Senator Shelley Moore Capito addresses The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State, sharing her experiences as West Virginia’s first female U.S. Senator and her guidance on public service, responsibility, and community leadership.
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Jamie Summerlin is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and the visionary behind Freedom Run, a 3,452-mile journey across America undertaken to honor and support military veterans. What began as a personal mission to give back to those who serve transformed into a nationally recognized campaign that inspired countless Americans and raised substantial awareness for veterans’ needs.
After his run, Jamie authored Freedom Run: A 100-Day, 3,452-Mile Journey Across America to Honor and Empower Our Veterans, a memoir chronicling his coast-to-coast experience and the deeply human stories encountered along the way. His journey led him to found Operation Welcome Home, a West Virginia-based nonprofit focused on helping veterans reintegrate into the workforce and community life.
Jamie is also a long-standing supporter of The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State program. His continued commitment to service, mentorship, and leadership education aligns closely with the core values of the program and leaves a lasting impression on each new generation of Citizens.
Today, he continues to speak across the country, blending leadership, service, and endurance into powerful lessons for civic engagement and personal purpose. His dedication to honoring veterans and his tireless work in the community embody the very ideals The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State seeks to instill in its Citizens.
Brace yourselves for a life-changing opportunity you do not want to miss. Get ready to dive headfirst into one of the most respected and exclusive leadership academies available to rising high school seniors in the United States.
The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State (ALMBS) is not your typical classroom experience. This is a hands-on, fully immersive government simulation where YOU take charge of local, county, and state operations — from passing laws and arguing cases to managing emergency services and publishing news.
Held June 8–14, 2025 at WVU Jackson’s Mill – the original home since 1936.
This isn’t just camp — it’s a launchpad:
✅ Take on real roles in state, county, and city government
✅ Choose your path: Politics, Law, Journalism, Banking, Emergency Services, Law Enforcement, Corrections, Forensics, Homeland Security, or Business & Marketing
✅ Network with top students from across West Virginia
✅ Gain an edge for college, scholarships, and service academies
Limited spots remain! Don’t miss your chance to step into leadership, make lifelong friends, and stand out on every future application.
Founded in 1935 in response to socialist youth movements, the Boys State program is a proud American tradition with deep roots in civic education. The West Virginia chapter, ALMBS, is the second oldest in the nation and still held at its original location — a legacy unlike any other.
The program is sponsored by American Legion Posts, businesses, and community groups. Most Citizens attend at no personal cost. All you need to bring is your commitment to learn, lead, and make your mark.
So — are you ready to take your place in history?
Learn more and apply today at https://wvboysstate.org