Over the course of the summer, many students spent their vacations relaxing and spending time with friends.  But other students expanded their horizons by attending Virginia Boys State and Girls State 2013.  These week-long camps are run by the American Legion Auxiliary and are dedicated to educating today’s youth about modern-day politics.  Through the camp, select rising seniors act as a state by forming governments, campaigning, and going through an election process.The delegates of each camp stay on a college campus and most are sponsored through local organizations.They also stay in dorms and eat their meals in the campus cafeteria. The girls spent their week at Longwood University, while the boys went to Radford University.  “I loved the Longwood mini key lime pies.  I had one at lunch and one at dinner every day I was there,” said senior and Girls State delegate Mary McGehee.

Seniors Bryce Campanelli and Johnny Douma were two of the boys from FCHS who were selected to attend Boys State.  “At Boys State I was able to learn how government worked behind the scenes and I was able to experience a functional government first-hand,” said Campanelli. Boys State also allows its delegates to run for various offices.  For example, Douma was elected to be a sheriff.  “I liked my power as sheriff because I could wake everyone whenever I wanted to,” said Douma. While at the camp, the boys were also visited by many different guest speakers, including Governor Bob McDonnell.  “The most interesting experience for me was taking a selfie with the governor,” said Campanelli.

Another perk of attending Boys State was the intellectual environment which the camp formed.  Only students who are recommended by their teachers and show a genuine interest in learning are chosen to attend.  This selectivity causes the campuses to have an inquisitive feel.  “I thought the best part of Boys State was being surrounded by some of the brightest minds in Virginia.  It was great talking politics with people who knew a lot about the subject,” said Campanelli.

As far as the girls, seniors Anna Lafferty and Mary McGehee were two of the five from FCHS who attended Girls State.  “It was wonderful and incredibly humbling to meet so many bright and accomplished young women and I loved the camp talent show,” said McGehee.  While at Girls State, Lafferty was one of 24 performances selected to perform in the talent show held Longwood.  Many girls auditioned for these spots, but only a select few were chosen to play for the audience of over 600 people at Longwood.  “I thought my performance went really well.  It went much better than I thought it would,” said Lafferty who performed the song “Nero” on the piano. Later, Lafferty was thrilled to learn that she was accepted early to attend Longwood University.  “I loved Longwood.  I loved having the experience of knowing what it would be like to stay there,” said Lafferty.

Both Boys and Girls State offer some amazing opportunities for attendees.With vigorous days starting from around seven in the morning and going until eleven at night, bothcamps push the delegates to become their best.  With the skills developed from attending Boys or Girls State, these delegates are able to lay a solid foundation for future leadership opportunities.