LONE STAR BOYS' STATE. Lone Star Boys' State is an annual program, sponsored by the American Legion,^qv in which teenage boys are given training in functional aspects of citizenship and taught constructive attitudes toward the American form of government. The purpose of the program is to assure the survival of the American democratic form of government by teaching youth to appreciate the basic principles of a democratic society. Nationally the program was begun in the 1930s to counter Fascist-inspired Young Pioneer Freedom camps. The Texas program began on June 10, 1940, with 108 boys participating. Participants are grouped into mock cities and form a mock state government, including the election of state officers. Boys selected are high-school juniors and are chosen by school officials and Legionnaires. Boys must be cooperative and motivated. The program is held each summer, usually in June, at the University of Texas campus in Austin. Two boys are chosen to attend Boys' Nation in Washington, D.C. each July. See also BLUEBONNET GIRLS' STATE.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Harold M. Branton, The American Legion Department of Texas, 1919-1986: An Official History (Waco: American Legion Department of Texas, 1987).

John G. Johnson