The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State

The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State (ALMBS) is the West Virginia version of The American Legion's Boys State program. The American Legion Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935. ALMBS was founded in 1936 and holds the second oldest charter in the nation. ALMBS is the only program in the nation that is still held in the same location (WVU Jackson's Mill) where it was founded. Mountaineer Boys State typically has approximately 400 citizens that graduate from the program annually. ALMBS has numerous career paths Citizen participation. The camp is held annually and typically 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.

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.