June 8 through June 14, the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State camp will launch its 77th year program for young men. Boys State was founded in 1936 and has operated in West Virginia continuously for the last 77 years. Qualified young men from local high schools will attend the Mountaineer Boys state camp at West Virginia University’s Jackson’s Mill State 4-H camp near Weston.
The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State program was created to teach good men government through participation. Participants, referred to as camp citizens, receive instruction and hands-on experience in the governmental, political and legal processes. Camp citizens may participate in a variety of “career paths” that include Political, Legal, Banking, Law Enforcement, Journalism (Broadcast & Print) and Homeland security (National Guard).
To qualify, participants must be a member of the Junior Class in high school, have a 3.0 grade point average and demonstrate outstanding qualities in the area of school activities, community activities and character.
Last year Greenbrier East High School was proud to send five qualified young men to Mountaineer Boys State: Josiah Spangler, Levi Nelson, Thomas VonDohlen, Richard Boykin and Joseph Sampson. Each young man returns to our community with a greater understanding of the necessary governmental workings of local, county and state. They become future leaders, and inspired, patriotic citizens. They have learned the value of their vote, and what it takes to manage our cities, county and state for the future.
Now is the time to support this year’s attendees to Mountaineer Boys State. The cost is $200 for each participant. Local American Legion Posts sponsor each qualified young man who desires to attend. Please aid with your sponsorship of young men from our county to attend this year’s rewarding experience. Contact your local American Legion Post for further information and sponsorship. American Legion Greenbrier Post 26 Ronceverte, with the help from our community, sponsored three of the five young men who attended last year’s camp.
Please contact Commander Burdette at 304-661-4979 for further information and sponsorship.