he Texas Brigades is a wildlife-focused leadership development program for high school youth (ages 13-17). There are four different camps: Bobwhite Brigade, Buckskin Brigade, Feathered Forces and
Bass Brigade. You will be introduced to habitat management, hone your communication skills, and develop a land ethic. Top wildlife professionals and resource managers serve as instructors and mentors. Each camp is 4 ½ days long.
The camps are held on private ranches and at environmental camps in different areas of the state. In addition to learning animal anatomy and behavior, botany, nutrition, habitat management, population dynamics, etc., you will learn valuable leadership skills. You will write news releases, practice public speaking, and find out how to handle radio and television interviews.
Through these activities, you will develop valuable life skills that will help you no matter your goals.
If you are interested in biology, conservation or just appreciate the outdoors, you should consider applying to one of these camps. You are guaranteed to love it.
WHY SHOULD I ATTEND THE TEXAS BRIGADES?
Almost without exception, cadets from past Brigade camps rank the Texas Brigades as the best they have ever attended! In fact, most return home from the hardest week of work they have ever been through, to work throughout the year for the opportunity to return as an assistant leader!
WHAT WILL I LEARN AT THE TEXAS BRIGADES?
Each camp is unique, but you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about deer, quail, and turkey! You will study anatomy, biology, habitat management, population dynamics, conservation, watershed management, and more. In addition to a heaping dose of ecology, you will study photography, art, entomology, botany, fly-tying, firearm safety, and leadership skills.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN "LEADERSHIP SKILLS"?
No matter what profession you choose, it will be important for you to develop the ability to think, plan, and communicate. Many of the activities at the Texas Brigades revolve around teambuilding and critical thinking. A major component of the Brigades involves developing your ability to tell your story to the people in your community. You will learn to write for the print media, to present educational programs, and even how to be interviewed on the radio and television.
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS?
All students with an interest in biology, wildlife, fisheries, conservation, or the outdoors are encouraged to apply. You must be 13-17 years of age and
you should also be willing to commit to conducting a minimum of three educational programs when you return home.
HOW MANY CADETS ARE AT THE CAMP?
Each camp is a little different because of facilities. There will be 25-30 cadets at each.
WHERE WILL THE CAMPS BE HELD?
South Texas Buckskin Brigade - La Bandera, Carrizo Springs, TX
Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade - Centennial Lodge, Coleman, TX
South Texas Bobwhite Brigade - 74 Ranch, Campbellton, TX
North Texas Buckskin Brigade - Stasney's Cook Ranch, Albany, TX
East Texas Feathered Forces - Hill Top Camp & Conference Center, Nacogdoches, TX
Bass Brigade - Fort Parker State Park, Mexia, TX
HOW DO I APPLY?
Applications may be printed from this website and submitted. Or, you may obtain an application by contacting Helen Holdsworth.
Phone: 1-800-TEX-WILD x 120 or 1-210-332-3560
E-mail: h_holdsworth@texas-wildlife.org
Or Snail Mail:
c/o Texas Wildlife Association
2800 NE Loop 410, Ste.105
San Antonio, TX, 78213
Applications are due April 1.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I AM ACCEPTED?
All applications are evaluated by the camp steering committee. The committee selects the cadets and two alternates. All applicants will be notified of their status following the selection progress.
MAY I APPLY TO MORE THAN ONE CAMP?
Yes, you may apply to one of the Buckskin camps and to either the Bobwhite Brigade or the Feathered Forces, and to the Bass Brigade. In order to
accommodate as many participants as possible, though, you will probably only be accepted to one camp.
IS THERE ANY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT THAT I WILL NEED FOR THE CAMP?
Successful applicants will be given a detailed list of items to bring. Plan on bringing a camera, clothes to wear in the field (boots are a must!), sunscreen and bug spray. You will also be doing some shooting, so bring ear and eye protection if you have it. We will have safety equipment, firearms, and ammunition.
IS THERE A FEE?
Yes. The fee is $300 which covers meals, lodging, and supplies. We encourage you to solicit all or part of your fee from your local Soil and Water Conservation District, bank, civic group, or conservation organization. The Brigades will help you locate a sponsor if requested. Don't let money stop you from applying! We will help you find financial assistance.
WHO ORGANIZES THE TEXAS BRIGADES?
The Texas Brigades is a cooperative effort of
Texas AgriLife Extension Service,
Texas Wildlife Association,
Texas Parks & Wildlife,
USDA-NRCS,
and
Texas Chapters of Quail Unlimited,
and the National Wild Turkey Federation.
The Brigades are supported by numerous individuals, private businesses, foundations, and other non-profit organizations. Click here for a list of the latest donors to the Texas Brigades. Texas Brigades Donors
