What happens when 320 talented juniors arrive at Ole Miss as strangers and leave as a functioning state government? We sit with assistant director Reed Overstreet to trace how Mississippi Boys State turns curiosity into competence with real campaigns, real responsibilities, and real stakes. Reed opens the curtain on a week built for growth: delegates are split into new “cities,” kept out of their comfort zones, and challenged to build platforms, win votes, and govern under tight timelines. The result is a true civics lab—less lecture, more practice—guided by staffers who have served in congressional offices, senate teams, and even the White House.
We walk through everything families and counselors need to know. Dates, applications, and cost are straightforward: $275 covers a full week of meals, housing, and two shirts, with little need for spending money. Safety is layered and specific: keycard dorm access, two staffers per city of about thirty, tight formations with count‑offs, campus police support, an on‑site clinic, and a program nurse who manages medications. Packing is simple—shorts or khakis with a belt, toiletries, shower shoes, towels, bedding—and yes, bring painter’s tape and banners if you plan to campaign. And if your student is set on running for attorney general on day one, keep the materials flexible; many discover a better fit once they see the field.
The payoff extends far beyond a single week. Boys State alumni form a living network that shows up later in city halls, courtrooms, and state offices. Scholarships amplify the impact: many Mississippi universities award aid simply for attending, with additional awards for top roles. Reed urges American Legion posts to leverage their trusted status to recruit, fundraise, and open school doors, because the right nudge can change a trajectory. Whether you are a counselor looking for high-impact leadership training, a parent weighing safety and value, or a student who wants to learn how government really works, this conversation lays out the why, the how, and the next steps.
If you found this helpful, follow the show, share it with a counselor or Legion member, and leave a review so more families can discover Boys State. Got a student in mind? Send them to msboystate.com and help light the spark.
Don't forget to subscribe and share with your friends and family. Drop us a line today at JDAllhands@outlook.com. If you'd like to become a sponsor of our show or advertise with us please send an email to jdallhands@outlook.com or call us at 662-902-6658. Would you consider buying us a cup of coffee? Look on our page and make a donation of your choosing.
