FOBS

Winter 2011 Newsletter

Palmetto Boys State — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:30:45 +0000

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Spring 2011 Newsletter

Palmetto Boys State — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:41:25 +0000

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Project 1000

Palmetto Boys State — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 19:07:56 +0000

“Project 1000″ is an initiative born out of the Palmetto Boys State’s staff’s belief that our program has a significant and sometimes life changing impact on the young men who participate. At our annual Planning Conference in January of 2010, the staff overwhelmingly approved an plan to raise the number of citizens who attend Palmetto Boys State to 1000 within five years. In order to reach this goal, we have outlined a three-pronged strategy. First, we are committed to increasing the FOBS Foundation capital through the solicitation of grants, corporate sponsorships, and other fund raising activities. Secondly, our staff has agreed to participate in educating our local Legion Posts, high schools, and communities to raise the level of awareness about our outstanding program and the impact it has on young men’s lives and our community at large. Lastly, we have made a commitment to implement an aggressive campaign to increase participation in FOBS. We believe this will enhance our program by not only raising general awareness of the program in the public at large, but also by keeping the Boys State “family” connected and informed.

What can you do? First, contribute to FOBS. Secondly, share your Palmetto Boys State experience with others who may not know about the program. Thirdly, visit us during the week of Boys State. As you know, our encampment will be held at Anderson University this year and for the foreseeable future and we would love to have you come on Sunday night, 12 June 2011, for our extremely impressive and meaningful “Legion Night” celebration in which we honor the American Legion and those who have fought and died for our country. You are also invited to our graduation ceremony on Saturday, 18 June 2011, where you will be able to observe first-hand the impact this one week has had on 900 of the best and brightest our state has to offer. Lastly, contact with your local American Legion Post and volunteer to help in any way you can, but specifically in assisting the Post in raising money to sponsor as many qualified young men as possible.

I am convinced that if we all work together, Project 1000 can become a reality within the next few years. Thank you for your continued interest and support of Friends of Boys State.

Stephen R.H. Lewis
Director, Palmetto Boys State

Ten Year Plan

Palmetto Boys State — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 19:05:55 +0000

By 2016, FOBS goal is to accept $1,000,000 in contributions. Our objective is to independently sustain the Palmetto Boys State Program!

Short-Term Fundraiser :: Columbia Bus Trip

Palmetto Boys State — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 19:02:54 +0000

We all remember how important the trip to Columbia is for every Citizen of Palmetto Boys State. FOBS needs to annually raise $10,000 for the bus trip to Columbia for the inauguration of our constitutional officers at the state house.

Director’s Letter

Palmetto Boys State — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 19:21:47 +0000

If you are reading this letter, then you most likely have some connection with Palmetto Boys State. Either you are a PBS alum, or perhaps you had a son, brother, or spouse who attended. Whatever the reason, it is likely you have experienced or have been affected by the impact this one week has had on you or someone close to you.

Friends of Boys State was established in 1988, in part to make sure Palmetto Boys State can continue its tradition of excellence in fulfilling our mission statement:

TO TEACH . . .

The principles of the American governmental and political system.

TO INSPIRE . . .

A commitment towards the ideas of freedom and democracy.

TO CHALLENGE . . .

The next generation of Americans to discover the leader within.

Over the past 23 years, FOBS has been an invaluable part of keeping Palmetto Boys State at the top of the national Boys State scene. Year in and year out, Palmetto Boys State is recognized as one of the top Boys State programs in the nation. Based on American Legion statistics as of 2010, Palmetto Boys State is the 5th largest program in the nation. However, taking into consideration our state’s population compared with the 4 states ahead of us, Palmetto Boys State ranks number 1 in the nation in ratio of number of delegates to population. In addition, over the last 15 years, Palmetto Boys State is far and away the leader nationally in program growth, increasing the number of our delegates over that period of time by 180. Palmetto Boys State also has a very rich tradition of excellence among our Boys Nation delegates. Over the last 7 years, Palmetto Boys State has produced one President and 3 Vice Presidents of Boys Nation. Lastly, in 4 of the last 5 years, Palmetto Boys State has produced the national winner of the Samsung Scholarship, a $20,000.00 scholarship.

FOBS support played a significant role in allowing Palmetto Boys State to maintain this level of excellence. But more than that, FOBS provides an opportunity for the Boys State “family” to give back to a program which has meant so much to so many, and has had such a positive influence on our state. Please consider supporting PBS through a tax deductible donation to FOBS. On behalf of the entire staff of Palmetto Boys State, we thank you for being a part of this great program.

Sincerely,

Stephen R. H. Lewis
Director, Palmetto Boys State