Information for 70th Session 2013

FAQ

How do I get to Girls State?

What should I bring to Girls State?

What should I expect when I first arrive at the campus?

Can I campaign before coming to Girls State?

How am I going to get back home?

What if I need to contact home while I'm at Girls State?

How can my family contact me at Girls State?

Should I bring my computer?

What if I'm asked to bring legislation?

Do I need to report about my experiences at Girls State?

When will we receive more information about Girls State?

What is the Samsung Scholarship? How do I apply?

How do I get to Girls State?
By Car From the Los Angeles area, take the San Bernardino Freeway (I-10) to Indian Hill Boulevard (exit 47). Drive north on Indian Hill for about two miles. Turn right onto Foothill Boulevard. Turn right onto Claremont Boulevard, which will be the third stoplight you encounter. Turn right onto Ninth Street. Go about two blocks to Bauer Center, which will be on your left. From Pasadena and the San Fernando Valley, take the Foothill Freeway (I-210) east. Exit at Towne Avenue and drive south for one mile. At Foothill Boulevard turn left onto Foothill Boulevard and continue approximately two miles to Claremont Boulevard, which will be the third stoplight you encounter after passing Indian Hill Boulevard. Turn right onto Claremont Boulevard. Turn right onto Ninth Street. Go about two blocks to Bauer Center, which will be on your left. From Orange County, take the Orange Freeway (Route 57) north to the San Bernardino Freeway (I-10). Continue east on I-10 to Indian Hill Boulevard (exit 47). Drive north on Indian Hill for about two miles. Turn right onto Foothill Boulevard. Turn right onto Claremont Boulevard, which will be the third stoplight you encounter. Turn right onto Ninth Street. Go about two blocks to Bauer Center, which will be on your left. By Air Claremont is located about ten miles west of the Ontario International Airport. Los Angeles International Airport is approximately 50 miles west of Claremont. A Girls State shuttle bus is available from Ontario Airport for a fee of $15 round trip. Reservations must be made through the Girls State Director prior to arrival. By Train The closest Amtrak station is in Pomona, a few miles from the campus. Claremont is served from Los Angeles by Metrolink. The station is ten blocks south of campus. Use a taxi to get from the station to the campus. By Bus The closest Greyhound station is in Claremont at 888 S Indian Hill Boulevard, a few miles from the campus. Use a taxi to get from the station to the campus. Back to FAQ
What should I bring to Girls State?
A positive attitude . . . energy . . . enthusiasm . . . a big heart . . . laughter and . . . We have compiled a printable checklist to help serve as a guide when you pack for Girls State. Clothing Six days worth of casual clothes You will possibly spend some time outside, so nice shorts (no cut-offs) are appropriate. If your school allows you to wear shorts, follow those guidelines for what is acceptable. Casual clothing may also include pants, nice jeans, skirts, and comfortable shoes. Two to three nice outfits You will wear these outfits for various evening activities, when we have notable speakers, or if you decide to run for office. This can include nice pants, khakis, skirts, or a casual dress or sundress. (If you bring strapless tops or dresses, please include some sort of sweater or jacket in case you are participating in ALA Girls State proceedings.) One to two dresses, suits, skirts, or nice pants These should be something that you would wear to church or another special occasion. This is not semi-formal. Shoes Since citizens will walk from activity to activity, comfortable shoes are a necessity. You should bring shoes for your less casual outfits. Shower shoes or flip-flops will come in handy in the dorm. Sleepwear You will need sleepwear for six nights. There will be night meetings in dorms where lounge wear will be appropriate. Toiletries and Other Personal Items Please note that there are community showers on the dorm floors. Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. Towels and washcloths Robe Flip-flops for the showers Bed linens – Bring twin-sized extra-long sheets, a warm blanket, comforter, or sleeping bag and a pillow. (Note: Air-conditioned dorm rooms can get very cool at night.) Necessary medication prescribed by your physician or over-the-counter medication that you take on a regular basis or take occasionally (i.e. Advil or Tylenol) Miscellaneous Items Sweater or jacket for cool, air-conditioned meeting rooms Alarm clock Musical instrument(s) – The Chorus provides opportunities to play during musical presentations. Clothes hangers – Each room provides hanging space and drawer space for storing clothing Camera Pens, pencils and notebook paper Tote bag or backpack – You will be walking from activity to activity and may want to carry personal items and your notebook with you. Snacks, if you choose Water bottle, if you choose Money Though your sponsorship fee covers the expense of your meals and accommodations, please consider the following when deciding the amount of extra money to bring: Food At ALA Girls State, your meals are covered by your sponsorship fee. You may want to bring change for snack vending machines located in dorm buildings. Girls State Store You will have the opportunity to purchase items from the ALA Girls State Store. Items may include sweatshirts, t-shirts, shorts, and other souvenirs. Prices range from $1.00 to $28.00. The store accepts cash and checks. You can pre-order and not worry about bringing cash or a checkbook. Keys Please note that all citizens are required to lock dorm rooms with the provided key. If a citizen loses her key, she will be charged $150.00. If she loses a key card, the replacement fee is $25. Unnecessary Items Do not bring the following items, which are unnecessary during your stay at ALA Girls State: Refrigerators TVs Laptops or other computers (no wired/wireless Internet connection or printer access available) • Remember . . . you have to carry your own stuff! • Back to FAQ
What should I expect when I first arrive at the campus?
Find the main quad of the Claremont-McKenna Campus. The quad (35 Butler Plaza) is to the west of the round building. There will be a table with alphabet-designated posters. Use your last name to locate your line. Check in to learn to which county you've been assigned. Find the set of county tables to sign in, meet your counselor, and receive your room key. Find your city (dorm), unpack and welcome others in your city. Locate the nurse and communicate any concerns with her. If you have any medications (over-the-counter or prescription), make sure to let the nursing staff know. Begin to read the Official Girls State Handbook you are given by your counselor when you checked in. Back to FAQ
Can I campaign before coming to Girls State?
So that everyone will have an equal opportunity, you are not allowed to campaign for any office before arriving at Girls State. You may not bring pre-made campaign materials. Approved campaign materials may be purchased with Girls State dollars you will receive at Girls State. Campaigning via electronic media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, email, etc.) is not allowed BEFORE or DURING Girls State. Discussing or announcing an office you are thinking about running for (via electronic media) is considered campaigning and is not allowed. Back to FAQ
How am I going to get back home?
Most delegates will return home in the same fashion as they arrived. You will have an opportunity to clearly communicate your travel plans before coming to Girls State. If there are changes after your initial planning, you must report the changes to the Girls State Director. She and the ALA staff are located in headquarters in the Bauer Hall (round building). If you're being picked up, there will be designated areas in the main quad for you to meet your family. Back to FAQ
What if I need to contact home while I'm at Girls State?
Girls State is a cell phone free zone. What this means is that no cell phone use will be tolerated except during those scheduled times when delegates are not engaged in the business of Girls State. Generally, delegates may safely use their cell phones during rest time, recreation, and after city friendship time. If a delegate does not have a cell phone with her and needs to communicate with family, she should go to headquarters in Bauer Hall and ask a staff member to assist her. All delegates using cell phones when it is not appropriate will have their phones taken by a staff member, sent to headquarters for safe keeping, and returned at the close of the session. Back to FAQ
How can my family contact me at Girls State?
Parents are discouraged from communicating with the delegates unless there is an emergency. The delegates are usually very busy attending meetings, discussing important issues, participating in team activities, and generally being fully engaged in the program. If a parent needs to contact a delegate, refer to the Contact page for information. Back to FAQ
Should I bring my computer?
Internet and e-mail access will neither be available nor necessary to enjoy the week. Back to FAQ
What if I'm asked to bring legislation?
Each delegate is responsible for bringing a piece of legislation with her to the Girls State Session. The most successful bills will be carefully researched, well informed of current conditions and will address a pertinent state issue. Please read this document carefully. Here is more information to help get you started. Below are several links to sites that will help you understand how to write a bill. UC Davis Princeton Model Congress American International College Building a Bill Back to FAQ
Do I need to report about my experiences at Girls State?
Yes, you do. How can you use the information gained at Girls State in your school, your community, your personal relationships, and to report to the Unit that sponsors you? Keep a journal of your experiences. Here are few possible topics: City - county - state level governments Appointed - elected positions Legislation - political platforms Friendship - unity - cooperation - open-mindedness Patriotism - political awareness - winning vs. losing Involvement - participation - something for everyone Opportunities - inspiration - goal setting - future plans Appreciation - gratitude to the Auxiliary (paperwork, transportation, program staff, fees) Pictures - scrapbooks - newspapers Girls State is . . . your city _____ . . . your county _____ . . . what you learned _____ Consider: What did I like about today? What would I have changed about today? I was happy when . . . I was proud of myself because . . . I learned . . . about myself. Tomorrow, I plan to . . . Back to FAQ
When will we receive more information about Girls State?
All the information you will need will be published to this web site. Come back often to stay informed. If it is June 1 and you still have questions, contact the Girls State Director. Back to FAQ
What is the Samsung Scholarship? How do I apply?
This scholarship is one of a series of scholarships derived from a Samsung Corporation endowment. The endowment was created to express appreciation to U.S. veterans who came to the aid of Korea during its struggle against communist forces during the Korean War. The Samsung Corporation is a worldwide leader in electronics. The American Legion administers this scholarship program from a Samsung scholarship fund. Am I eligible to apply for the Samsung American Legion Scholarship? You are eligible to participate if you complete the California Girls State Program and provide acceptable documentation to show that you are a descendant (child, grandchild, great grandchild, or a legally adopted child) of a U.S. wartime Veteran who served on active duty during one or more of the periods of war officially designated as eligible. Those include: WWI: April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918 WWII: December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946 Korean War: June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955 Vietnam War: February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975 Lebanon and Grenada: August 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984 Panama: December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990 Persian Gulf War: August 2, 1990 to cessation of hostilities as determined by the U.S. government How can I apply? Print out the scholarship application. You will be able to download the application directly as a PDF. Read all the following information to assist you with completing the form. What is the scholarship amount and how many girls are selected to receive it? Each year approximately 200 CAGS citizens apply for the Samsung Scholarship. We select one CAGS citizen to receive a $1,000 scholarship. Our candidate also earns the right to compete with Boys and Girls State Citizens from across the country for one of seven $20,000 Samsung scholarships. In 2008, 11 $20,000 scholarships and 85 $1,000 scholarships were awarded. What are the selection criteria? Selections are based on academic record; involvement in school activities; involvement in community activities; community service; and financial need. Additional points are granted to descendants of U.S. veterans of the Korean War. How do I know if I’m a competitive candidate for the scholarship? The Samsung scholarship is very competitive. Those selected to represent CAGS generally have a GPA of above 3.50, are within the top percentage of their class, and score in the high 20s or better on the ACT (or earn an equivalent SAT score). Successful candidates also show evidence of multiple school and community activities and receipt of 8-10 local and national level awards. How should I respond to the essay questions on the application? We encourage you to type your application so it shows you put time and thought into it. Your responses should be interesting, sincere, and succinct. The application should help the judges get to know you, your goals, and your accomplishments. If I win the scholarship, how can I use it? Samsung scholarships are for undergraduate study only and may be used for tuition, books, fees, and room and board. Winners are selected according to academic record, involvement in school and community activities, community service and financial need. Applicants who are direct descendants of Korean War veterans will receive special consideration. When do I find out if I have won the scholarship? We announce our CAGS Samsung Scholarship selection on the final day of Girls State. The seven national-level winners are announced in September. How do I submit my application and support documents? Bring your completed application and support documents with you to Girls State. Your CAGS counselor will collect all the applications during the first city meeting. Back to FAQ
Girls State Store
Pre-order Girls State merchandise. This year we are offering pre-sale order from the Girls State Store. A complete list of items available at the store in Girls State is included in the order form. Girls State Store Order Form - Print form, fill out by hand, and mail with payment. Back to FAQ

How do I get to Girls State?

By Car

From the Los Angeles area, take the San Bernardino Freeway (I-10) to Indian Hill Boulevard (exit 47). Drive north on Indian Hill for about two miles. Turn right onto Foothill Boulevard. Turn right onto Claremont Boulevard, which will be the third stoplight you encounter. Turn right onto Ninth Street. Go about two blocks to Bauer Center, which will be on your left.

From Pasadena and the San Fernando Valley, take the Foothill Freeway (I-210) east. Exit at Towne Avenue and drive south for one mile. At Foothill Boulevard turn left onto Foothill Boulevard and continue approximately two miles to Claremont Boulevard, which will be the third stoplight you encounter after passing Indian Hill Boulevard. Turn right onto Claremont Boulevard. Turn right onto Ninth Street. Go about two blocks to Bauer Center, which will be on your left.

From Orange County, take the Orange Freeway (Route 57) north to the San Bernardino Freeway (I-10). Continue east on I-10 to Indian Hill Boulevard (exit 47). Drive north on Indian Hill for about two miles. Turn right onto Foothill Boulevard. Turn right onto Claremont Boulevard, which will be the third stoplight you encounter. Turn right onto Ninth Street. Go about two blocks to Bauer Center, which will be on your left.

By Air

Claremont is located about ten miles west of the Ontario International Airport. Los Angeles International Airport is approximately 50 miles west of Claremont. A Girls State shuttle bus is available from Ontario Airport for a fee of $15 round trip. Reservations must be made through the Girls State Director prior to arrival.

By Train

The closest Amtrak station is in Pomona, a few miles from the campus. Claremont is served from Los Angeles by Metrolink. The station is ten blocks south of campus. Use a taxi to get from the station to the campus.

By Bus

The closest Greyhound station is in Claremont at 888 S Indian Hill Boulevard, a few miles from the campus. Use a taxi to get from the station to the campus.

Back to FAQ

What should I bring to Girls State?

A positive attitude . . . energy . . . enthusiasm . . . a big heart . . . laughter and . . .

We have compiled a printable checklist to help serve as a guide when you pack for Girls State.

Clothing

Six days worth of casual clothes
You will possibly spend some time outside, so nice shorts (no cut-offs) are appropriate. If your school allows you to wear shorts, follow those guidelines for what is acceptable. Casual clothing may also include pants, nice jeans, skirts, and comfortable shoes.

Two to three nice outfits
You will wear these outfits for various evening activities, when we have notable speakers, or if you decide to run for office. This can include nice pants, khakis, skirts, or a casual dress or sundress. (If you bring strapless tops or dresses, please include some sort of sweater or jacket in case you are participating in ALA Girls State proceedings.)

One to two dresses, suits, skirts, or nice pants
These should be something that you would wear to church or another special occasion. This is not semi-formal.

Shoes
Since citizens will walk from activity to activity, comfortable shoes are a necessity. You should bring shoes for your less casual outfits. Shower shoes or flip-flops will come in handy in the dorm.

Sleepwear
You will need sleepwear for six nights. There will be night meetings in dorms where lounge wear will be appropriate.

Toiletries and Other Personal Items

Please note that there are community showers on the dorm floors.

Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
Towels and washcloths
Robe
Flip-flops for the showers
Bed linens – Bring twin-sized extra-long sheets, a warm blanket, comforter, or sleeping bag and a pillow. (Note: Air-conditioned dorm rooms can get very cool at night.)
Necessary medication prescribed by your physician or over-the-counter medication that you take on a regular basis or take occasionally (i.e. Advil or Tylenol)

Miscellaneous Items

Sweater or jacket for cool, air-conditioned meeting rooms
Alarm clock
Musical instrument(s) – The Chorus provides opportunities to play during musical presentations.
Clothes hangers – Each room provides hanging space and drawer space for storing clothing
Camera
Pens, pencils and notebook paper
Tote bag or backpack – You will be walking from activity to activity and may want to carry personal items and your notebook with you.
Snacks, if you choose
Water bottle, if you choose

Money

Though your sponsorship fee covers the expense of your meals and accommodations, please consider the following when deciding the amount of extra money to bring:

Food
At ALA Girls State, your meals are covered by your sponsorship fee. You may want to bring change for snack vending machines located in dorm buildings.
Girls State Store
You will have the opportunity to purchase items from the ALA Girls State Store. Items may include sweatshirts, t-shirts, shorts, and other souvenirs. Prices range from $1.00 to $28.00. The store accepts cash and checks. You can pre-order and not worry about bringing cash or a checkbook.
Keys
Please note that all citizens are required to lock dorm rooms with the provided key. If a citizen loses her key, she will be charged $150.00. If she loses a key card, the replacement fee is $25.

Unnecessary Items

Do not bring the following items, which are unnecessary during your stay at ALA Girls State:

Refrigerators
TVs
Laptops or other computers (no wired/wireless Internet connection or printer access available)

• Remember . . . you have to carry your own stuff! •

Back to FAQ

What should I expect when I first arrive at the campus?

Find the main quad of the Claremont-McKenna Campus. The quad (35 Butler Plaza) is to the west of the round building. There will be a table with alphabet-designated posters. Use your last name to locate your line. Check in to learn to which county you've been assigned. Find the set of county tables to sign in, meet your counselor, and receive your room key.

Find your city (dorm), unpack and welcome others in your city. Locate the nurse and communicate any concerns with her. If you have any medications (over-the-counter or prescription), make sure to let the nursing staff know.

Begin to read the Official Girls State Handbook you are given by your counselor when you checked in.

Back to FAQ

Can I campaign before coming to Girls State?

So that everyone will have an equal opportunity, you are not allowed to campaign for any office before arriving at Girls State.

You may not bring pre-made campaign materials. Approved campaign materials may be purchased with Girls State dollars you will receive at Girls State.

Campaigning via electronic media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, email, etc.) is not allowed BEFORE or DURING Girls State. Discussing or announcing an office you are thinking about running for (via electronic media) is considered campaigning and is not allowed.

Back to FAQ

How am I going to get back home?

Most delegates will return home in the same fashion as they arrived. You will have an opportunity to clearly communicate your travel plans before coming to Girls State. If there are changes after your initial planning, you must report the changes to the Girls State Director. She and the ALA staff are located in headquarters in the Bauer Hall (round building).

If you're being picked up, there will be designated areas in the main quad for you to meet your family.

Back to FAQ

What if I need to contact home while I'm at Girls State?

Girls State is a cell phone free zone. What this means is that no cell phone use will be tolerated except during those scheduled times when delegates are not engaged in the business of Girls State. Generally, delegates may safely use their cell phones during rest time, recreation, and after city friendship time.

If a delegate does not have a cell phone with her and needs to communicate with family, she should go to headquarters in Bauer Hall and ask a staff member to assist her.

All delegates using cell phones when it is not appropriate will have their phones taken by a staff member, sent to headquarters for safe keeping, and returned at the close of the session.

Back to FAQ

How can my family contact me at Girls State?

Parents are discouraged from communicating with the delegates unless there is an emergency. The delegates are usually very busy attending meetings, discussing important issues, participating in team activities, and generally being fully engaged in the program.

If a parent needs to contact a delegate, refer to the Contact page for information.

Back to FAQ

Should I bring my computer?

Internet and e-mail access will neither be available nor necessary to enjoy the week.

Back to FAQ

What if I'm asked to bring legislation?

Each delegate is responsible for bringing a piece of legislation with her to the Girls State Session. The most successful bills will be carefully researched, well informed of current conditions and will address a pertinent state issue. Please read this document carefully. Here is more information to help get you started.

Below are several links to sites that will help you understand how to write a bill.
UC Davis Princeton Model Congress American International College Building a Bill

Back to FAQ

Do I need to report about my experiences at Girls State?

Yes, you do.

How can you use the information gained at Girls State in your school, your community, your personal relationships, and to report to the Unit that sponsors you?

Keep a journal of your experiences. Here are few possible topics:

     City - county - state level governments

     Appointed - elected positions

     Legislation - political platforms

     Friendship - unity - cooperation - open-mindedness

     Patriotism - political awareness - winning vs. losing

     Involvement - participation - something for everyone

     Opportunities - inspiration - goal setting - future plans

     Appreciation - gratitude to the Auxiliary (paperwork, transportation, program staff, fees)

     Pictures - scrapbooks - newspapers

     Girls State is . . . your city _____ . . . your county _____ . . . what you learned _____

Consider:

     What did I like about today?

     What would I have changed about today?

     I was happy when . . .

     I was proud of myself because . . .

     I learned . . . about myself.

     Tomorrow, I plan to . . .

Back to FAQ

When will we receive more information about Girls State?

All the information you will need will be published to this web site. Come back often to stay informed. If it is June 1 and you still have questions, contact the Girls State Director.

Back to FAQ

What is the Samsung Scholarship? How do I apply?

This scholarship is one of a series of scholarships derived from a Samsung Corporation endowment. The endowment was created to express appreciation to U.S. veterans who came to the aid of Korea during its struggle against communist forces during the Korean War. The Samsung Corporation is a worldwide leader in electronics. The American Legion administers this scholarship program from a Samsung scholarship fund.

Am I eligible to apply for the Samsung American Legion Scholarship?
You are eligible to participate if you complete the California Girls State Program and provide acceptable documentation to show that you are a descendant (child, grandchild, great grandchild, or a legally adopted child) of a U.S. wartime Veteran who served on active duty during one or more of the periods of war officially designated as eligible. Those include:
WWI: April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918
WWII: December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946
Korean War: June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955
Vietnam War: February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975
Lebanon and Grenada: August 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984
Panama: December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990
Persian Gulf War: August 2, 1990 to cessation of hostilities as determined by the U.S. government
How can I apply?

Print out the scholarship application. You will be able to download the application directly as a PDF. Read all the following information to assist you with completing the form.

What is the scholarship amount and how many girls are selected to receive it?
Each year approximately 200 CAGS citizens apply for the Samsung Scholarship. We select one CAGS citizen to receive a $1,000 scholarship. Our candidate also earns the right to compete with Boys and Girls State Citizens from across the country for one of seven $20,000 Samsung scholarships. In 2008, 11 $20,000 scholarships and 85 $1,000 scholarships were awarded.

What are the selection criteria?
Selections are based on academic record; involvement in school activities; involvement in community activities; community service; and financial need. Additional points are granted to descendants of U.S. veterans of the Korean War.

How do I know if I’m a competitive candidate for the scholarship?
The Samsung scholarship is very competitive. Those selected to represent CAGS generally have a GPA of above 3.50, are within the top percentage of their class, and score in the high 20s or better on the ACT (or earn an equivalent SAT score). Successful candidates also show evidence of multiple school and community activities and receipt of 8-10 local and national level awards.

How should I respond to the essay questions on the application?
We encourage you to type your application so it shows you put time and thought into it. Your responses should be interesting, sincere, and succinct. The application should help the judges get to know you, your goals, and your accomplishments.

If I win the scholarship, how can I use it?
Samsung scholarships are for undergraduate study only and may be used for tuition, books, fees, and room and board. Winners are selected according to academic record, involvement in school and community activities, community service and financial need. Applicants who are direct descendants of Korean War veterans will receive special consideration.

When do I find out if I have won the scholarship?
We announce our CAGS Samsung Scholarship selection on the final day of Girls State. The seven national-level winners are announced in September.

How do I submit my application and support documents?

Bring your completed application and support documents with you to Girls State. Your CAGS counselor will collect all the applications during the first city meeting.

Back to FAQ

Girls State Store

Pre-order Girls State merchandise. This year we are offering pre-sale order from the Girls State Store. A complete list of items available at the store in Girls State is included in the order form.

Girls State Store Order Form - Print form, fill out by hand, and mail with payment.

Back to FAQ