Question 1

What are the dates for the upcoming session?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 session of American Legion Auxiliary Palmetto Girls State (“ALA Palmetto Girls State”) dates will be Sunday, June 7 – Saturday, June 13, 2026.  The session will be held on the campus of Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC.

Question 2

Where is ALA Palmetto Girls State held?

Accepted Answer

ALA Palmetto Girls State is held at Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC.

Question 3

How do I apply to attend ALA Palmetto Girls State?

Accepted Answer

The members of the American Legion Auxiliary Units seek applications of eligible and interested girls form the school counselors or school administrators. You should contact your high school counselor for more information on the application process.

Question 4

How does my school participate in Palmetto Girls State?

Accepted Answer

Delegates to ALA Palmetto Girls State are selected by and must be sponsored by an American Legion Auxiliary Unit. School personnel (such as principal, guidance counselor, or other school administrator) should contact an American Legion Auxiliary Unit in the city or local area where the school is located and request that the American Legion Auxiliary Unit consider sponsoring delegates to Girls State from the school. To obtain assistance in locating a contact with an American Legion Auxiliary Unit, a school may contact the American Legion Auxiliary Headquarters in Columbia.

If an American Legion Auxiliary Unit sponsored delegates from a school last year, then that Unit will probably sponsor girls from that school again this year. However, there is no guarantee that a Unit will sponsor delegates from the same schools each year. If the school is one that did not have representation at ALA Palmetto Girls State last year, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit will need to request spaces for delegates from that school. ALA Palmetto Girls State has a limited enrollment, and we cannot exceed the capacity of the program. ALA Palmetto Girls State attempts to work with requests from the American Legion Auxiliary Units to sponsor delegates from as many schools as possible. However, once the assignment of spaces reaches the capacity of the program, requests for spaces are then placed on a waiting list. Requests for spaces on the “Waiting List” are usually notified in May if a request can be accommodated.

Question 5

When will I be notified if I am selected to attend ALA Palmetto Girls State?

Accepted Answer

The American Legion Auxiliary Units begin their contacts with the schools from which delegates will be selected in January, February, and March. The selection process for delegates and notification of the delegates selected are handled by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit which sponsors delegates from a particular school. Typically, delegates are notified of their selection in March.

Question 6

What should I bring with me to ALA Palmetto Girls State?

Accepted Answer

All information for 2025 delegates is posted on our Delegate webpage as well as on the online registration site. Included in the information will be an explanation of the dress code and a suggested packing list. Delegates should bring articles of clothing which meet the dress code. Also, please realize that we are housed in the dorms on the campus, and each person must bring for her own use bed linens, a blanket or bedspread, and towels.

In addition, delegates must bring and possess (1) a good attitude and (2) a commitment to participate during the week. A positive attitude, an open mind, an honest commitment to participate, a desire to learn, and enthusiasm will serve each delegate well and will truly help her succeed during the week. The ALA Girls State program is NOT a recreational camp. To truly experience ALA Palmetto Girls State and reap the benefits of the program, one must commit to being involved and to participating in the activities of the week. It is by working through the activities that delegates will make new friends, learn of our government and the political process, and have an enjoyable and rewarding experience. ALA Palmetto Girls State is a tremendous opportunity for fun and learning, but the experience will only be as great as the effort a delegate puts forth.

Question 7

What should I expect?

Accepted Answer

Delegates should expect a high-energy, competitive educational program designed to test their leadership, citizenship, and scholastic abilities. Delegates should expect to compete with the best and brightest high school students in the state of South Carolina. One should expect to push herself like never before. Delegates should be prepared to commit themselves to the program for the entire week and not allow outside influences to be a distraction. Finally, delegates should expect to leave the program a better, more informed, and more aware citizen.

The program is very structured. There are many activities which must be covered during the week, and many events which must be completed. A strict schedule is required to accomplish all the events of the week. Every person attending ALA Palmetto Girls State is expected to participate in all events and all aspects of the program.

Question 8

May I drive my car to Girls State?

Accepted Answer

Delegates attending ALA Palmetto Girls State are not allowed to drive themselves to the program for the week. Delegates and their families will need to arrange for transportation to and from ALA Palmetto Girls State.

Question 9

May I bring my laptop computer, iPod, iPad, or other electronic equipment?

Accepted Answer

Delegates may bring these items to ALA Palmetto Girls State, but delegates are solely responsible for their belongings. ALA Palmetto Girls State is not responsible for lost, misplaced, forgotten, or stolen items. Computers are not needed during the program so it is not necessary to have a laptop. We start our days early so we do suggest an alarm clock or clock radio. Because of the size of the program and the number of citizens, we cannot keep track of expensive and valuable belongings for over 640 delegates. We suggest that expensive or valuable electronics be left at home. We also suggest that valuable, sentimental, or irreplaceable items (such as jewelry) also be left at home. Again, please be aware that ALA Palmetto Girls State is not responsible for lost, misplaced, forgotten, or stolen items.

Question 10

May I bring my cell phone?

Accepted Answer

Cell phones are permitted and may be used during free time. ALA Palmetto Girls State will utilize some forms of text voting during the week, and delegates with texting capabilities may vote using their cell phones. However, except for these times of text voting as announced, cell phone use is absolutely prohibited during assemblies, meetings, and scheduled functions during the week. This prohibition during the ALA Girls State activities applies to all operations of the cell phone including: voice communication (calls); data communication (texting or email); web-browsing; chatting; games; etc. Delegates may use cell phones only at designated times and places. ALA Palmetto Girls State is not and cannot be responsible for the security of a delegate’s cell phone. ALA Palmetto Girls State is sensitive to the need and desire for delegates to communicate with their families and friends; however, cell phones may be used by delegates during free time only. Cell phone usage cannot interfere with the delegate’s participation in ALA Girls State activities and cannot cause distraction or disruption of scheduled activities.

Question 11

What should I do to prepare for ALA Palmetto Girls State?

Accepted Answer

Get plenty of rest! ALA Palmetto Girls State is a structured, rigorous program with scheduled events from early morning to late evening. Thoroughly read the delegate information prior to arrival at ALA Palmetto Girls State. The more each delegate knows about the program the better she will fare. This information, which will be available on the ALA Palmetto Girls State website, contains all the pertinent information about ALA Palmetto Girls State. Also, parents are encouraged to read the information to gain an understanding of what their daughters will be experiencing. Delegates may also want to brush up on their public speaking skills as all delegates to ALA Palmetto Girls State are encouraged and expected to run for office. Those public speaking skills will be used and needed during the week!

Question 12

How much money will I need?

Accepted Answer

Excessive cash is not required. Delegates will need to pay a $75.00 registration fee and $40.00 room key/dorm access card deposit at registration on Sunday, June 8. These two fees must be paid in cash. (No checks, credit cards, or debit cards will be accepted for the registration fee and room key deposit.) In addition, delegates may want to have some cash on hand for purchases of PGS shirts and other merchandise in the ALA Palmetto Girls State Store or for snacks/drinks from the canteen and vending machines. Delegates are responsible for any money that they bring. Credit cards may be used for purchases in the ALA Palmetto Girls State Store; cash is needed to make purchases in the canteen or from vending machines. There is an ATM on the campus which delegates may access.

Question 13

May I bring my own campaign materials?

Accepted Answer

No. When the delegates arrive at ALA Palmetto Girls State, everyone is on a level playing field. When campaign materials are allowed during certain portions of the program, ALA Palmetto Girls State will make supplies available for the delegates to produce campaign materials.

Question 14

What offices are available at ALA Palmetto Girls State?

Accepted Answer

There are elected offices on three levels of government – city, county, and state. A delegate may offer and run for any office, whether it is Mayor of her city or Governor. All it takes is determination and the will to succeed. If one does not win an election, one may run for another office. Girls State depends on the leadership of its elected officials.

Question 15

What time should I arrive at ALA Palmetto Girls State?

Accepted Answer

Registration is Sunday morning, June 8, 2025. Registration will be in the morning from 8:30 am – 11:00 am with afternoon and evening sessions following.

Question 16

What if I need to arrive late?

Accepted Answer

If a delegate has a conflict and absolutely cannot arrive at ALA Palmetto Girls State during the registration time, she must have prior approval from the Director or Administrative Staff. Even if permission is obtained for a late arrival, the delegates must arrive Sunday evening by 6:00 p.m. No delegate is admitted after Sunday evening.

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