1. American Legion Department of Texas Parent and Sponsor Orientation Saturday, June 5, 2010

2. 2 Welcome to Texas Boys State! Our schedule for the week and key points you need to know What the Boys can expect from this week How you can stay informed during the week What we want to happen when they return home How Boys State builds their resume for college and beyond

3. 3 Our Schedule for the week Saturday – Check-in and City Orientation Sunday – Organize Party political process; begin Band, Choir, and Olympiad; conduct Flag Lowering Ceremony; hear Lewis Timberlake speak (www.lewistimberlake.com)www.lewistimberlake.com Monday – Begin speeches for office; continue Band, Choir, and Olympiad, and begin Talent Show tryouts; conduct Flag Lowering Ceremony and meet Visiting Dignitaries; hear Dave Carey, former POW, speak Tuesday – First full election process; continue party political process around campaigning and platforms; continue extra-curricular activities; conduct Flag Lowering Ceremony and meet Visiting Dignitaries; hear from American Legion leadership and from former CIA agent Jim Olsen

4. 4 Our Schedule for the week (continued) Wednesday – Conduct runoffs during party political election process; finalize party platforms; continue extra-curricular activities; conduct Flag Lowering Ceremony and hear from Visiting Dignitaries; hear from Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams Thursday – Have speeches for the Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor candidates; complete election process; Conduct Flag Lowering Ceremony at UT Mall Area; finish City Olympiad; have Boys State Talent Show Friday – Visit State Capitol; hear from former Texas Boys State and Boys Nation Delegate State Representative Patrick Rose; conduct checkout procedures and depart after 1 p.m. on Friday from Jester West

5. 5 What these boys will gain from the week An new appreciation for patriotism (flag etiquette, service to country, and an understanding of the part they are to play in society as they leave here) New and lasting friendships with boys from across the state A better understanding of how to build consensus through civil discourse and debate Knowledge of the two party system via “learning by doing” An eagerness to be a servant leader in their schools and communities (if they do not already possess such a characteristic)

6. 6 Staying informed Check www.texasboysstate.com for updated informationwww.texasboysstate.com If on Facebook, ask to join the group American Legion Texas Boys State or follow us via Twitter Talk to your sons/sponsorees during recreation time (1:00 – 4:00 p.m.) or late evenings (> 10 p.m.) via telephone Come to any of our General Assemblies (7 p.m. each evening) or our Flag Lowering events (5 p.m. until Thursday, which occurs at 6:30 p.m.) Join us at the Capitol complex on Friday by 9 a.m. to see all 750+ of us marching into the complex (assuming good weather allows)

7. 7 What to do when they return home Allow them a day or so to sleep in – they will be quite tired physically Be sure to write a Thank you note to their Sponsoring organization(s) Review their packet of materials that they receive upon checkout with them Working with the local newspaper, publish the press release about his week at Boys State (note: if more than one boy comes from that city/community, coordinate placement of the story in the local paper) Working with school leadership (principals, coaches, etc.), talk up the program so that you can generate excitement and interest for next year’s group

8. 8 It is an honor to attend Texas Boys State! Be sure to include on college applications – it is seen quite favorably by most universities! In addition, make sure to note both the offices sought and/or won, as it shows a passion for trying new things Include Boys State pin on Graduation Attire, as it should be seen as a part of the “honors” that High School graduates achieve Join groups on both Social Media and via college alumni that have Boys State as a connection point – it is a nice networking tool for both job seekers and career advice We welcome your young men to Texas Boys State 2010!