What you're supporting
Missouri Boys State is a program of The American Legion, Department of Missouri. It's been putting high-school students through a week of hands-on self-government since 1938, and every dollar the casino night raises goes to it.
Learning it by doing it
Each summer, Missouri Boys State brings together high-school juniors from across the state for a week that's less about lectures and more about running things themselves.
The students build a working state government from the ground up: they elect officials, pass laws, and run their own cities and counties. Along the way they pick up how campaigns work, why a single vote matters, and what it takes to hold office. The 2027 session runs June 19-26, 2027at Lindenwood University.
1938
Building Leaders Since
87th
Session in 2027
1 Week
Of Self-Government
501(c)(3)
Tax-Exempt Mission
How the week goes
A few days from the program's own account of the session.
Saturday
A Day of Firsts
Introductions, the first city meeting, and the start of a life-changing week. City party structures begin to form, and candidates are submitted for Sunday morning's elections.
Sunday
Election Day
The first full day. Citizens begin shaping their week by electing city officials. Elections start at 6 AM and the day ends with evening colors at 10 PM, packed with activity in between.
Monday
A Day in Motion
Cities have chosen their leaders and begin making their mark on the session. Schools of Instruction are in full swing, giving citizens the chance to learn and apply lessons right away.
Tuesday
A Day of Insight
From a naturalization ceremony for new U.S. citizens to nationally recognized speakers, citizens are treated to a packed day of learning and action.
About $500 sends one student
That's roughly what it costs to cover a student for the full week. The casino night is how we keep cost from being the reason anyone has to say no. Every dollar goes straight to The American Legion Missouri Boys State.