North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade (NDWTFL)
This intense, five-day camp centers on the ecology of ducks and other water-birds that make their homes in North Dakota. The North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade motivates youth (ages 13-17) to become conservation ambassadors by learning the necessary skills to become the leaders of tomorrow. All you need is a desire to learn about hunting heritage, nature, and outdoor sciences.
2027 applications available November 1, 2026!
During the camp, participants will study aquatic vegetation, the importance of wetland ecosystems, waterfowl biology and flock dynamics, land and water stewardship, natural resource management, and how to identify waterfowl using all your senses. Becoming a conservation advocate is also accomplished with lessons on life-skills, such as working as a team, improved public speaking and communication, and leadership. There are also activities involving photography, journaling, and painting. Hunting skills, safety, and ethics are also covered. Come join us in our outdoor classroom nested along the Missouri River in Washburn, ND.
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Is this camp for you? Check below to find out:
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If you live in or around North Dakota and want to hone your leadership skills in the science and conservation spaces, this camp is for you.
Texas Brigades is excited to work with North Dakota organizations and conservation professionals to connect adolescents (ages 13-17) to wildlife conservation and stewardship of our natural resources. With the incorporation of leadership skills and critical thinking, the young participants grow into conservation ambassadors in their own communities.
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This program is a 5-day, overnight leadership camp designed to develop the skills and tools adolescents need to build their connections to the outdoors but also build advocates for natural resources stewardship.
Participants will study wetland vegetation, the importance of functional ecosystems for nesting, waterfowl biology and flock dynamics, land and water stewardship, natural resource management, and how to identify waterfowl using all your senses.
Participants are assigned a Flock (group/team) and work together throughout the week.
Participants are:
(1) Cadets who are between the ages of 13-17* (*incoming HS senior).
(2) Assistant Flock Leaders who are cadets from the previous camp year who completed a record book.
(3) Flock Leaders who are adults (21+) who must have a passion to connect youth to nature by learning and guiding them through the week (no prior wildlife/waterfowl/conservation knowledge required).
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North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade is set for June 22-26, 2027 and will be hosted at the Stiklestad Lodge in Fort Ransom, ND.
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This program is a 5-day, overnight leadership camp with meals, lodging, in-camp travel, and materials included. Travel to and from camp is a participant cost.
Cadet Cost: $500*
*Fee includes a $100 deposit. Tuition sponsorships are available, so please do not let tuition be a barrier.
Assistant Leader/Special Agent: No cost (must have graduated from a Brigade camp, must have submitted an application, and must have submitted a BOA).
Adult Leader: No cost. Your time is worth its weight in gold! No conservation experience required.
2027 Applications Coming Soon!
Applications are available November 1, 2026 - March 15, 2027
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BECOMING A BRIGADE 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 as a Cadet to North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade is a competitive process. Cadet applications require the completion of two essay questions (see below) and listing achievements, honors, awards, and hobbies.
Please make sure to consider your parent’s/guardian’s summer schedule, as well as your own, when applying.
Tuition assistance is available, and we can help guide you to local resources. Please do not let tuition be a barrier!
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BECOMING A BRIGADE ASSISTANT LEADER
You may apply for this position if you have previously graduated from any 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 5-6 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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BECOMING A BRIGADE 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 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 BRIGADE 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 (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 summer heat & humidity, walking through scrub, 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 5-6 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.
Committee Members & Volunteer Instructors
Are you a NDWTFL Committee Volunteer? Or have you been recruited/invited by a committee volunteer to instruct at camp? If so, register with the organization here:
