American Legion Post 27 in Springdale held a Boys State orientation last week, giving a group of local high school students a preview of the weeklong leadership program set for June in Russellville.
The orientation, held at the legion post on South Grimmett Drive, covered logistics and expectations for the annual event, which brings together hundreds of high school juniors from across Arkansas. Boys State is a hands-on civic education program where participants simulate city, county, and state government operations, draft legislation, and vote on mock policy issues — all while learning about democracy firsthand.
“Look, this isn’t just a trip to camp,” said Post 27 Commander Jerry Smith. “These kids are stepping into roles as mayors, judges, and legislators for a week. They’re learning how government actually works — not the textbook version, but the real thing.”
Smith said the orientation helps students mentally prepare for the intensity of the program, which runs from June 14 to June 21. Participants live in dorms at Arkansas Tech University and follow a packed daily schedule that includes mock trials, political party conventions, and guest speakers from state government.
About 20 local students attended the orientation, including several from Springdale and Benton County. Smith said turnout has grown steadily over the past few years, thanks to increased awareness and support from local schools and community groups.
Honestly, what happens at Boys State feels a lot like a smaller version of actual state politics — minus the partisanship, for the most part. Students form two mock political parties, campaign for office, and even impeach each other if things get out of hand. Past participants from Northwest Arkansas have gone on to careers in law, public service, and education.
“It’s intense,” said Ethan Rodriguez, a junior at Har-Ber High School in Springdale who attended the orientation. “But I’m going in with an open mind. I want to run for something — maybe city council or attorney general. This is the closest thing to real experience most of us will get before college.”
Boys State is sponsored by the American Legion and the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs. The program is free for participants, with transportation, lodging, and meals covered through donations and fundraising. Post 27 has raised more than $10,000 this year to send local students, a number Smith says reflects the community’s investment in youth leadership.
“People here get it,” he said. “They know that if we want better leaders in the future, we’ve got to give them the tools now.”
In addition to the orientation, Post 27 hosted a spaghetti dinner in April to help raise funds for the trip. Local businesses like Springdale Automotive and Har-Ber True Value donated items for a silent auction that brought in over $2,000.
This year’s Boys State theme is “Democracy in Action,” and students will tackle issues ranging from education policy to infrastructure funding. Each delegation will present a state resolution to be considered at the national level, with the most compelling ideas forwarded to state lawmakers in Little Rock.
For students like Rodriguez, the experience is more than just a line on a college application. “I’ve never been around people who care this much about government,” he said. “It makes me want to get involved — not just in Boys State, but after that, too.”
Those interested in supporting American Legion Post 27’s youth programs can contact the post directly at (479) 756-3451 or visit during regular hours at 709 S. Old Missouri Road in Springdale.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
