From The Director
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Palmetto Boys State Online. PBS Online is our resource for everything you need to know about Boys State including information about the current session, the history of our program, and much more.
Please use this site as a resource. We are proud of our program and of what it instills in young men across the state. Our commitment to the ideals of freedom, democracy, and Americanism under the guidance of the American Legion makes our program unique among leadership experiences. This website is meant to help prepare you for your journey through Boys State.
Great for parents and “citizens” alike, PBS Online will help answer all of your questions about Boys State and what to expect during the weeklong session. If you have any other questions not answered here please feel free to contact me or any staff member to learn more.
Congratulations to all of you who have already received acceptance letters to participate in this exciting program. If you have not received a letter and are interested in attending, contact your high school guidance counselor, principal, or local American Legion Post for information on how the selection process operates. Boys State is so much more than can be described on any website! An opportunity of a lifetime awaits you. We encourage you to make the most of your Boys State experience.
Sincerely, Stephen Lewis Director
A letter from the Secretary-Treasurer
Congratulations on having been chosen to be a citizen of Palmetto Boys State 2012. It is my pleasure to welcome you to Boys State. I feel sure that you will find Boys State to be one of the finest and most rewarding experiences of your life.
Boys State is well rounded with both work and play. There will be time for fun and times to be serious. You will make lasting friendships with other young men of our state and, most importantly, you will have an opportunity to run the city, county, and state governments for one week. Leading figures in South Carolina and national political circles will be guest speakers. You and your fellow citizens will elect officers for each unit of the government and these, in turn, will actually serve in the capacities to which they are elected. One of you reading this letter will be elected to the high office of Governor of Palmetto Boys State 2012.
Registration for PBS 2012 is Sunday, June 10. Those of you in the 864 TELEPHONE AREA will register at 9:00am. Those of you in the 803 TELEPHONE AREA will register at 9:30am and those in the 843 TELEPHONE AREA will register at 10:30am. Please let me emphasize that registration MUST be completed promptly by noon. You will be directed to the check-in/registration area once you arrive at Anderson University’s campus.
Your expenses to Boys State are paid with two exceptions. You will need to bring TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS ($25) in cash to pay for your registration. You will also need to bring another FORTY DOLLARS ($40) in cash as a room deposit fee. Your room and suite will be checked prior to your departure on June 16, and, if it is in order, your forty dollars will be returned to you.
Upon your arrival you will be given at least two assignments: (1) a political party (either the Nationalist or the Federalist) and (2) a city. The political parties will guide the week’s campaigns and elections. You will live in your “city” for the week. You will be assigned a room prior to your arrival. There will be four citizens in each suite, each with a private bedroom. The week will be filled with elections, campaigns, lectures, instructional periods, academic events, field trips and many “bull” sessions.
All of this will climax with the election of a governor and other state officials on Friday. We will join Palmetto Girls State on the steps of the state capitol for the inauguration of the officers of Girls State and Boys State. Following the inauguration of the Governors and other state officials, Boys State will be joined by Girls State for lunch on the University of South Carolina’s horseshoe. Friday night is a fun night with the Governor’s Banquet and a citizen’s talent show.
In order to get in all of the planned activities, the program of Boys State is a fast paced one. Therefore, please tell your parents and girlfriends not to call you by telephone except in case of emergency. Tell them you will call when the opportunity permits. In an emergency, you can reach Stephen Lewis, Palmetto Boys State Director, on his cell phone: 864-423-1025.
Please be in touch with me if you have any questions concerning Boys State. Here is my contact info:
Email: drsink@charter.net
Telephone: 864-375-1474
Fax: 864-226-3134
Let me emphasize that if ANYTHING happens which prevents you from attending Palmetto Boys State, you should be in touch with me immediately as your school will want to send someone in your place.
I look forward to seeing you on June 10!
Sinclair Lewis Secretary-Treasurer