First time either had been away from home. Good opportunity to be away from home (with supervision), meet people, work in teams, resume builder. Highly recommend.

very good preview of what college dorm living would be like. FWIW, Bill Clinton was a Boys State grad.

everywhere. On the last day when the governor visited, when it came our turn for our cabin to pass in review, one of the counselors, an American Legion volunteer, started off with his right foot instead of his left. As we passed by the gov, we were all popping up and down trying to get in step like a huge game of whack a moe.

room mate, dining hall. If nothing else a teaser of campus life. Divided into “ cities” and went through political process of elections and learning compromise and backbench dealing with different groups to get things done, obviously a lost art today. Like many other things you get out of it what you put into it. Good luck. Fun to watch ( and help) your son or daughter grow up and make their way!

Personally I had a fantastic time. Made a lot of friends from all over the Commonwealth (many of whom I still keep up with). Learned a lot about government and political process -- with the party convention being particularly educational. Our session wound up electing an independent as Governor by a large margin. I was extremely interested in politics at the time and went on to a career in local government (30+ years so far). If your son is similarly inclined, then he'll probably get quite a lot out of that aspect of the program. But even if he's not it's a pretty fun experience and a good introduction to college/dorm life.

in 1983. Had a lot of fun, made a lot of new friends, one of which resided in Pritchard around the corner from me in 1985. It was really a great experience...Jackson City rules!!

I was a citizen of Eisenhower City. We stayed in Tate Hall. One of my best friends was the other delegate from our high school. He was elected circuit court judge or some such position in his city (Early). Used to wear a Slayer t-shirt during our down time so he became widely known that week as "Judge Slayer." I even still remember the damned stupid song they made us sing: "It's the Boys State of Virginia that you see And if you're a member let me shake your hand...."

I guy that I graduated with from HS, VT and law school ended up in VA politics, Mark Obenshain.

I've been very blessed to work both for and with some wonderful folks and I am grateful. The Obenshains are good people. Mark and I have several mutual acquaintances (including his Uncle Joe).

The guest speaker at the end was Bobby Bowden and he was great.

It is interesting program, a little self directed once leadership positions are elected/determined. A little antiquated in some ways - but good lessons. Overall a positive experience - but without violating TOS I really wonder if the divisiveness in politics today carries into kids that young. They simulate the political process - first thing his group did was pass a resolution to allow them to watch some sports event - might have been USA world cup match - since TV was typically against the rules. Was also first dorm like experience for him - been to scout and sports camps with friends, and away from home with friends/family but this was a whole new group and "on your own" so to speak. Good experience for meeting new people and interacting face to face. Glad he did it, but again almost 15 years ago - sure some things have changed and your mileage may vary.