SUMMER CAMP APPLICATIONS
Applications submitted after March 15, 2026 will be added to the waitlist.
2026 Texas Brigades Summer Camps:
Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade (June 7-11 in Rising Star, TX)
South Texas Buckskin Brigade (June 7-11 in La Pryor, TX)
South Texas Bobwhite Brigade (June 17-21 in McCoy, TX)
South Texas Ranch Brigade (June 27 - July 1 in Freer, TX)
Bass Brigade (July 8-12 in Santa Anna, TX)
Ranch Brigade (July 13-17 in Santa Anna, TX)
Waterfowl Brigade (July 22-26 in Garwood, TX)
North Texas Buckskin Brigade (July 26-30 in Santa Anna, TX)
Coastal Brigade (July 28 - August 1 in Anahuac, TX)
Summer Camp Application Information:
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BECOMING A TEXAS BRIGADES CADET
We are seeking 13-17-year-old students (incoming 8th graders to incoming high school seniors) who are highly motivated, active in extracurricular activities, and interested in learning more about the outdoors, wildlife, sciences, stewardship, and natural resource conservation.
Being selected for a Texas Brigades Summer Camp (becoming a Cadet) is a competitive process. Cadet applications require the completion of two essay questions (see below) and listing achievements, honors, awards, and hobbies.
Applicants rank their top 3 Texas Brigades Summer Camp choices. Please make sure to consider your parent’s/guardian’s summer schedule, and your own, when making camp selections.
Tuition assistance is available, and we can help guide you to local resources. Please do not let tuition be a barrier!
Note: This is the Cadet application for Texas camps only. The Cadet application for North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade is separate and can be found below under the “North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade Applications” tab.
Cadet Application Here! -
BECOMING A TEXAS BRIGADES ASSISTANT LEADER
You may apply for this position if you have previously graduated from Texas Brigades Summer Camp and are interested in being a leader among your peers. As an Assistant Leader, you will assist your Adult Leader and assigned group throughout camp. From the classroom to the field you will guide your group to success! Your role is a vital part in helping the camp run successfully.
Becoming an Assistant Leader is a competitive, TWO PART process. You must submit a Book of Accomplishments (BOA) and complete this application to be considered for an Assistant Leader position and/or for a college scholarship. This application requires the completion of an essay question (see below). You may apply now and submit your BOA closer to the deadline.
Applications (and BOAs) for each camp are graded by the camp steering committee. The top 4-6 applicants are selected to return as Assistant Leaders and college scholarships are awarded based on the quality of the BOA. If you are not selected as an Assistant Leader, or cannot attend camp, you are still eligible for a college scholarship. You do not have to be a graduating senior to be awarded a college scholarship.
For instructions on how to submit your Book of Accomplishments (BOA) or tips on constructing it, check out our Resources page.
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Note: This is the Assistant Leader application for Texas camps only. The Assistant Leader application for North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade is separate and can be found below under the “North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade Applications” tab.
Assistant Leader Application Here! -
BECOMING A TEXAS BRIGADES SPECIAL AGENT
You may apply for this position if you have previously graduated from a camp and are interested in assisting a specific camp committee; preference is given to those who have at least one (1) year of Assistant Leader experience. As a Special Agent, you will assist Camp Instructors and Texas Brigades Summer Staff with a variety of camp duties. From filling water coolers to setting up for the next activity or even helping conduct room inspections, your role plays a vital part in helping the camp run successfully.
Becoming a Special Agent is a competitive, TWO PART process. To be considered, you must submit a Book of Accomplishments (BOA) and complete this application. This application also requires that you complete an essay question (see below). You may apply now and submit your book closer to the deadline.
Applications (and BOAs) for each camp are reviewed by the camp steering committee; the top 1-3 applicants are selected to return as Special Agents.
For instructions on how to submit your Book of Accomplishments (BOA) or tips on constructing it, check out our Resources page.
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BECOMING A TEXAS BRIGADES ADULT LEADER
We are seeking highly motivated individuals who are interested in the outdoors, wildlife, and natural resource conservation, who wish to share that interest with adolescents, and who are ABLE TO HANDLE THE HIGH AMOUNTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WHILE AT CAMP.
An Adult Leader (i.e. Covey Leader, Herd Leader, School Leader, or Flock Leader) serves as a mentor, counselor, and guide for five or six teenagers (13-17 years of age) as they progress through a five-day camp.
As an Adult Leader, you will participate in ALL of the activities the youth participate in, some physically demanding. Physical activity will include team-building and leadership exercises, being in and outdoors throughout the day, walking/marching in Texas summer heat & humidity, walking through brush, etc. If the kids can do it–you can too! Experience with wildlife, fisheries, animals, or agriculture is not required.
Becoming an Adult Leader is a competitive, TWO PART process. To be considered, you must complete this application AND background check (link will be emailed). Applications for each camp are pooled and selected by the camp steering committee; the top 4-6 applicants are selected and notified. Immediate family members of youth applicants might not be selected as an Adult Leader for the same camp.
You are asked to provide the contact information for two references (no family members, please) as part of your application. Applicants or references from our partner organizations are encouraged.
Note: This is the Adult Leader application for Texas camps only. The Adult Leader application for North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade is separate and can be found below under the “North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade Applications” tab.
Adult Leader Application Here! -
To learn more about North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade (NDWTFL) and navigate the available applications, please head to the NDWTFL landing page below!
Applications for our camp in North Dakota are separate from the applications for our Texas camps. Applications are due March 31, 2025.
STAFF APPLICATIONS
Interested in supporting Texas Brigades in a staffing role? Click the different positions below to familiarize yourself with each opportunity and apply by or before the deadline. We look forward to processing your application!
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Summer Staff positions are seasonal, paid staff roles with the Texas Brigades office, headquartered in New Braunfels, TX.
You may apply for a summer staff position if you are interested in assisting Texas Brigades to execute its Summer camps & programs.
You must have a valid Texas driver's license to be considered.
Familiarity with Texas Brigades camps (have previously attended camps, have completed projects/submitted a Book of Accomplishments) is preferred but not required. All applicants MUST be 18 years of age prior to first day of work.
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Texas Brigades hires contract positions on an as-needed bases, such as data entry, bookkeeping, etc.
OTHER APPLICATIONS
See and click below for other applications or to be directed to the appropriate registration, information, or registry.
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Texas Brigades is involved with the nationwide Confluence of Young Conservation Leaders (CYCL). Every two years, a different CYCL partner hosts the CYCL event. Texas Brigades hosted the 2019 CYCL in Austin, TX.
This event presents an opportunity to meet and network with other young leaders with a passion for the conservation of natural resources. Previous attendees have come from Texas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Florida, Oklahoma, Virginia, and South Carolina.
Texas Brigades facilitators will select up to six (6) Brigades graduates (ages 18-21) from across the state. The application deadline is September 20, 2024. Chosen candidates will be notified by September 27, 2024.
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OUR VOLUNTEER REGISTRY IS OPEN YEAR-ROUND!
Volunteers are the heart of Texas Brigades. Our programs utilize volunteers every summer as Committee Members and Instructors. Year-round, our volunteers serve as mentors for our cadets and organizers of our events. By registering as a volunteer, you allow us to match you with Texas Brigades volunteer opportunities that might interest you in your area! Please note: the Volunteer Registry is NOT the Adult Leader application. If you wish to attend one of our camps as an Adult Leader, you need to fill out the Adult Leader application in the Camp Application section above.
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The Texas Brigades Board of Directors work with the Executive Director of Texas Brigades.
Currently, the Texas Brigades board is seeking nominations for open positions.
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Texas Brigades is continually seeking new opportunities to fill in the missing links to achieve large-scale agricultural and natural resource literacy in Texas’ youth.
W.I.L.D. was created in an effort to further develop participants’ knowledge of wildlife and natural resource conservation. W.I.L.D. is an advanced program that engages and exposes participants to natural resource policies and procedures, hands-on field research and data, career-building and professionalism.
The next W.I.L.D. Class (VIII) is currently being curated. Applications will open when available.
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Each Experience is free and has a registration process.
Currently, we are working with partners to develop upcoming Experiences across the state. Stay tuned!