Nevada Boys State

Nevada Boys State is a week-long summer leadership program from The American Legion for high school boys, held each June at the University of Nevada, Reno, so Las Vegas families should plan on the trip north. Delegates spend the week learning how state and local government work by doing it.

The cost is a $200 supply fee, and need-based waivers and grants are available, so ask before cost rules your son out. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so applying early helps. Earning college credit is optional and paid to the program administrator separately.

A typical day starts with breakfast at 8:30 AM in the UNR dining hall, then talks from speakers and elected officials. Afternoons bring party caucuses, committee meetings and debates, followed by team games such as volleyball, soccer or ultimate Frisbee, and evenings end with Quiz Bowl or leadership workshops. Teams compete all week for Honor City, and standout delegates can be picked for Boys' Nation in Washington DC.

There is scholarship money too, for delegates and graduates of the program, though the site notes awards depend on donations and may not be given every year. The Samsung Scholarship is open to high school juniors who descend from a U.S. veteran who served in wartime, with $1,250 for the Nevada State Finalist, and the oratorical contest asks for a 4 to 5 minute speech on leadership.