Selection & Attendance

Method of Selection

The primary selection process starts with high school faculty and advisors. The high school should create a list of high school juniors qualified to attend South Dakota Boys State. This list is considered pre-qualifying and only a boy whose name appears on this list will be considered. 

Final selection will be made by the school and typically by a committee made up of faculty, guidance counselors, administrators and members of the local American Legion Post. 

Attendance

Once selected for American Legion Boys State, citizens are required to be in attendance throughout the session (Monday PM until Friday PM).  Because Boys State is participatory, full attendance assures the experience is fulfilling for everyone. 

Transportation

Transportation to and from Northern State University in Aberdeen is the responsibility of the local American Legion Post.  Sponsors should arrange to have their Boys Staters arrive at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD on Monday and report to the Camp Director at the Barnett Center in the Barnett Center no later than 2:00 P.M.