortunate because Boys’ State offers an experience unlike any other available to high school students. During their stay, participants have the privilege to establish and operate their own mock state government; holding elections, campaigning for office, and debating legislation. Beyond learning how a democracy functions, citizens develop discipline, leadership, public speaking, and problem-solving skills while forming friendships with students from across New York.

New York Boys’ State deserves renewed attention before future generations miss out on the opportunity. Increased public awareness, stronger partnerships between schools and the American Legion, and greater financial support can help reverse the current decline. Preserving Boys’ State is not simply about maintaining a tradition; it is about ensuring that upcoming successors continue to receive an education in leadership and citizenship, imperative now more than ever before. If we value an informed public and capable leaders, then we must also value the institutions that develop them.