Applications accepted until March 15

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, [email protected]

Contacts: Natalie Wolff, 210-556-1391, [email protected]  

Dr. Dale Rollins, 325-653-4576, [email protected]

SAN ANGELO – The Texas Brigades, a series of seven youth leadership camps centered around various wildlife and natural resource subjects, are open for registration, organizers said.

Dr. Dale Rollins, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service wildlife specialist at San Angelo and the camps’ founder, said applications are now being accepted, but must be in by the March 15 deadline.

The all-inclusive tuition for each camp is $500 per cadet. Rollins said applications for tuition assistance are available.

To apply or for more information, go to https://www.texasbrigades.org or contact the Texas Brigades headquarters in San Antonio, at 210-556-1391 or [email protected].  

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Bobwhite Brigade cadets learn to radio-collar Bobwhite quail, release and track them using telemetry equipment. (Bobwhite Brigade photo by cadet Lacy Bland)

The 2018 camp dates and locations are:

– June 2-6, Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade, Centennial Lodge, Coleman.

– June 17-21, South Texas Buckskin Brigade, Welder Wildlife Refuge, Sinton.

– June 22-26, South Texas Bobwhite Brigade, Buckhorn Creek Ranch, McCoy.

– July 6-10, Bass Brigade, Warren Ranch, Santa Anna.

– July 16-20, Ranch Brigade, Warren Ranch.

– July 17-21, Coastal Brigade, Sea Star Base, Galveston.

– July 22-26, North Texas Buckskin Brigade, Warren Ranch.

Each camp, limited to 30 participants, is an intense resource-focused leadership development program for youth 13-17 years-old. The programs, each with a single featured theme, include two quail camps and one each on deer, bass, redfish, waterfowl and ranching.

“The ultimate goal is to equip youth with the resources and conviction they’ll need to make a positive, informed difference in conservation and land stewardship throughout their lives,” Rollins said.

“When we started these camps 26 years ago with the original Bobwhite Brigade, I had no idea the camps would last this long, nor impact so many youths. My experiences with the Brigades have been the highlight of my career.”

The Texas Brigades have evolved into a non-profit organization, Rollins said. It works in partnership with AgriLife Extension, Texas Wildlife Association, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, as well as universities, conservation groups, local soil and water conservation districts, private businesses and individuals with an interest in wildlife and youth leadership development.

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