At The American Legion Boys State of Missouri, we hold true to the fundamental beliefs that have shaped the Boys State programs across the nation. We draw together the best and the brightest high school juniors each year in an effort to help lead them down the path of individual success and leadership through doing, not just learning. One idea paramount above any other at MBS: That the individual is the one with the power to change the world. Whether athlete or politician, journalist or scientist, each and every one of us has the power to make a difference in the world. We help them to do just that. Using our democratic system as a basis, each year we equip the citizens of MBS to construct their own state, utilizing the core values that hold true in our everyday lives. We teach the need for competition, the value of public office, the strength of the individual voice and vote. By reinforcing these basic American ideals, we help them all to shape the future.