WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Critical Information
PRESS RELEASE TEMPLATE
Now that the week of Connecticut Boys State has come to a close, we encourage you to spread the news to your local newspapers, TV stations, radio stations, and blogs. Below is a step-by-step guide and a template for sending out a news release to your local media outlets.
- Step 1 — Download the following news release template (in Word document format) by clicking here
- Step 2 — Customize the template for your son/student by inserting his full name and the name of his high school in the first paragraph of the release. These sections are noted with brackets and asterisks, such as [**Insert first and last name here**]
- Step 3 (optional) — You may also choose to add an additional sentence or two about the specific offices your son/student won while at Connecticut Boys State or activities he may have been involved in. The best place to include this additional sentence or two is at the end of the first paragraph. For example: CROMWELL, CT — The American Legion, Department of Connecticut today announced that Jimmy Jones of Cromwell High School has graduated from American Legion Conneciticut Boys State. During the week, Jones was elected city judge, served as a party whip, and participated in the Boys State talent show.
- Step 4— Save the news release and get ready to send it out to local media.
- Step 5 — Identify the local media outlets you plan to contact with your news release. Nearly all news organizations have websites that provide clear instructions for how to submit a news release or a news tip. These submission instructions are usually found under a “Contact Us,” “Submit a News Story,” or “News Tips” link, which is usually found at the very top or very bottom of the page, and sometimes in a left-hand or right-hand menu. Or, you may find a list of staff members for the news organization on the website. If there is no specific instruction on how to submit a news release or news tip, then send the news release as an email attachment to the local news reporter or local news editor. Managing editors, assistant managing editors, and producers (for TV and radio) are also good people to contact.
- Step 6 — Send the news release to the media organization and be available in case the reporter replies to your email with further questions and follow-up.
- Step 7 — Watch your local newspaper, TV station, or radio station to see if your news story got picked up.
- Step 8 — If your news release does turn into a published or on-air news story, we would love to keep track of that. Please notify us of any news mentions at admin@ctlegion.org
What to expect
What delegates will gain
- A new appreciation for patriotism (flag etiquette, service to both our state and our country, and an understanding of the part they are to play in society as they become adults)
- New and lasting friendships with young men from across the state
- A better understanding of how to build consensus through civil discourse and debate
- Knowledge of the two-party political system and putting that knowledge into action
- An eagerness to be a servant leader in their schools and communities (if they do not already possess such a characteristic)
How parents or sponsors can stay informed during the week
- Check our website for updated information
What happens when they return home
- Graduates typically need a day or so to sleep in – they will be quite tired physically
- Delegates should:
- Write a Thank you note to their Sponsoring organization(s)
- Review their packet of materials that they receive upon checkout with them
- Work with the local newspaper to 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) - Work with school leadership (principals, coaches, etc.), talk up the program so that you can generate excitement and interest for next year’s group
How Boys State improves a resume for college and beyond
- Connecticut Boys State should be included on college applications – it is seen quite favorably by most universities and has a strong weighting on the scoring system for those seeking an appointment to a US Military Academy!
- Delegates should:
- 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
Parent's FAQs
CAN PARENTS AND FAMILY ATTEND THE SESSIONS?
We encourage parental/guardian involvement on Saturday during check-in and will have very limited seating for parents to attend graduation on Thursday.
CAN MY SON COME AND GO FROM THE PROGRAM?
Boys State is a fast-paced program that requires full attention and complete involvement for the week. Any unique circumstances requiring time away from the program must be cleared with both the Chairman and Director in advance of the program.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY SON MUST LEAVE EARLY DUE TO AN EMERGENCY?
Unfortunately, things happen outside of the program that are beyond our control (such as a substantial health issue for a family member). In these situations, delegates will need to get the approval of both the Boys State Chairman and Boys State Director. Once approved, they will help arrange the logistics of getting the delegate prepared to leave the program.
HOW CAN MY FAMILY FOLLOW ALONG WITH WHAT IS HAPPENING?
The website will be updated daily with posts and pictures.
HOW CAN I SEND A CARE PACKAGE?
To mail care packages to a delegate during the week of Boys State, use this format:
{Statesman Name]
American Legion Connecticut Boys State Program
[Boy’s State City Name]
University of New Haven
300 Boston Post Road
West Haven, CT 06516
WHO DO I CONTACT
Contact us here.
What to Bring
Connecticut Boys State Dress Code Requirements:
___ Close-toed shoes or sneakers, sandals (flip flops are acceptable)
___ Shorts and T-shirts are the general attire for most of the program. Prepare for several shirt changes is hot hot wether.
___ Long pants, jacket and tie, dress shoes and socks are required for graduation.
___ Boys often prefer to dress up when making campaign speeches (not required)
___ A few ballpoint pens for taking notes
Items that will be provided:
- 1 Boys State shirt (Additonal shirts may be purchased)
- Connecticut Boys State Program
- Any campaign materials needed (NOTE: outside materials are NOT allowed, please do not prepare, or bring any)
Connecticut Boys State T-Shirt Pricing:
1 shirt: Included
Additional shirts are available for $10.00
Recommended recreation time attire:
___ Athletic shorts
___ Athletic shoes (Cleats are NOT allowed)
___ Athletic socks
___ Hat for athletics
___ Sunscreen
Recommended dorm room supplies:
___ Underwear
___ Shower sandals
___ Bath / face towel(s)
___ Face, hand and/or body soap
___ Shampoo
___ Shaving Kit
___ Toothbrush and toothpaste
___ Personal medications
___ Twin Sheets (Long) or Sleeping Bag
___ Preferred blanket(s)
___ Preferred pillow(s)
___ Preferred toilet paper — standard issue provided in dormitory
___ Tissue paper
Recommendations on technology:
Personal laptops or tablets are NOT required but will be allowed during classroom sessions. Any devices brought are NOT the responsibility of Connecticut Boys State.
___ Cell phone
___ Cell phone charger
___ Cell phone spare battery
___ Access to Google Classroom will be useful
Recommended rations
NOTE:
- All meals will be provided throughout the program, starting with dinner Saturday, and ending with lunch Thursday
- Participants are welcome to as many helpings as desired
- Vegetarian options will be available
A general store will be available during standard business hours. However, please note that recreation time concludes late in the evenings after the store has closed. So please be prepared by bringing or purchasing the appropriate rations during designated times:
___ Snacks
___ Water/Juice
___ Water bottle
Additionally, please consider:
___ Discretionary money for purchases from the general store (see above) .
___ For anyone planning to try out for the Talent Show, please bring any required props needed to showcase your talents… upon request these can be kept under lock and key when not in use.