Got Questions? We've got answers.

Below are the questions we are asked most frequently about our camps. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

• WHY SHOULD I ATTEND THE TEXAS BRIGADES? Almost without exception, cadets from past Brigade camps rank the Texas Brigades as the best camp 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, bass, and waterfowl! 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, how 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 20-30 cadets at each.
   
• WHERE WILL THE CAMPS BE HELD?
  • South Texas Buckskin Brigade - Southern Star Ranch, Uvalde, 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
  • Bass Brigade - Warren Ranch, Santa Anna, TX
  • Waterfowl Brigade - BigWoods on the Trinity, Tennessee Colony, TX
  
   
• HOW DO I APPLY? Applications may be submitted online or printed from this website and submitted (available January 2012). Or, you may obtain an application by contacting Helen Holdsworth or Kassi Scheffer. Phone: 855-TXBRIGS
  E-mail: hholdsworth@texas-wildlife.org or kscheffer@texas-wildlife.org
  
  Or Snail Mail:
  c/o Texas Wildlife Association
  2800 NE Loop 410, Ste.105
  San Antonio, TX, 78218
  Applications are due March 15, 2012.
  
   
• 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 of the Bobwhite Brigades, as well as the Bass Brigade and Waterfowl Brigade. In order to accommodate as many participants as possible, though, it is unlikely you will be accepted to more than 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 may possibly 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 $400, 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. Interested in applying for a Scholarship to help you get to camp? Click Here to download important scholarship information. 
   
• 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 Coalition. The Brigades are supported by numerous individuals, private businesses, foundations, and other non-profit organizations.