Build a City. Run a State. Lead the Future.
At Evergreen Boys & Girls State, you do more than sit in class – you run the show yourself. Spend one week building a mock government from the ground up and come home with newfound confidence, real leadership skills, and friends for life.
Evergreen Boys & Girls State
June 20-26, 2027
Warm Beach Conference Center
Stanwood, WA
Feel Like School Isn’t Really Teaching You How to Lead?
You’ve sat through civics classes, but still feel clueless about how government works in the real world. Maybe you’re hesitant to speak up because you have “very little public speaking experience” and haven’t had a chance to lead anything beyond a class project.
You know “now more than ever, students need to know how government works,” yet textbooks and lectures just aren’t cutting it. Meanwhile, you see the same few “leaders” at school always taking charge, and you’re left wondering if you’ll ever get a real chance to prove what you can do.
One Week of Living Government – A Lifetime of Leadership
Evergreen Boys & Girls State is not a lecture or an ordinary camp – it’s a hands-on leadership adventure where you get to take the reins. Imagine a week where you and other ambitious juniors from across Washington literally create and run your own city, county, and state. You’ll file for elections and campaign for office, form political parties and build a platform of ideas, and even draft and pass laws to tackle realistic community problems.
This isn’t some stuffy school exercise or pretend student council. It’s fast-paced, real, and eye-opening. One morning, you might be mayor of your city; by afternoon, you’re debating planks for your political party’s platform. Along the way, you’ll gain a first-hand understanding of how decisions are made and discover your own leadership style under pressure. And yes – it’s as exciting and fun as it sounds. You’ll bond with 100+ new friends who are just as motivated as you are (finally, “everyone there was like me” – no one thinks you’re “weird” for caring about this stuff!). By the end of the week, you won’t just have head knowledge – you’ll have lived it, and that “truly changes the way you view civic responsibility and leadership.”
Benefits That Last Long After Boys & Girls State
Lead with Confidence from Now On
Step out of your comfort zone and crush your fear of public speaking. After giving speeches, campaigning, and making real decisions as a mock official, you’ll return to school with unshakeable confidence. (Many attendees say this was “one of the most valuable experiences of my high school years,” because it built a boldness they never knew they had.)
Real-World Civic Know-How
No textbook can match actually running a government. By working through real legislative challenges and crises, you’ll understand how cities and states really function (knowledge even many adults wish they had). It’s an eye-opening crash course in teamwork, problem-solving, and civic responsibility that will stick with you for life. When something big happens in your community or nation, you won’t be the kid shrugging – you’ll be the one who gets it and knows how to get involved.
Stand Out for College & Beyond
Evergreen Boys & Girls State doesn’t just give you great memories – it opens doors. Colleges and scholarship committees highly respect this achievement; yes, it “looks awesome on college applications,” because it shows you’re a motivated, capable leader. Plus, our program offers several college scholarships exclusive to Boys & Girls State alumni. More importantly, you’ll leave with a network of mentors and friends across Washington. Whether you’re interviewing for college or planning your career, you’ll have an inspiring story and leadership experience that sets you apart from the crowd.
What Participants & Parents Are Saying
Check out the feedback from graduates and their parents!
Ready to Experience This For Yourself?
Don’t miss your chance to join this life-changing week of learning and leading. Spaces are limited each year, and students who attend always say, “I’m so glad I did this.”
Evergreen Boys & Girls State
June 20-26, 2027
Warm Beach Conference Center
Stanwood, WA
Got Questions? We've got answers!
Need more info?
If you have any other questions, just reach out. We’re here to help!
What Sets Us Apart?
In 2026, our program officially became American Legion Evergreen Boys & Girls State,marking an important transition from an all-male program to a fully inclusive, co-educational experience. The change reflects our commitment to making the program more relevant, accessible, and engaging for today’s high school students.
We believe that preparing future leaders means giving all eligible students – regardless of gender – the opportunity to learn about government, leadership, and civic responsibility together, just like they do in real life.
By updating our format, we ensure that the program mirrors the diverse, collaborative environments students will encounter in college, careers, and public service. This change builds on decades of success while modernizing the experience to better meet the needs and expectations of the next generation.
Addressing the Misinformation
First and foremost, female delegates are eligible for everyoffice, leadership position, activity, and educational opportunity offered within Evergreen Boys & Girls State, including the office of Governor. Female delegates are full participants in every aspect of the program and compete on the same basis as all other delegates.
Specifically:
- All delegates, regardless of gender, are eligible to run for Governor of Evergreen Boys & Girls State and receive the associated scholarship.
- All delegates are eligible to apply for the Samsung American Legion Scholarship. Eligibility requirements for the scholarship apply equally to all delegates.
- All scholarships associated with Evergreen Boys & Girls State are awarded at the graduation on Saturday. Delegates do not need to return to our website during their senior year to apply for additional EBGS scholarships.
- NO delegates “run for U.S. senator” at EBGS. Our Boys Nation representatives are selected via interview process. Webelieve that opportunity should be based on merit not popularity. By doing this, delegates do not have to limit their choice for which office to run for during the week.
- While it is true that EBGS cannot send female delegates to Girls Nation or Boys Nation, it is important to remember that only TWO students from EGS and TWO from EBGS will attend the national programs. That means that any one delegate at EGS or EBGS has about a 2-3% chance of being selected. We have incorporated a “Women of Distinction” Scholarship to reward the young women whom we cannot send to Girls Nation.
- All delegates may answer “Yes” when a college application, scholarship application, résumé, or other form asks whether they have attended a Boys State or Girls State program. Attendance at Evergreen Boys & Girls State fulfills that requirement.
- All delegates are eligible to apply for college credit through the RTG & Associates college credit program. (We highly urge delegates to ensure their college of choice accepts them before paying and doing the additional coursework for them.)
Whether a student’s interests are in government, public service, leadership development, scholarships, or college preparation, our goal at Evergreen Boys & Girls State is to ensure that every interested high school junior has access to meaningful leadership opportunities, valuable educational experiences, and recognition for their accomplishments.
Is ALA Evergreen Girls State the same as American Legion Evergreen Boys & Girls State?
No. ALA Evergreen Girls State is a separate, all-girls program organized and operated by the American Legion Auxiliary in Washington. It operates independently of American Legion Evergreen Boys & Girls State (EBGS), which the American Legion Department of Washington conducts.
Important: ALA Evergreen Girls State is the only pathway to eligibility for ALA Girls Nation. Washington sends only two delegates to Girls Nation each year, so attending ALA Evergreen Girls State does not guarantee selection. EBGS participants are not eligible for Girls Nation through our program, but may compete for our Women of Distinction recognition instead.
Both programs share a common purpose: helping high school students develop leadership skills, understand government, and become more engaged citizens. However, since different organizations operate them, they have separate application processes, schedules, locations, staff, program structures, and learning environments.
One of the most significant differences is the experience itself. An all-girls program and a co-ed program naturally create different social dynamics and opportunities for interaction. At EBGS, young women and men learn together, work through challenges together, compete for leadership positions, and collaborate in a government environment that reflects the world in which they will eventually lead.
Neither approach is right for everyone, and that’s okay! Students should choose the environment in which they feel they will learn, grow, and thrive.
For young women who have considered an all-girls program and thought, “That’s just not me,” EBGS offers another option. Come as you are, find your voice, and discover what you’re capable of!
EBGS is a 7-day/6-night leadership experience, compared with the 6-day/5-night ALA Evergreen Girls State program. Our tuition is somewhat higher because EBGS includes an additional day and night of programming. However, financial assistance covering the full cost is available to EBGS applicants upon request.
Where, and when, will it take place?
Evergreen Boys & Girls State is conducted at the Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center in Stanwood, Washington. The next session will be held the week of June 20th – 26th, 2027.
Who can attend?
Anyhigh school junior(typically a 16-17 year old finishing 11th grade) can attend. You don’t need to be class president or have any special title – just the passion to learn and lead. Some delegates are nominated by a teacher, counselor, or local American Legion post,but you can also apply directly. If you’re a junior ready to make a difference, you’re exactly who we want at Evergreen Boys & Girls State!
I'm not super into politics or a "born leader" - will I still benefit?
Absolutely!No prior political experience is required. Many participants start out shy, reserved, or unsure of their interests. By the end of the week, they’re the ones saying it was“so much fun” and that they discovered confidence they didn’t know they had. There’sno partisan agenda here – it’s about learning how things work and finding your own leadership style. Even if you’ve never run for anything before, you’ll get plenty of guidance. You’ll be shocked at how much you grow in an environment whereeveryone wants you to succeed.
How do I register?
You can easily begin your registration process online by completing our application form. Simply head to the ‘Apply’ section on our website and fill out your details. Once your application is screened, we will help locate a sponsor (if financial support is needed) and guide you thru the registration process.
What is the cost?
The week-long program (including meals and housing) is valued at $700. Upon request, local American Legion Posts will sponsor a student by paying $350 to help defray the cost of attending.
We’re committed to allowing every qualified student to participate regardless of family finances – if you need assistance, just let us know. Generous financial aid is available up to the full $700 cost, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to experience Evergreen Boys & Girls State. Thanks to our sponsors, cost is not a barrier.
Can I invite friends?
Absolutely! We encourage participants to bring friends who also want to learn and grow as leaders. The more, the merrier!
Can I earn college credits for attending Evergreen Boys & Girls State ?
Attending Evergreen Boys & Girls State (or ALA Evergreen Girls State) alone does not automatically grant college credits. However, delegates who complete either of these programs may apply for entry-level college credits through RTG & Associates by:
- Visiting the RTG & Associates website
- Completing the application and payment process
- Finishing the additional required coursework
Important: Before purchasing credits and doing the coursework, we urge you to confirm with your intended university that these credits will transfer to their institution.