What to Bring:
Dress Code: There is a dress code at ALA LGS. There are three occasions that a business casual outfit is required. (Opening ceremony, Inaugural Ball, and Graduation). Please do not wear clothing that you would not wear to school.
During recreation and free time the dress code is casual comfortable but still needs to be appropriate.
Suggested items to be brought: towels, washcloths, soap, hangers, toiletries, sweater, jacket, robe, rain gear, trash bags, notebooks, XL Twin size sheets, blankets, pens and pencils, pillow/pillow case, fan, comfortable shoes, phone charger, and medications needed throughout the program.
The dorm is air conditioned and most of the classrooms are but there are sessions where we are not in air conditioning.
The American Legion Auxiliary, LGS staff and the hosting College/University
are not responsible for valuables,(Laptops, smart phones, jewelry, etc.)These items are brought at your own risk. Laptops though will be very helpful to have throughout the program. We will have access to computers with internet as well.
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What to expect:
Every delegate will become a citizen of a town or city. You will have the opportunity to
participate in your local government.
BOARD OF EDUCATION: The Board of Education will be asked to compile their town's education budget. The Board of Education will think about the costs associated with maintaining their buildings, compensating their staff, and after school programs.
TOWN/CITY COUNCIL OR BOARD OF ALDERMAN: It is their responsibility to review the town/city charters for addition/corrections and create ordinances.
PLANNING & ZONING: This commission will be responsible for crafting their town's plan of conservation and development - an important document for any town in their plan to maintain open space, build business developments, or add homes.
LEGISLATIVE BILL WRITING
CLICK HERE for a copy of the bill form. We are requesting all delegates come to Laurel Girls State with a preliminary bill. We do not expect a completed form since we will have speakers and staff available to help you put it into a final draft. However, we expect each delegate to come prepared with an idea and the necessary research in order to debate the bill.
The basic sections of a bill are the following:
1) Title - The title should be short so that it will be remembered. Avoid using a date to prevent confusion.
2) Write a bill that is within the authority of the legislative body. For example, a bill that prohibits trucking throughout Connecticut. While this looks like a state issue, it is interstate commerce and a federal issue. Keep the bills to a state level.
3) Use vocabulary as defined in the dictionary. If that is not possible or creates a problem, the word must be defined in the statute.
4) Include in the bill, the scope, the enforcement measures, any financial implications, and who is responsible.
This is not a difficult task or at least it should not be. Have fun with an issue that is dear to your heart! We look forward to listening to the debates in the committees and on the floor of the House and Senate.
Girls Nation Selection
Two outstanding citizens of Laurel Girls State will be selected by delegates and Laurel Girls State Staff to attend Girls Nation. The Girls Nation session will be held at the National 4-H Center, Chevy Chase, MD, July 22 - July 29, 2023. All expenses of the two young ladies will be paid.
At Girls Nation, senators learn how government and democracy work on a national level. The senators also tour the Washington D.C. area, which includes special trips to The White House and Capitol Hill. Appointed and elected officials are often guest speakers at Girls Nation. Appointments with U.S. representatives and senators are also a part of the experience
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