American Legion Department of TexasParent and Sponsor OrientationSaturday, June 5, 2010

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Welcome to Texas Boys State!

• Our schedule for the week and key points you need to know

• What the Boys can expect from this week

• How you can stay informed during the week

• What we want to happen when they return home

• How Boys State builds their resume for college and beyond

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Our Schedule for the week

• Saturday – Check-in and City Orientation

• Sunday – Organize Party political process; begin Band, Choir, and Olympiad; conduct Flag Lowering Ceremony; hear Lewis Timberlake speak (www.lewistimberlake.com)

• Monday – Begin speeches for office; continue Band, Choir, and Olympiad, and begin Talent Show tryouts; conduct Flag Lowering Ceremony and meet Visiting Dignitaries; hear Dave Carey, former POW, speak

• Tuesday – First full election process; continue party political process around campaigning and platforms; continue extra-curricular activities; conduct Flag Lowering Ceremony and meet Visiting Dignitaries; hear from American Legion leadership and from former CIA agent Jim Olsen

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Our Schedule for the week (continued)

• Wednesday – Conduct runoffs during party political election process; finalize party platforms; continue extra-curricular activities; conduct Flag Lowering Ceremony and hear from Visiting Dignitaries; hear from Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams

• Thursday – Have speeches for the Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor candidates; complete election process; Conduct Flag Lowering Ceremony at UT Mall Area; finish City Olympiad; have Boys State Talent Show

• Friday – Visit State Capitol; hear from former Texas Boys State and Boys Nation Delegate State Representative Patrick Rose; conduct checkout procedures and depart after 1 p.m. on Friday from Jester West

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What these boys will gain from the week

• An new appreciation for patriotism (flag etiquette, service to country, and an understanding of the part they are to play in society as they leave here)

• New and lasting friendships with boys from across the state

• A better understanding of how to build consensus through civil discourse and debate

• Knowledge of the two party system via “learning by doing”

• An eagerness to be a servant leader in their schools and communities (if they do not already possess such a characteristic)

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Staying informed

• Check www.texasboysstate.com for updated information

• If on Facebook, ask to join the group American Legion Texas Boys State or follow us via Twitter

• Talk to your sons/sponsorees during recreation time (1:00 – 4:00 p.m.) or late evenings (> 10 p.m.) via telephone

• Come to any of our General Assemblies (7 p.m. each evening) or our Flag Lowering events (5 p.m. until Thursday, which occurs at 6:30 p.m.)

• Join us at the Capitol complex on Friday by 9 a.m. to see all 750+ of us marching into the complex (assuming good weather allows)

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What to do when they return home

• Allow them a day or so to sleep in – they will be quite tired physically

• Be sure to write a Thank you note to their Sponsoring organization(s)

• Review their packet of materials that they receive upon checkout with them

• Working with the local newspaper, publish the press release about his week at Boys State (note: if more than one boy comes from that city/community, coordinate placement of the story in the local paper)

• Working with school leadership (principals, coaches, etc.), talk up the program so that you can generate excitement and interest for next year’s group

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It is an honor to attend Texas Boys State!

• Be sure to include on college applications – it is seen quite favorably by most universities!

• In addition, make sure to note both the offices sought and/or won, as it shows a passion for trying new things

• Include Boys State pin on Graduation Attire, as it should be seen as a part of the “honors” that High School graduates achieve

• Join groups on both Social Media and via college alumni that have Boys State as a connection point – it is a nice networking tool for both job seekers and career advice

We welcome your young men to Texas Boys State 2010!