Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hoosier Boys State held?
Indiana State University Campus, largely between 3rd and 7th streets just
south of Chestnut in Terre Haute, Indiana. What are the dates of the 2007 session?
Saturday, June
9th through Saturday, June 16th.When does registration begin?
10:00 AM on Saturday. You are responsible for lunch on Saturday.There is a food court nearby on campus.What kinds of clothes should I bring?
First, bring enough clean clothes to last one week without laundry. Bring a light jacket in case of rain or cool weather. For the day's activities you will want to wear comfortable clothes: shorts, T-shirts, jeans, etc. You will receive a Hoosier Boys State T-shirt at registration at no additional cost. After the program starts, you may purchase additional HBS T-shirts from the HBS Business Office for a nominal cost. Additionally, you may want to bring athletic shoes and personal equipment like softball gloves, tennis racquet, and the like for recreational activities. You are strongly urged to bring a dress shirt with appropriate slacks, a tie, and a sports jacket or suit. For the Friday night Memorial Service, Governor's Review, and Awards Ceremony you will wear your HBS T-shirt and dark pants.Should I bring anything else?
Yes, bring a fan. The dorm rooms are not air-conditioned. Also, as it often turns cold without much warning in any given place or time in Indiana, you should bring a medium weight blanket. ISU
does not provide bed linen. You will need to bring a twin-size
sheet and one of the same size for a top cover. Your favorite
pillow and pillow case would be a welcome addition to your list.
You might want to bring an alarm clock; although we WILL get you up
in time for your daily activities. Money to purchase a DVD which will chronicle your week at Hoosier Boys State.
If I drive to Boys State, is there a place where I can park my car?
First of all, PLEASE DON'T DRIVE? But, yes--the delegates' parking lot is near the residence halls and patrolled by campus police. However, you will NOT have access to your car during the week. You will register your car when you check in with your city counselor. Parking on the campus is at your own risk. The Hoosier Boys State program is not responsible for damage to your car. Again, You are strongly urged not to drive. You will be very tired, even virtually exhausted by Saturday morning at the end of the program--largely from not getting much sleep during the week. PLEASE DON'T DRIVE!When is the first meal?
Dinner is served from 4:30 to 6:00 PM Saturday for delegates. What will I need to do if I have to leave before the conclusion of the Awards Ceremony Friday evening?
Contact your sponsoring American Legion Post and your district's enrollment chairman to allow an alternate to go in your place. If you cannot attend the ENTIRE program through the Friday Awards Ceremony,
you should relinquish your invitation and let another student take your place. Your local American Legion Post has paid your enrollment fees so that you may attend Boys State at no cost. The sponsoring Post deserves its money's worth. More importantly, you will not receive the full benefits of the program. Most importantly, you will be a part of a TEAM, the city and county to which you will be assigned. For you to leave early will put your fellow citizens at a disadvantage--tantamount to cheating them of their just due. For example, imagine in your hometown a citizen runs successfully for mayor only to move away as soon as s/he is elected. The faith and trust the voters placed in her or him to serve has been broken. It's a very simple ethics issue!
If you accept the invitation to attend HBS, you have a duty to stay with the program the entire week!Nevertheless, emergencies do present themselves through no control of your own, and we understand that. If during the week a family emergency arises, your parents or legal guardians can contact the Hoosier Boys State office in Mills Hall at 812-237-8121 and arrange for your departure.
Due to circumstances beyond my control, I may have to arrive after the registration line is closed. What should I do?
As soon as you know you will be arriving late, contact the Hoosier Boys State office in Indianapolis at (317) 630-1264 with the particulars of that information. If such a situation should arise the day of the program (Saturday, June
9th) the number to call in Terre Haute is 812-237-8121. Once you arrive on campus, come to the Hoosier Boys State Business Office in Mills Hall to register. You are strongly urged to arrive on time. The program is well underway by 1:30 p.m. on the first day. Arriving after that time may jeopardize your opportunity for a successful participation. If you cannot arrive on Saturday, you should relinquish your invitation and contact your host legion post and your alternate delegate.I want to play in the marching band. If I bring my own instrument, is there a place where it can be stored safely?
Yes, a locked room will be provided for secure storage of band instruments. However, Boys State assumes no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged instruments.What types of sports will be offered during the week?
There is an organized softball tournament and a tug-of-war. Also, delegates have access to tennis courts, basketball courts, swimming, weight room, and a running track. While we do offer leisure time for athletic activities, you should not expect organized sports to any great extent. Our program is not a training camp, it is an exercise in politics and government--democracy in action.When can we be dismissed from the program?
Saturday morning as soon as your city counselor gets you checked out. Delegates whose parents, guardian, or other pre-qualified adult attends the Friday night Awards Ceremony may be dismissed after the ceremony to return home; but delegates will not be authorized to leave with other delegates who have driven to campus without prior arrangements having been made with their respective parents or guardians.
Please fill out the request to leave early Friday so staff can
be accountable for your early departure. Generally, the Awards Ceremony is over between 9:00 and 9:30 PM. Those delegates who remain after the program Friday night often have a pizza party and watch movies. All remaining delegates are dismissed Saturday morning after breakfast.Can I leave the ISU campus during the week?
No. With over 700 delegates, off campus travel is restricted to emergencies and pre-arranged events--and only after the director's permission has been given.How much "REAL" money do I need to bring?
We suggest no more than $50. All your meals are covered.
Your most important purchase will be the new DVD being filmed during
your week at Hoosier Boys State. The cost of the DVD is $20. Any extra money would be used to purchase snacks at the candy and pop machines in the residence halls and for any souvenirs you might want to purchase. We are not responsible for lost or stolen articles or money.My friends and I are coming to Boys State. What are the chances of us rooming together?
Probably very little. One of the major benefits of the program is the opportunity to meet new people and learn about the diversity of people in our state. We want you to expand your network of contacts. Room assignments are determined by random computer housing assignments.I am diabetic. Is that a problem?
No. Provisions will be made for you to keep any medications you need for your diabetes. A diabetic delegate should inform the staff of any special dietary needs immediately upon arrival. The university health clinic facility is just a few short blocks from the dormitories in which the delegates will be staying should an emergency situation arise.I assume alcohol and drug use are not allowed at Boys State.
A good assumption. Non-prescription drugs are prohibited by state law. But in case you were wondering, if you are caught in possession of, or using alcohol or drugs, you will be sent home immediately. We will contact your sponsor and high school and explain why you are being sent home and why the fees will not be refunded.
