Whenever possible, a packet of material is sent to each Boys State delegate in advance of his arrival.  However, sometimes we do not receive the registration material from a delegate's local sponsor until just prior to the state of Boys State.  We will also accept registration material presented by the delegate upon arrival.

Accordingly, if you are chosen to attend Boys State but have not yet received your admission packet - please plan to arrive at Andrews Hall of Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois on Saturday afternoon, any time after 1:00 pm.  You will be warmly welcomed and we will be happy to quickly process your application immediately upon your arrival.

Click here to view and print the citizen information as a .pdf file

The material you would otherwise have received in advance of your arrival is as follows:

Arrival and Departure

You should plan to arrive at the Eastern Illinois University campus after 1:00 pm on Saturday.  At that time, you should report to the registration area in Andrews Hall which is located on 7th street on the south end of the campus.  No noon meal will be served at camp on this day.

Plan to leave the campus any time after noon on Friday.  Lunch will be available on campus that day for those who wish to have lunch before leaving.

Boys State Band

Music, sousaphones and percussion instruments will be provided by Eastern Illinois University, other potential band members should bring their instruments with them.  Percussionists should bring sticks and mallets; tuba players mouthpieces and bits' brass players, instruments, oil and mutes; reed players, instruments and extra needs.  Lyres and folding stands are useful.

Emergency Phone and Mail

While at Boys State your mail would be addressed to:

Your name

American Legion Premier Boys State

(Boys State County)

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL 61920

The emergency telephone number is 217-581-3759.  Use this number for EMERGENCY ONLY.  Please see that the emergency number is given to anyone who needs it.

Campaign Material

Campaign supplies and materials may be brought with you even though those may be purchased at the EIU bookstore.  However, no campaign signs or flyers of any nature, including computer generated, may be prepared in advance of your arrival to Boys State.

Family Visits

Due to the intense schedule, there is little opportunity for parents to visit campus during the week, but if parents contemplate a visit, we suggest that Thursday afternoon is the most appropriate time because of the formal retreat ceremony scheduled at that time.  Telephone calls, to you at camp, should be placed only in genuine emergencies.

What to Bring From Home

• Two face towels and two bath towels

• Usual shaving and toilet articles including soap

• Three lightweight shirts such as polo or T-shirt

• A sweatshirt, light jacket or windbreaker

• At least one pair of long pants such as blue jeans

• Several pairs of shorts or cutoffs

• A week's supply of underwear

• Six pairs of white athletic socks

• Two twin-size sheets, one blanket, pillow and pillowcase (sleeping bag if preferred)

• Track or sports uniforms, heavy white socks, athletic shoes, swim suit (cutoffs not permitted) and any light sports equipment.  (No golf spikes or cleats).  Tennis racket optional

• Notebook, pens, pencils, and material for making campaign signs.

• NO firearms, fireworks, or explosives of any kind.  NO liquor.  NO drugs

To reduce possible injury, boys competing in sports such as soccer, basketball, football, etc. are encouraged to bring protective gear such as knee and leg padding, ankle wraps, etc.  This is especially important for any previous injuries

You should not bring a suit, sport coat, dress shirt, or necktie.  There are no occasions at which such attire is appropriate.  Even if you are elected to state office you will not have occasion to wear a suit and tie.

Citizen Services

Here at Illinois Premier Boys State program we also offer Citizen Services.  This is where you purchase Pool Cards, Postage Stamps, extra Boys State T-shirts and/or shorts.  You may check out books on Abraham Lincoln and other pertinent materials.  We also conduct a banking service.  The main purpose of this service is to have a safe place for the Citizens to keep their money while at Boys State.  The money is available to them during posted banking hours the entire week and must be withdrawn by close of banking hours on Thursday evening.  It is our opinion that when attendee's bring large sums of money with them, the possibility of theft is there.  The Boys State Bank can help eliminate that temptation.  Please make it part of your earliest plans to stop by one of our bank branches and check out the services we offer.  There is a Citizen Service Center set up in each dining hall for easy access.

You will be given your dormitory and room assignment upon arrival at Boys State.