Delegate resources
Arkansas Boys State 2025: May 24–29
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FAQ — Quick facts
What is Arkansas Boys State?
Arkansas Boys State is an educational leadership experience where delegates learn by doing. Delegates participate in a mock state with mock political parties, campaign in elections, help pass legislation, serve in civic roles, and build a practical understanding of democracy, state government, local government, leadership, and community engagement.
Is Arkansas Boys State a military camp or partisan political camp?
No. Arkansas Boys State is not a military camp and is not affiliated with or aligned with a political party. Delegates work within mock political parties as part of the learning simulation.
When is Arkansas Boys State 2026?
Arkansas Boys State 2026 is scheduled for May 24–29, 2026.
Where is Arkansas Boys State held?
Arkansas Boys State is held at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
FAQ — Before arrival
Where should delegates start?
Delegates should review the Delegate Resources page, watch the delegate orientation recording, read the Delegate Handbook, download Whova when invited, check their delegate assignments when sent, and review arrival instructions before coming to UCA.
Is there an orientation recording?
Yes. The Delegate Resources page includes a “Watch Delegate Orientation” section with a recording from Arkansas Boys State staff that explains the program and how to prepare.
What is the Delegate Handbook?
The Delegate Handbook is the delegate’s guide to success during the week. It includes program details, schedules, election procedures, and other important information. Delegates should read it before arrival.
Will I receive delegate assignments?
Yes. Delegates are assigned to a mock county, city, and political party, which are the main groups they spend the week with. Delegates are also assigned to a School of Instruction. Assignments are sent by email.
FAQ — arrival & Check-in
When should I arrive?
Check-in began at 1 p.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, at UCA.
Where do I go for check-in?
Check-in takes place at delegates’ respective residence halls at the University of Central Arkansas. Arrival instructions are also shared by email before check-in.
Can I drive myself?
Yes, but delegates who drive must park in a designated area and give their keys to their Senior Counselor until departure. Delegates are not allowed to leave the premises without proper approval and chaperoning. Delegates should ask their Senior Counselor where to park upon arrival to avoid being towed.
Can I leave during the week?
Delegates are expected to complete the full week without late arrival or early departure. A delegate may not withdraw from or leave the program, including the campus, without permission of the Arkansas Boys State Executive Director.
FAQ — PACKING
What should I pack?
Delegates should pack bedding for a twin-sized bed. UCA beds are twin XL, but standard twin sheets will work. Delegates should also bring toiletries, towels, clothing, a raincoat, optional swim trunks, laundry detergent if they plan to do laundry, quarters for filing fees to run for office, and a $20 key deposit for the dorm room, refunded at the end of the week.
Can I bring snacks?
Yes. Delegates are welcome to bring snacks to keep in their dorm room. Snacks are also available for purchase each day at the Arkansas Boys State Market.
Is laundry available?
Yes. Laundry is available in the dorms, and delegates may bring laundry detergent if they want to do laundry during the week.
What should I wear each day?
Delegates wear their designated Arkansas Boys State T-shirt each day. Delegates may wear shorts or pants, and comfortable shoes are recommended. Each delegate receives two Arkansas Boys State T-shirts.
Can I buy extra shirts?
Yes, extra Arkansas Boys State T-shirts are available while supplies last. The Delegate Resources page lists shirts size medium through XL at $7 and size 2XL and above at $10.
Should I bring extra money?
Yes, delegates may want extra cash for extra shirts, snacks, toiletries, pens, stationery, campaign materials, and other items available at the Arkansas Boys State Market.
Why do I need quarters?
Delegates should bring quarters for filing fees if they want to run for office.
FAQ — Meals and Food
What food is provided?
Delegates receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day in the Christian Cafeteria at UCA. Meals include a main entree line, salad bar, sandwich line, accommodations for dietary restrictions, dessert options, and more. Meals are cafeteria-style and all-you-can-eat.
Are snacks available?
Yes. Snacks are available for purchase each day at the Arkansas Boys State Market, and delegates may bring snacks for their dorm room.
Can I have food delivered?
No. Food delivery to campus is not allowed.
FAQ — Participation
What happens during recreation?
Recreation is hosted each day. Delegates may use recreation time to participate in sports, rest, connect with new friends, campaign for office, and more. Sports include football, basketball, swimming, soccer, and ultimate frisbee. Delegates who plan to participate should pack accordingly.
Can I participate in band or choir?
Yes. Delegates interested in band should bring their own flute, clarinet, alto or tenor saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or mellophone. Percussion instruments are provided, but percussionists must bring their own sticks or mallets. Tubas, baritone saxophones, and baritones are usually available. Delegates may participate in choir, and delegates can be in both band and choir.
Who should I contact about instrument availability?
Please call Kevin Dunn, band and choir director, at 870-918-4211 for questions about instrument availability.
What is Merit Pages?
Merit Pages is the platform Arkansas Boys State uses to publish and share delegate achievements. When a delegate earns an achievement, such as being elected mayor, Arkansas Boys State may post a personalized achievement story to that delegate’s Merit page and share it with parents, community newspapers, schools, government officials, and others. Delegates can personalize their Merit page with photos, activities, scholarships, achievements, work experience, and more.
FAQ — Rules & Conduct
What conduct is expected?
Delegates are expected to observe common courtesy and decency, respect counselors, cooperate with elected and appointed citizen officers, follow Arkansas Boys State rules and statutes, and comply with all reasonable requests from staff.
What behavior can lead to dismissal?
Delegates who violate the letter or spirit of the rules may be dismissed from Arkansas Boys State without a refund, and sponsors of dismissed delegates will be informed.
What specific conduct is prohibited?
Delegates may not be offensive or disruptive, use lewd/profane/obscene language, display obscene material, gamble, use tobacco or nicotine, possess alcohol or drugs, possess firearms, pocket knives, or explosives, visit unassigned areas of campus except during organized supervised tours, damage or take property, operate a vehicle during the program, or violate federal, state, or local law.
Are delegates expected to participate fully?
Yes. Delegates are expected to actively and intentionally engage with the whole program, arrive on time, give the program their full attention, wear the program uniform, and participate in activities and discussions.