By XAVIER SUAREZ-WRIGHT

Each day at four in the afternoon, citizens at Boys’ State get the opportunity to play sports outside such as, basketball, softball, soccer etc.

However, some citizens also decide to not participate in afternoon sports, whether it be due to special activities they’re a part of, or it’s based on their own choice. Regardless, those who choose not to do any sports are left bored with nothing to do until it is time for dinner. This lack of fun and engagement for non-athletics can lead to a loss in morality among citizens and lead to them not encouraging others to go next year, which would hurt boys’ state as a whole.

It is for that reason why the citizens of Boys’ State next year who are not doing athletics should have an opportunity to do a fun activity for that hour before dinner. Doing so would allow and encourage Boys’ State citizens to have fun and stay proactive, while also allowing for more socialization among Boys’ State citizens, which is an important skill to have at Boys’ State.

One thing that each county could do is have board games into the lounge areas at around the same time the sports start each day for any citizen to come down and play. (Connect Four, Monopoly, Sorry, Jenga, Uno, etc.) The counties could also introduce some type of connect four or chess tournament between federalists and nationalists. The Tournament can start within each city, then the city’s winner can go on to compete with the winner of the other city in each county, finally the winners of each county will compete against each other to decide the board game state champion.

In the board game room, there could also be a TV for citizens to put on movies and TV shows in the background while they’re playing the games.

Another idea could be to have a video game room open during the afternoon from three in the afternoon until 9 at night. It can be some type of mini arcade or a room in each county hall with an xbox/playstation/nintendo and a shelf with video games. Similarly to the board game tournament, there can be a video game tournament with Super Smash Bros or Mario Kart between federalists and nationalists. Just like the video game tournament. It can start at the city and work its way up to the county and state in order to decide the video game state champion.

On the campus, Boys’ State can also open up an art room, for any citizens interested in art. This can include a large variety of activities like painting, drawing, crafting, pottery, etc. There can also be music and performing art clubs which can tie in the social media committee and the band.

Something else that could work is to allow the Marines that are available to take some citizens outside for more PT. Whether it be workouts like push-ups or sit-ups or jogging outside, both would be really good. It is important for citizens of Boys’ State to feel energized throughout the day in order for them to stay engaged with all events. However many Boys’ State citizens who don’t do athletics may not get that opportunity. Afternoon PT allows citizens to get a good afternoon work just like the athletes and feel more energized for the rest of day, which is vital for citizens who may feel tired during evening conventions and meetings

 Better yet, Boys’ State can also include more outside activities. One outdoor activity that some citizens might be interested in is gardening. Just like PT, this can also help more non-athletic citizens come outside, while also teaching about agriculture.

These are just some ideas for afternoon activities that Boys’ State could take into consideration for next year’s Boys’ State citizens. It is important that this program appeals more than group people and their different interests. By appealing to more people, Boys’ States gets more promotions which encourages more people to join and the program itself gains more popularity amongst teens.