Palmetto Boys State 2026
The 2026 Palmetto Boys State Encampment will be held
June 7–13, 2026 at Anderson University.
Dates were set by the Palmetto Boys State Staff with guidance from the Boys State Committee
and The American Legion Department of South Carolina.
Costs
- Total cost per delegate: $420
- $300 tuition
- $100 registration fee
- $20 refundable room key deposit
Planning and Registration
- Posts are encouraged to begin budgeting, fundraising, and coordination with local schools and civic organizations.
- Materials for schools will be provided in the coming weeks, including a promotional video, flyers, delegate selection guidance, and a sample fundraising template.
- Local posts remain responsible for delegate selection. An informational packet is also being developed with the South Carolina Department of Education.
Program Size and Capacity
- 2026 goal: exceed 1,000 delegates.
- If Anderson University capacity is reached, delegates will be accepted in the order of completed registration.
- Delegates not fully registered before capacity is reached will be placed on a waiting list and admitted as space becomes available.
- No delegate limit will be placed on any post or school.
2025 Program Highlights
- 1,058 delegates served.
- Ranked second nationally (behind Texas) and first per capita nationwide.
Eligibility Guidelines
- Only males who have successfully completed their junior year of high school and have at least one semester remaining are eligible.
- Any young man who has previously attended a Boys State session is not eligible to attend again.
- Delegates should demonstrate outstanding qualities of leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty, and service to their schools.
Questions
For questions, contact:
registration@palmettoboysstate.com
or call/text 803-463-7901.