Children and Youth

Each year our Post has a golf tournament through which we raise money for our scholarship program. Our Post gives $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from the Estes Park High School. Applications may be obtained from the High School counselor’s office.  

The Keith Trahan Memorial “Slow it Down” Scholarship is given by the Estes Post 119 Auxiliary each year. Fundraising for this scholarship is accomplished through a special Bingo event.  Applications may be obtained from the High School counselor’s office. 

American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program for young ladies called Girls State (see below).

Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935. At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.

High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. Expenses associated with attending this program are paid by the sponsoring American Legion Post.

For more information about the Colorado Boys State program, click on the button below. Contact the Post 119 Commander if you are interested in being sponsored by Post 119 for this opportunity.

The mission of the Girls State program is to provide an outstanding, unique, and coveted educational opportunity for the young women of our nation that instills the basic ideals and principles of American government through the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation citizenship training programs. 

 Auxiliary units in all 50 states proudly host ALA Girls State, an amazing week of learning focused on responsible citizenship and love for God and Country. Students are assigned to mock cities where, divided into the Federalist Party and Nationalist Party, they are immersed in learning about the political process from dedicated volunteers, along with some fun. 

To qualify to participate in Girls State, girls must be in their Junior year of high school. The Colorado Girls State program is provided to qualified girls free of charge. 

For more information about the Colorado Girls State program, click on the button below. Contact the Post 119 Auxiliary President if you are interested in being sponsored by Post 119 for this event.

As an unfortunate consequence of Operation Iraqi Freedom and America’s war on terror, many children of our active-duty military personnel are now members of single-parent families. In most cases, this also means their chances to attend college have greatly diminished. Children of military personnel killed on active duty are entitled to receive money toward a college education. But it’s not enough.

The American Legion national organization has raised funds to ensure that higher education will be a reality for these families. Providing for the children that our military personnel left behind is our civic duty. An education is a powerful way to show our thanks. 

The American Legion’s Legacy Scholarship Fund provides college scholarship money to children of post-9/11 veterans who died on active duty, or have a combined VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater.  For information 

The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. 

Young orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. Over $138,000 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets an $18,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $16,000, and third gets $14,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $1,500 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $1,500 scholarship. The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.

High school students under age 20 are eligible. Competition begins at the post level and advances to a state competition. Legion department representatives certify one winner per state to the national contest, where department winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds. The contest caps off with a final round that decides the three top finishers.

Speaking subjects must be on an aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with emphasis on the duties and obligation of citizens to our government. Speeches are eight to ten minutes long. Three to five-minute speeches on an assigned topic are also part of the contest.

Click the button below for additional information on the Oratorical Contest.  Contact the Post 119 Commander if you are interested in participating in this competition.