The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State is the West Virginia version of The American Legion’s Boys State program. It was created in 1936 and holds the second oldest charter in the nation. Mountaineer Boys State is the only program in the nation that is still held in the same location (Jackson’s Mill) where it was founded. Mountaineer Boys State typically has approximately 400 “citizens” that graduate from the program annually. Mountaineer Boys State has 6 career paths that the Citizens can participate in: Political, Legal, Newspaper, Banking, Law Enforcement and National Guard/Homeland Security. The camp is held annually during the second full week of June.
The American Legion Boys State is among the most respected educational programs of government instruction for high school students. Each participant becomes a part of the operation of his city, county and state government.
The American Legion Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935.
At The 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. In most cases, expenses associated with attending this program are paid by a sponsoring American Legion Post, a local business or another community-based organization.
