What is Boys State?

North Dakota Boys State is an immersive summer leadership academy designed for young men who have just completed their junior year of high school. 

This isn’t a camp — it’s a hands-on simulation of power and influence based around the civic ideals of our country and our state: democracy, representation and active civic engagement.

At Boys State, you will participate in a variety of real-world simulations which include the NDBS Senate, House of Representatives, our nationally-recognized Disaster Emergency Management Simulation, and our leading journalistic wing NoKoBoTa.

At Boys State, you hold the offices, you make the decisions, you shape the week. 

Join a legacy of excellence which includes state leaders of business, law, medicine, former and current Members of Congress, former North Dakota Governor and United States Senator John Hoeven, former Governor and United States Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer, and legendary championship Chicago Bulls and L.A. Lakers coach Phil Jackson.