Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question that isn't answered here? Send us an email at girlsstatend@gondtc.com.

Who runs the Girls State Program?
The Girls State Program is run under the American Legion Auxiliary. The Girls State Staff consists of five Girls State Board members, all of whom are Auxiliary members, five additional American Legion Auxiliary members, 28 alumni who serve as counselors and facilitators for most of the program, several UND professors, and a Director of Government. There are many behind-the-scenes people who help bring the program together.

Can I still attend if I am an Exchange Student?
Yes – we will need parental/guardian permission for your participation in the program.

How are delegates chosen?
There is not a set system for choosing delegates to Girls State. Each sponsor may chose a delegate differently. To find out how delegates are chosen in your city contact your local American Legion Auxiliary or talk to your high school guidance counselor.

Are there scholarships or awards available?
Yes, there are several scholarships given. Each scholarship must be applied for. Samsung American Legion Scholarship, $500 award with the winner moving on to National Competition for $25,000 ScholarshipFaculty of Political Science & Public Administration Pynn Scholarship, two awards of $500 each UND Honor Scholarship, $70 award.

There are several awards given as well, some with monetary prizes. Outstanding City Citizen, determined by a vote in each city Outstanding County Citizen, determined by a vote in each county John K. Kennelly Outstanding State Citizen, $100 award, determined by entire Girls State vote North Dakota Highway Patrol Outstanding Student of Government, $50 award, given to the student who scores the highest on the Government tests. Art and Agnes Olson Award, $50, determined by a vote of the entire Girls State and the Girls State Counselors

Will I have any fun?
Actually there is no fun allowed while at Girls State. KIDDING! Of course you will have fun! You will hear several times, though, that this week is what you make of it. If you come wanting to have fun and get involved, you will!

What will I learn?
You will learn several aspects of local, county, and state government. You will learn a little bit about political conventions and parliamentary procedure. You will learn about what other young women your age are concerned about – current events, how to write a gill, running for office, and many other things. AND, you will do all the above in a fun, hands on way!

What accommodations are available to me?
If you inform the Girls State Director in advance of your needs we can work together to make sure are comfortable during your week. The UND campus is handicap assessable and the dining hall can accommodate ANY dietary need.

Is there a nurse on staff?
No. If medical attention is required the Girls Stater will be taken to Altru.

What do I do with my medications I am taking?
You will keep most medications yourself, however a fridge is available for medications if needed. Please only bring enough medication for the 6 days of Girls State. Let our staff know if you need help remembering to take a medication at a specific time.

What about meals?
Meals are served 3 times a day with the exception of the first and last day. The first meal served is supper on Sunday and the last meal served is lgfunch on Saturday. We eat at the Wilkerson Dining Hall and they have a large variety of foods to work with all dietary needs.

What type of clothing should I pack?
Think "Business Casual" when packing – please see the Packing List for a complete suggestion of things to bring (and what not to waste suitcase space on).

If I drive, where do I park?
Girls State delegates who drive may park in the Brannon Hall parking lot located north of Brannon Hall. Delegates are not allowed to drive once they are registered and they must get a parking permit from the UND staff at registration. Parking permits are free; tickets for forgetting to hang the temporary permit are not.

Is there transportation offered?
In the past we have been able to run two separate buses from Minot and Williston. This varies year to year depending on the number of girls needing transportation. For information on the bus route p.ease contact your local Auxiliary Unit, the Girls State Director, or the Auxiliary Headquarters at 701-253-5992.

When is Registration?
Registration begins Sunday at Noon and ends by 3pm CST. You may check in at the dorm you are assigned to, however, if you need to park your car, get a parking permit, or check in with the nurse, you will need to come to Brannon Hall as well as the dorm you are staying in. There will be several staff members who can assist you.

Can my parents drive me?
Yes – many parents will drop girls off on Sunday and return on Friday for the Inauguration and Graduation Ceremony.

What do I do if I arrive late?
If you arrive after 3pm, you will need to go to Brannon Hall. There will be someone there to direct you where to put your things and where to do until you can register.

Something came up and I can't go – do I just not show up?
If something has come up and you cannot go we have many girls on a waiting list that can come in your place. Please contact Mryna in the Department Auxiliary Office at 701-253-5992 or call your local Auxiliary as they may have an alternate for you.

Can I bring a cell phone?
Yes – there are no phones in the dorm rooms you will be staying in, nor are there working hook-ups. You will need a cell phone or calling card if you want to communicate with family – we do have one rule for this; phones are only allowed during free time. No cell phones or other electronic devices are allowed at any Girls State Function.

How much money should I bring?
$30-40 is plenty to get you through the week. There is a snack bar available to you during free time and some cities will pick a night and order pizza for celebrations as a group ($15-$20 is plenty for 6 days). Girls State T-shirts are available for $11 and Girls State City Photos can be purchased for $6. Please remember these expenses are OPTIONAL. DO NOT bring large amounts of money as you will not need it and Girls State is not responsible for lost or stolen money.

Can I get mail while I am at Girls State?
Yes you can. Have mail sent to: Your Name, Your Dorm Name and City Number, Wilkerson Service Center UND, Grand Forks, ND 58202

When should I arrive?
Registration in on Sunday from 12 (noon) to 3pm CST. The earlier you arrive the more time you will have to unpack, get settled, meet your city, and of course audition for choir, piano, and newspaper.

When does Girls State end?
Graduation Ceremony is usually done by 3pm on Friday. After you check out with your counselors, you are free to go.

What if I need to leave early?
Inform the Girls State Director you will be leaving early when you check in. You will need parental permission to leave once you have registered. You will also need to check out with your counselors and then to Brannon Lounge to be checked from a staff member.

Where do I get a Girls State T-Shirt?
T-shirts are available all week long in the Brannon Lounge. T-Shirts are $11 and the color will correspond with the political party that you have been assigned to. You may purchase more than one shirt; however, you must wear your political party color during your week at Girls State.

May I have visitors?
No, please. We have a rigorous schedule that does not include a lot of free time. Friends and family are invited to our opening session at 4:30pm on Sunday and to the Inauguration and Graduation Ceremony at 1:45pm on Friday. Both ceremonies are at the Chester Fritz Auditorium. In emergency situations, visitors may report to Brannon Lounge.

Will I be sent home if I talk to a boy?
Yes. JUST KIDDING! You can talk to boys. You will be having meals with members of several sport camps and other camps that are taking place the same time as Girls State. We do, however, strongly discourage giving out phone numbers and making dates.

What is the talent show I've heard about?
This is not an individual talent show; however, each city will perform a skit of their choice to be performed in from of a plane of judges, including American Legion members and the Boys State Governor, who will award trophies and cake!

Why the white dress?
The white dress is a time honored tradition that has been a part of the Inauguration and Graduation ceremonies since the start of Girls State over 65 years ago. Each member of the ceremony wears a simple white dress with a Poppy flower pinned over her heart. The Poppy flower is a part of the American Legion and Auxiliary as a reminder of our veterans and the sacrifices made so we can remain free.