The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State (ALMBS) has long been recognized as one of the most respected educational programs of government and leadership instruction for high school students. We have accomplished this over eight decades by adjusting our program to keep pace with the times. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us to think creatively about how we can safely deliver a meaningful and engaging program and we are proud to return to this mission in 2022.

QUALIFICATIONS: Individuals who meet the below qualifications are eligible to apply for admission to ALMBS. Due to the cancellation of the 2020 & 2021 sessions, each high school senior class will be permitted at least one attendee to the 2022 session along with the junior class attendees.

Be a member of the male enrollment of the current junior class.
Have a 2.75 grade point average or higher on a four-point scale or its equivalent. (Note: Schools should

The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State will adhere to all WV Bureau for Public Health and Lewis County Health Department guidelines that are in place at the time of the program. All participants, as in past years, will be required to have a physical examination and all participants will undergo a medical screening upon arriving at the WVU Jackson’s Mill facility. Frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing is encouraged and expected. Participants are encouraged to bring hand sanitizer and sanitization wipes. Social distancing and outside activities will occur when possible. As of publication, the WV Bureau for Public Health and Lewis County Health Department policies do not require mandatory mask wearing. Participants will not be required to wear masks but are encouraged to do so. This policy is subject to change and will be updated as necessary.

Friends of The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State,

It is with great disappointment we write to inform you that The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State (ALMBS) has been cancelled for 2021, in accordance with the consensus decision of The American Legion Department of West Virginia Mountaineer Boys State Board of Directors.

Meanwhile, The American Legion Boys Nation, The American Legion Auxiliary Rhododendron Girls State, and The American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation are all committed to holding their programs, even if it is in a virtual capacity.

Since 1936, The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State has been West Virginia’s Premier Leadership Academy, and this is officially the 4th time in its history that the program has been cancelled. This would have been the 83rd ALMBS.  The ALMBS staff stands ready to provide an in-person camp when it is SAFE for our staff and participants. It is anticipated that the 2022 session of ALMBS will

Friends of The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State,

It is with a heavy heart, we write to inform you that The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State has been cancelled for 2020. This decision has been the hardest decision to make during one of the hardest times of our lives. Please know this decision was made after thorough deliberation with our program’s senior leadership and based on the current national and state-wide effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Legion Auxiliary Rhododendron Girls State, The American Legion Boys Nation, The American Legion National Oratorical Finals, and Junior Shooting Sports Competitions have also been cancelled for 2020. West Virginia becomes the 21st state to cancel Boys State this year.

Since 1936, The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State has been West Virginia’s Premier Leadership Academy, and this is officially the 3rd time in her history that the program has been cancelled. It hasn’t been since

Senator Manchin has served in several leadership capacities on various associations, including: Chairman of the National Governors Association, Chairman of the Southern States Energy Board, President of the Council of State Governments, Chairman of the Democratic Governors Association and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Association.

Senator Manchin served as Secretary of State from 2000 to 2004, and his office was known for excellent customer service. He was a state legislator from 1982 to 1996, where he earned a reputation for standing up for West Virginians.

Senator Manchin became a successful businessman after attending West Virginia University on a football scholarship.

Senator Manchin is an avid pilot, outdoorsman, hunter, angler and motorcyclist. He has been married for more than four decades to the former Gayle Conelly of Beckley. They have three children: Heather, Joseph IV and Brooke, and are the proud grandparents of Joseph V, Sophie, Kelsey, Madeline, Chloe, Jack, Carly, Vivian, Beaux and

Congresswoman Carol Miller represents West Virginia’s Third Congressional District. Miller serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Oversight and Reform Committee, and the

House Select Committee on Climate Crisis in the U.S. House of Representatives. Miller’s focus in Congress is creating jobs, diversifying the economy, innovating and improving infrastructure, protecting America’s borders, and supporting West Virginia’s energy industries like coal, oil, and gas.

Prior to her election to Congress in 2018, Congresswoman Miller served in the West Virginia House of Delegates from 2006 to 2017 where she rose to become the first female Majority Whip. In addition to her public service, Carol is active in her community and is a former member of the Women’s Heart Advisory Board, St. Mary’s Regional Heart Institute, Marshall University Society of Yeager Scholars, West Virginia Commission for the Arts, and Lily’s Place, as well as many other organizations.

A mother of two and grandmother of five,

2019 ALMBS Governor Carson Winkie delivers State of State Address at the West Virginia State Capital, in the House Chambers.