The Missouri Girls State Committee has been planning all year for you. We can’t wait to meet you. If you have any questions, please send us an email. A staff member will answer any questions you have. In the meantime here are questions that are frequently asked.
When is MGS?
The 2008 session of Missouri Girls State begins on Sunday, June 22 and ends on Saturday, June 28.
What is the purpose of Missouri Girls State?
The purpose is to promote pride in America and to create a mythical state that the citizens will govern at the city, county and state level. We will have speakers who serve as leaders in our Missouri government as well as hold important offices in our communities.
How and when will I receive my delegate packet information?
You will receive official notification by a 1st class U.S. letter near April 1. The exact date in unknown at this time; however, an announcement will be posted on the HOME PAGE to let you know when the letter was mailed.
The letter will also inform you that the delegate packet is ready to download from this website.
Will I get the delegate packet in the US mail?
No, the only way to get this material is to download it from the website. KEEP IN MIND, however, that some of the documents are timely. If you wait too long to download the packet and you want to apply for the Samsung Scholarship, some military documents and information needed to be attached may be difficult or impossible to get from the U.S. Government Records Center.
When will I find out my dorm assignment which includes my city group assignment?
All staff and delegates will live in Ellis Dorm. You will find out dorm room #, assigned group (at Girls State, it is called “a city),” when you arrive on Sunday, June 22.
What time should I check in on Sunday, June 22?
Registration runs from 10:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 22 at Ellis Dorm cafeteria.
After I check in, can we go to a restaurant for lunch?
No, once you register, you can not leave campus. Eat before you arrive, or have a family member bring “carry-out” back to the campus.
What time can I leave on Saturday, June 28?
The last assembly is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. It usually lasts until 9:15 a.m. followed by the last city meeting. Buses arrive about 9:45 to 10 a.m. Parents are waiting near the parking lot to help citizens load cars.
Do I need a doctor’s signature on my health form?
Yes, if you want the nursing staff to dispense “over the counter” medication, such as, aspirin, Tylenol, cough drops, sore throat lozenges, etc..
What if I forget to bring something I need?
We have a shopper who knows the discount stores like the back of her hand and is an extremely efficient shopper. You give her money, she buys your item and you get the receipt back with change.
What are the living arrangements at MGS?
You will live on a floor (called a city) with about 35 other girls, but you will have only one roommate. Two rooms share a bath in between which has a tub with shower. The college furnishes sheets, pillow and blanket. However, some girls have brought an additional blanket because Ellis Dorm Hall can be cool.
What about meals?
The dining hall is on the lowest floor in Ellis Hall. Each meal offers several choices. For lunch and dinner there is always a salad bar in addition to pizza, hamburgers, fries and an entrée. It is served cafeteria style and you can eat as much as your girlish figure desires. Citizens with special dietary needs, i.e. vegetarian, etc. need to inform director at least 2 weeks beforehand. When the dining hall is not opened, you can go to the Girl State Canteen and they have ice cream bars, soda, water, and candy snacks.
My hobby is shopping. Will I be able to keep up my skill?
Absolutely, in addition to snacks, the GS Canteen will have souvenirs galore for every taste, every budget. We will have t-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, pajama bottoms, drink ware, ornaments, stationery, disposable cameras, stuffed animals and other items as well. A souvenir picture CD will be sold in the GS Store/Canteen. Since it will contain all group photos of all cities as well as candid pictures of events and activities throughout the entire week, the CD will be mailed to customers after its has been professionally copied. Time frame is 2-3 weeks after close of Girls State. You might also want to bring money for any incidentals that you may have forgotten. The Delegate Packet downloaded in the spring will also have more information about souvenirs.
What should I bring to wear?
You have guidelines as to what to bring in your delegate information packet. You will have to carry your luggage, so make sure it’s not too heavy. You could be lucky and be assigned on the 4th floor. During the day, most girls wear shorts and t-shirts. Each night we dress for dinner with a nice dress, skirt or slacks and top. Comfortable shoes are the key because there is a lot of walking on campus between Ellis Hall and Hendricks Auditorium. We also use many of the buildings on the UCM campus.
When and where are the briefings scheduled this year?
Each ALA district schedules a briefing to familiarize delegates and their families about MGS. Usually, a delegate attends the briefing scheduled by the ALA district sending her. However, if that day is not available to a delegate, the delegate and her family can attend another briefing. The briefing schedule will be on the “Delegate Info” page of the web site when it is finalized and the briefing schedule will be included in the official notification letter sent near April 1.
What is the “Take At Home” test? While the American Legion Auxiliary feels that all information provided by the website, the ALA briefings etc, is all important, specific material has been included in the “take-home test”. This test in mandatory. It will be part of the Delegate Packet. The answers will be provided; each delegate will correct her own test, score it and turn in the corrected answer sheet to Registration on June 22.
What activities are included in the MGS week?
At MGS you have the opportunity to take a leadership role, or to sit back and observe. You will hear the phrase, “get involved” many times. We can guarantee you will get out of the experience what you put into it. You have the chance to run for political office, to help those running for office, and to participate in group activities, such as your city’s project, the State Fair, write for the daily newspaper, join the chorus or play an instrument in the band.
How do I communicate with my family and friends while I am at MGS?
We encourage you to call home and let the folks know that you made it if you came by bus. You can bring a cell phone but you can only make and receive calls while in Ellis Hall. A phone that rings during assembly in Hendricks Auditorium will be confiscated and returned to you at the end of the week. There are several pay phones in the dorm but there are usually long lines waiting. The canteen sells calling cards if you need one. The schedule is jam packed so you might not be able to call as much as you would like. We encourage you to send mail to your loved ones through our MGS post office, and they can send you mail at this address:
Your Name
Missouri Girls State or MGS
________ City, _____ County
UCM
Warrensburg, MO 64093
(You can get the city and county at registration on Sunday June 22.
Will there be any activities for those who like to sing?
We have a chorus and a band that practice during free time. The chorus performs during the week and the main performance is before the Inauguration on Friday evening. The band plays peppy music at assemblies and also plays at Inauguration. There is a very convenient closet behind stage to lock up instruments. There are also auditions during the week for the Thursday night Talent Show. In past years, we've had dancers from ballet to jazz, singers, twirlers, piano and instrumental solos, dramatic and comedic monologues. It's a wonderful talent show, so bring your tapes, shoes, costumes and props.
Do I get 2 college credit hours automatically for attending MGS?
You have to actively participate in MGS. In addition, each day you will attend the class you chose on Monday morning. You must pass the exam on Friday for that class with a 70% or better, fill out the required CMSU paperwork and pay the tuition rate for the 2 credit hours. It is very important to understand that UCM decides whether or not you are eligible to receive the credits. As with all college credit earned during high school, the college you choose to attend has the authority to accept or decline UCM credits that you have earned.
You have approximately 6-8 weeks to apply for the credit after you receive the UCM letter. The letter will contain the deadline date. After the deadline expires, the offer of credit will be withdrawn.
What kind of dress should I bring for the Inauguration Friday night?
The inauguration of the newly elected state officials is very elegant and we hope it will be one of your fondest memories. Each girl is asked to wear a white, off-white, or pastel dress of any length with shoes that coordinate. The dress can have a small print or pattern if necessary.
Can my family visit during the week?
We welcome them on Friday night. They should arrive about 7 p.m. and go to the Hendricks Auditorium area and sit in the balcony. Your schedule is very tight with dinner and Inauguration so we provide a reception following the Inauguration at the Student Union where you can visit with family and friends and have light refreshments.
Can I go home with my family on Friday night after the assembly?
No, you will not be able to go home on Friday night as there are activities on Saturday a.m. that count toward your credit for completing the week’s curriculum. There are several motels in Warrensburg where your family may make reservations.
If my parents come on Friday night and I rode a bus, may I go home with them on Saturday a.m.?
Check with the Unit that is sending you. If they have no restrictions then your parents will need to check in at the Director’s desk on Friday evening to confirm that you will be leaving with them on Saturday morning. The paperwork is very short. The bus drivers will be notified so they are not looking for you. They have a list of citizens they are responsible for getting back home.
Can I drive myself?
We do not recommend that you drive yourself because of how tired you will be on Saturday morning when you leave. That is not conducive to good driving ability. If that is the only way you can get to Warrensburg, then you must turn in your keys upon arriving at the Director’s desk and the Highway Patrol will be notified. They will hold your keys and check on the car daily.
Can a relative who lives near Warrensburg come and see me while I am at Girls State?
Yes, but they must come only during your free time and report to the Director’s desk and check in. We will send a runner after you or you may be there at the desk when they arrive. You may not leave the campus with them as we are responsible for your safety at all times. We have a lounge where you may sit and visit in the cool comfort of air conditioning.
What is Girls Nation?
While at Girls State, you will have the opportunity to compete for Girls Nation. Two girls will be chosen by the delegates from a group of approximately six (6) finalists to represent Missouri Girls State as U. S. Senators at Girls Nation, held in Washington D.C. in July. The two Senators will collaborate to write one (1) proposed bill or resolution to present during the senate sessions at Girls Nation. Many delegates seek to be included in the finalist group. The screening and selection process will be explained upon arrival at MGS; however, it is based on legislation ideas, writing and oral communication abilities. Two alternates also are chosen by the delegates in case one or both selected Senators are unable to attend Girls Nation.
