The American Legion Jersey Boys State staff is actively planning for the 2021 session. The well-being, health, and safety of our delegates, staff, and everyone who supports American Legion Jersey Boys State is of the utmost importance to us in planning for this year's annual session to be held June 20-25, 2021 at Rider University.

Effective March 24, 2021, we made the important decision to move forward with an "in-person" 2021 session of American Legion Jersey Boys State, our 75th annual session.

This decision was not taken lightly and was made after consulting with State, County and Local officials, as well as representatives at our host site, Rider University. Of course, we also took into effect the latest information and guidance from the CDC as well as reviewing the latest information available regarding pandemic and vaccination trends. We weighed this option against two other alternatives - canceling the 2021 session, and moving to an online-only "virtual" Boys State session. As we are still three months from the start of the 2021 session, canceling this year's session did not seem appropriate with the progress made in recent months. Additionally, we feel strongly that we cannot offer the same high quality program in an online format. In considering our alternatives for 2021, we have decided to devote our time and resources planning for an in-person session in June.

We recognize that this is a very fluid situation. The senior staff will continue to assess the COVID-19 pandemic daily. We meet regularly to discuss plans for our 2021 session. We are working with our partners to ensure safety for all participants as ALJBS is subject to federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and COVID-19 guidelines in addition to those of our host.

We are currently developing a comprehensive health and safety plan that will cover every aspect of our week-long program from the time delegates arrive on campus on Sunday until the time they leave the following Friday. We will make this plan available on our website in late April/early May, well in advance of the start of the 2021 session. This plan is being developed by our volunteer public safety staff which is comprised of public safety and health professionals, again working with our partners and within the parameters of health and safety regulations. We hope students, parents, staff, speakers and sponsors alike can appreciate the complexity and difficulty of developing a comprehensive plan, even as the situation continues to evolve on a daily basis.

We urge prospective delegates, schools, Legion Posts, and sponsors to commence the selection process, if they have not done so already. Due to the nature of the personal choices that students and parents will face, we encourage Posts to select additional alternates this year in the event that delegates choose not to attend. If the program ends up being postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, sponsors will receive a credit that can be used toward sponsorship for the 2022 session. As a reminder, if you were selected as a delegate for the 2020 session, you are welcome to attend the 2021 session as a high school senior.

For the most up-to-date information regarding American Legion Jersey Boys State at all times you should continue to refer to our website at aljbs.org. Post and County American Legion Jersey Boys State Chairman should also go to aljbs.org/legionfor the most up-to-date information pertaining to them.

We appreciate your concerns and interest in American Legion Jersey Boys State. If you have any questions and would like to reach out to directly, please feel free to email David Bagatelle at director@aljbs.org.

Thank you again for your support of ALJBS. Please stay safe and healthy.