Don't Forget the Parents

Of course we can't underestimate the influence that the parents have on how their children will spend a week out of their summer. Many parents aren't familiar with the programs and may need some reassurance that the programs are well-managed and well-intentioned. Contact your local parent teacher organizations and ask to make a presentation to them or, through your school contact, invite parents to your post to meet with them and answer questions.

Safety of their Daughter: Roll call is taken at everything. The city Chief of Police takes roll call at any event through the week. They have Physical training in the morning, roll call is taken, every time they eat a meal, roll call is taken. Each session, assembly, or speaker, roll call is taken. If a citizen doesn't answer roll call a search will be conducted until she is located. Counselors do bed check at 11:00 p.m. each evening.

Insurance: The Alaska Girls State week is a strenuous, requiring emotional stability and physical stamina with long hours of group activities and long cabin interaction (evenings). To protect the health of all delegates, we require a certificate of health that has been given within the last year. A medical form has been included in the registration packet. It is the delegate's responsibility to see that the medical form is completely filled out by her parents/guardians.

Supplemental general insurance is provided for all in attendance; however, their own group insurance will be the primary carrier. We must have all the information requested on the medical form, namely: physician name, policyholder's name, insurance company, telephone number, group number and subscriber or policy number. Our supplemental insurance does not cover a delegate if she goes off site without permission. ("Site is limited to Meier Lake Conference center and outlining trails, road, etc.) Every precaution is taken to avoid accidents and sickness at Alaska Girls State. Medical clinic and Valley Hospital are available in case of an accident or illness that our nursing staff feels requires their attention. Please remember to include on the medical form an alternate contact including name, relationship, address and telephone number.

The general insurance coverage provided by Alaska Girls State will not cover problems caused by pre-existing conditions. If the considered candidate has a health condition, such as recent sports injury, exposure to a communicable disease, disability, temporary handicap or need a special diet, a letter describing the degree of disability from the parents or guardians to the Director is required so every consideration of the candidate can be made.

Prescription Drugs/Medications: If your child is taking or will be taking any prescription drugs or medications, the amount required for the days you'll be at Alaska Girls State must be in its' original container and clearly labeled. Place all medications in a quart size zip lock bag labeled with your name. Medications must be given to our Nursing Staff at time of registration. The label is to include the name of the person, name of the medication, the dosage, and the frequency of administration and the route of administration. The bottle or container must be labeled to include the name of the prescribing physician, the prescription number; date prescribed, possible adverse reactions, the specific conditions when contact should be made with the physician and other special instructions as needed. All medications brought to Alaska Girls State by a citizen under 18 years of age shall be kept in a locked unit and shall be administered by our nurse. Bee sting medication, inhalers, an insulin syringe or other medication or device used in the event of life threatening situations, including Epi pens, may be carried by a citizen. Any birth control medications may also be kept with the citizens. Any deviation from this will be up to the Head Nurse.

Questions by Parents

What is the Girls State program all about?

It is an intensive program where your daughter will not only learn, but put into action the very principles and ideas of government by doing, while living with other young women from across the state of Alaska. This program is a gift to the young women of today from the Department of Alaska, American Legion Auxiliary.

How do I contact my daughter while she is at Girls State?

Meier Lake Conference Center 6059 Wasilla Fishook Road Phone: (907) 376-0594 Fax: (907) 376-0597 Debra Henderson, Director 24 hr cell phone (907) 252-3544

What if we have a family emergency?

If no one can be reached at the number given for the conference center, call the Director. We have a number for you to call in an emergency - (907) 252-3544 is Debra Henderson, Girls State Director. This cell phone is on 24 hours a day.

What if my daughter gets sick or hurt at Girls State?

She will be given prompt medical attention (we have a nurse on staff) and if it is determined she needs emergency medical care, she will be taken to the local hospital and you will be contacted immediately.

Will my daughter be supervised the entire week?

Yes. Your daughter will be assigned to a mythical city, and each city has a senior counselor. We also have other staff members who assist with Girls State who help in supervising and guiding the girls throughout the week.