State wide positions include that of Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and numerous appointed positions. The appointed positions include all of the state agencies, filled once elections are complete.

A county consists of three to four cities, from which various elected and appointed positions will form a county government.  Those positions include county commisioner, sheriff, and county wide judges.

The Legislature includes members of the house and senate from each city.  Together they work on writing and passing legislation.  They are supported by a staff in each chamber and the Legislative Service Commission. 

At American Legion Buckeye Boys State, delegates passionate about law and aspiring to careers in the legal field are offered an unparalleled opportunity to delve into Ohio’s legal system through the Courts Section.

Participants in the Buckeye Boys State program gain hands-on experience and immerse themselves in the workings of the law. Roles include serving as private lawyers, city law directors, county prosecutors, members of the Boys State Supreme Court, Court of Claims, Court of Appeals, trial courts, or even the Boys State Attorney General.

The Courts Section mirrors the entire judicial framework of Ohio, offering a realistic and dynamic environment. Delegates manage Courts of Common Pleas and Municipal Courts across Buckeye Boys State’s counties.

Beyond these, delegates can explore higher judicial roles through a seven-member Boys State Supreme Court, a three-member Boys State Court of Appeals, and a three-member Boys State Court of Claims.

One delegate is elected to serve as Chief Justice of the Boys State Supreme Court, officiating the swearing-in of key city and county Buckeye Boys State officials.

The Courts Section extends opportunities beyond judgeships. Delegates can serve as Court bailiffs or clerks, ensuring efficient court administration. To practice law as attorneys, delegates must pass the Buckeye Boys State Bar Exam—a 50-question, open-book test using the “Ohio Government Digest”; Delegates have up to two attempts to succeed, reinforcing the seriousness of their roles.

The program is enhanced by the invaluable mentorship of sitting judges and practicing lawyers from Ohio, who dedicate their time to guide participants in legal research, trials, appellate practice, and procedural expertise. Delegates also benefit from free access to “Decisis”; an online law library provided through partnerships with the Ohio State Bar Association and the Ohio Judicial Conference.

A highlight of the program is the involvement of esteemed contributors like the Ohio Supreme Court and the President of the Ohio State Bar Association, who interact with delegates and share their expertise throughout the program.

Additionally, thanks to the Union County Bar Association, delegates serving as justices wear authentic judicial
robes, fostering a sense of realism and professionalism.

The Ohio American Legion, Buckeye Boys State, the Courts Section, and the Ohio
State Bar Association collectively champion legal education, preparing young leaders
and citizens to understand and navigate Ohio’s judicial system.

The “Hetuck” (native American for “eye of the buck”) is the official newspaper of the American Legion Buckeye Boys State program and is published daily.

The Hetuck newspaper also operates a “Office of Social Media” where delegates with excellent computer and social media skills post information on and promote the Buckeye Boys State program daily through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Boys State delegates fill all of the positions on the Hetuck.

Any Boys State delegate with the school newspaper, yearbook, sports reporting, or other journalism experience is encouraged to make an application for the Hetuck.

The application form is online and can be filled out, printed, and mailed to the Boys State Director. In-person applications will also be provided. The Hetuck Section heads will review the applications and selected applicants will be notified to be interviewed. There are also positions on the Hetuck available for free-hand artists to design the annual cover art for their program’s printed version of the Hetuck, which each delegate is given at the conclusion of the program.

Buckeye Boys State operates a functional Boys State Highway Patrol, chaired by a detail of troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The Boys State Highway Patrol performs a number of law enforcement responsibilities within the Boys State program. Delegates selected to form the Boys State Highway Patrol receive comprehensive training in Ohio Law, law enforcement, and the role of a trooper.

Fifteen (15) Boys State citizens are selected to attend, following the conclusion of Buckeye Boys State, a program jointly sponsored by the American Legion and Ohio State Highway Patrol: Junior Cadet Week at the Highway Patrol Training Academy in Columbus.

Learn more about Junior Cadet Week at our awards and scholarships page.

The Buckeye Boys State Band is a dynamic ensemble, bringing together 100 to 140 talented delegates each year. With standard high school band instrumentation and a passion for music, these young musicians play a pivotal role in the program, delivering performances of both concert and marching band music of all types and genres.

Balancing a schedule of practices and rehearsals alongside their official Boys State duties, the band performs several numbers at evening assemblies throughout the week. Their dedication culminates in a full concert on Saturday night, where parents, friends, and visitors are treated to an unforgettable musical experience before the program’s final evening assembly.

None of the daily rehearsals will interfere with the delegate’s daily work activities as all practices are scheduled during program free time.

Joining the band is simple—no application is necessary. Delegates interested in being a part of the ensemble are encouraged to bring their instruments to the program’s check-in. All traditional high school concert and marching band instruments are welcome to participate and we have found high school band directors are very supportive of students playing their instruments during the summer break. The band provides a unique opportunity for delegates to not only showcase their skills but also build camaraderie and leadership through teamwork.

To share their artistry with the world, the Buckeye Boys State Band maintains a YouTube channel and engages with followers on Facebook and Instagram, as well as performances on the nightly assembly livestream. These platforms allow delegates and supporters alike to celebrate the remarkable dedication and talent of this group.

The Buckeye Boys State Band exemplifies creativity, teamwork, and leadership, making it an integral part of the Boys State experience. Any questions about the group can be emailed to the director at bbsbanddirector@gmail.com.

Supervised recreation is scheduled during a part of your week at Boys State.

Participation in these events or use of any athletic facilities is at the discretion of each Buckeye Boys State Delegate and subject to the approval of their Counselor.

The utilities section works as a public utility providing basic utilities to the delegates such as electric, gas, and water/sewer.

As part of the learning experience at Buckeye Boys State on how the Ohio state government operates, Boys State delegates will participate in political party conventions to determine the goals and philosophies of their Boys State political party.

The party conventions at Boys State are based on the Ohio political party conventions and will operate in the same manner and procedures as those found at real Ohio political party conventions.

The Boys State party conventions will adopt a Party Platform representing the goals and ideals of that political party, adopt convention rules, and appoint convention officials.

The Buckeye Boys State College Fair invites to the Boys State program representatives from colleges, universities, the service academies, ROTC detachments, and all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces from throughout Ohio and the country.

Annually, nearly 100 representatives from the above named facilities have information tables and information booths at the Boys State College Fair.

The Buckeye Boys State College Fair provides an informal environment for Boys State delegates to talk one-on-one with educational representatives from facilities of their choice.