Frequently Asked Questions

Almost without exception, cadets from past Brigade camps rank Texas Brigades as the best camp they have ever attended! Most return home from the camp week transformed and inspired to work throughout the year for the opportunity to return as an assistant leader, for college scholarships, and other opportunities!

There is truly no other summer experience similar to attending a Brigade camp. Where else are you able to electrofish, shoot rocket nets, take part in a prescribed fire demo, and work cattle alongside industry professionals?

Each camp is unique, but you will learn everything you've wanted to know about deer, quail, bass, waterfowl, marine & freshwater species, and cattle! You will study anatomy, biology, habitat management, population dynamics, conservation, watershed management, and more. Along with a heaping dose of ecology, you will study photography, art, history, entomology, botany, fly-tying, firearm safety, team-building, critical thinking, and leadership skills. There is something for everyone!

No matter your future profession, it is important to develop and practice the abilities to think, plan, and communicate. Many of the activities at Texas Brigades camps revolve around team building and critical thinking. A major component of Brigades involves developing the ability to tell your story to the people in your community. You will learn to write for the print media, present educational programs, and even prepare to be interviewed on visual media.

All students interested in biology, wildlife, fisheries, conservation, ranching, science, 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.

While we want you to have an interest in the outdoors, it is not a requirement that you wish to pursue a career in the outdoor space! The skills gained at camp will serve you later in life regardless of it you choose to become a biologist, veterinarian, doctor, lawyer, or teacher.

*You can apply as an 18-year-old if you are an entering your Senior year of high school.

Each camp is a little different due to its facility accommodations and capacity. There are 24-30 cadets who participate in each camp.

• Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade – 1687 Foundation, Rising Star, TX

• South Texas Buckskin Brigade – Chaparrosa Ranch, La Pryor, TX

• South Texas Bobwhite Brigade – Buck Horn Creek Ranch, McCoy, TX

• South Texas Ranch Brigade – Duval County Ranch, Freer, TX

• Bass Brigade – Bonham State Park, Bonham, TX

• Waterfowl Brigade – Pintail Hunting Club, Garwood, TX

• Ranch Brigade – 1687 Foundation, Rising Star, TX

• North Texas Buckskin Brigade – Warren Ranch, Santa Anna, TX

• Coastal Brigade – The Oak Island Lodge, Anauhac, TX

• North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade - Stiklestad Lodge, Fort Ransom, ND

Head to the "Applications" tab at the top of this webpage. Select the appropriate position (Cadet, Adult Leader, Assistant Leader, or Special Assistant) and select the application button. Complete the application in one session, as your answers cannot be saved before submission. Once submitted, you should receive a confirmation email within 72 hours.

We highly encourage early application submissions due to the high workload volume closer to the deadline. Camp correspondence and inquiries should contact camps@texasbrigades.org.

Immediately following the application deadline, all on-time applications are distributed to and evaluated by the appropriate camp steering committee. The camp committees select their cadets and alternates. All applicants, regardless of their selection status (selected, waitlist, or late), will be notified by April 15th.

Yes, you may apply to more than one camp.

Cadets: To accommodate as many participants as possible, it is unlikely to be accepted to more than one camp. You must submit more than one cadet application if you’re interested in attending more than one camp as a cadet.

Adult Leaders: If interested in assisting with more than one camp, let us know in one application and rank your preferences accordingly.

Assistant Leaders: If you have graduated from the camp and submitted a Book of Accomplishments, you qualify and can apply for the camp(s).

Special Agents: If you have graduated from the camp and submitted a Book of Accomplishments with leadership qualifiers, you qualify and can apply for the camp(s).

Selected applicants will have access to a detailed packing list. Plan on coming to camp RESTED and open to learning. Bring field and classroom clothes to wear (close-toed field shoes are a must!), possibly bedding, and toiletries. Camp-specific materials, safety equipment, and field supplies like sunscreen and bug spray are provided at camp.

Yes. The fee of $600 covers all meals, lodging, and supplies. We encourage you to solicit all or part of your fee from your local Soil and Water Conservation District, bank(s), civic or community group(s), or conservation organization(s). Upon request, Texas Brigades will help you locate a sponsor. Do not let money stop you from applying! We will help you find financial assistance.

Please see our FAQ section below regarding tuition.

We understand that things happen and schedules sometimes change. We ask that you communicate with us as soon as you know you won’t be able to attend. We keep active waitlists so that we’re able to fill spots as they become available.

The $100 tuition deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel with at least two weeks notice (prior to the start date of camp), we’ll refund any payments made beyond the deposit. If you cancel with less than two weeks notice, we will not be able to issue any refunds.

Texas Brigades is cared for by its Executive Director (Allie Biedenharn), Program Manager, (Elizabeth Palarski), Operations Manager (Hannah Thornton), seasonal staff, and an elected Board of Directors.

Bobwhite Brigade, doing business as Texas Brigades, is a non-profit organization formed by a cooperative effort of volunteers with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, USDA-NRCS, and the Texas Wildlife Association.

These legacy partners provide varying levels of support. Texas Brigades is sustained by numerous volunteers and donors, from individuals and private businesses to foundations and other non-profit organizations.