FAQ: WHAT TO EXPECT
We’re thrilled to see all the girls’ excited faces on the first day of session. You might be wondering what to expect this summer, we've got you covered!
WHEN IS SESSION AND HOW CAN I APPLY?
​
ALA Texas Girls State will be held at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas from June 15-21, 2024. Registration is open through May 1, 2025. There is no application process to attend. All delegates must be sponsored by an American Legion Auxiliary local unit or a high school. If you are interested in sponsoring a delegate or attending ALA Texas Girls State, please email us at girlsstate@alatexas.org.
​​
Our purpose is to teach you the fundamentals of government and instill in you a more earnest desire to be an interested citizen of our state and nation. At Girls State, you will be called a “citizen.” You will establish your own city, county and state government and will serve as a member of the House of Representatives or Senate. You will be assigned to a political party – “National” or “Federal” – but, it is important to note, these parties are purely mythical and used solely for educational purposes. You and your fellow citizens will determine your party’s platform. The Girls State program is non-partisan and free from propaganda. The Education Staff, Counselors, and Directors in charge of the program are all former citizens of Texas Girls State. Staff are in constant attendance, and no one is allowed to leave the grounds of Texas Lutheran University.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
-
Clothes for hot summer weather – Pack enough for 7 days since there’s no access to laundry. Think: comfy shoes, summer dresses, shorts, PJs, and flip flops or shower shoes. (Heads up: cropped tops aren’t allowed.)
-
A few nicer outfits – Bring 2–3 dresses or business casual looks for special events like guest speakers or our trip to the State Capitol. If you like your clothes on hangers, feel free to bring a few.
-
Party Day shirts – Red and blue tees are available at the Girls State Store, but feel free to bring one of each if you already have them.
-
Something warm + rain gear – Some buildings get chilly, so pack a lightweight jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt. Also good to have a raincoat, poncho, or umbrella—just in case. Sweatshirts, long sleeve shirts, and panchos will also be available for purchase in the Girls State store.
-
Workout gear – There’s optional time for exercise in the mornings, so bring workout clothes and sneakers. (There are no other sports or athletic events during the week.)
-
Toiletries – Bring everything you need like handsoap, body wash, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, sunscreen, bug spray, feminine hygiene products, hairdryer, etc. These are not provided.
-
Medicine – Any over-the-counter meds you take regularly.
-
Snacks – While some snacks are sold at the Girls State Store, you might want to bring your own for the dorm (protein bars, chips, candy, Gatorade, etc.). FYI: there are no fridges in the dorms.
-
Bedding + towels – You’ll need a pillow, pillowcase, Twin XL sheets or a sleeping bag, blanket, and bath towels and washcloths.
-
Bag + water bottle – A backpack or tote bag will be super useful.
-
Stuff for taking notes – Paper, pens, highlighters, sticky notes—whatever you like to use.
-
Speech resources – If you have favorite quote books or materials that help with writing speeches, bring them along.
-
Campaign materials – If you want to make election signs or posters, bring blank poster board, butcher/construction paper, or markers. The Girls State store will have some of these available for purchase. You cannot bring or use pre-made campaign materials.
-
Entertainment – Planning to audition for the talent show? Bring any costumes, small instruments, music, or other things you’ll need. Trumpeters may be needed for reveille and taps—bring your trumpet if you're interested!
-
Spending money – You might want some spending money for the Girls State Store (they sell t-shirts, sweatshirts, toiletries, snacks, campaign supplies, graduation cords, etc.). Cards are accepted!
OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who participates in Texas Girls State?
Girls State citizens are made up of excellent high school students from across the state. Girls are selected to participate based on nominations by their own high school faculty or staff. Eligibility is limited to any girl in her junior – or third – year of any Texas senior high school whether public, private or parochial. Fundamental qualifications of all nominees are demonstrated accomplishments of leadership, citizenship and character in their schools and community.
​
What are the benefits of attending?
Some of the greatest benefits of Texas Bluebonnet Girls State are those gifts that come from forming new, life-long friendships, learning about civic responsibility, performing community service and becoming empowered young women. The empowerment that citizens gain from Texas Bluebonnet Girls State comes through community, education and achieving goals through practicing our American Democratic process. Want to read what past citizens have gotten from the program? Read more here.
​
How can I go to Girls Nation?
Two citizens from the 2025 session of ALA Texas Girls State will be selected to attend ALA Girls Nation in Washington DC. To be eligible to attend ALA Girls Nation, you must be able to clear a background check by the United States government, the White House and the U.S. Secret Service. You will be required to provide proof that you are a United States citizen or legal inhabitant of the United States such as a current and/or valid birth certificate, visa, passport, Green Card or other United States government-issued documentation verifying a legal presence in the United States.
​
How do you select your staff?
The administrative staff and counselors in charge of the program are well-trained and experienced leaders of young women. They are women of high ideals who are recognized as being responsible persons in their respective communities. The Girls State Committee is the policy-making body of Girls State. The four members are appointed by the President of the American Legion Auxiliary from its membership. The Department President and the committee select the Director who is responsible for the administration of the policies set forth by the committee. Counselors and staff members are unpaid volunteers.
​
Are there questions you have that aren't answered above? Let us know what's on your mind on our contact page!