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Cadets at a Bobwhite Brigade camp learn about bobwhite habitat requirements and land management.

Writer: Susan Himes, 325-657-7315, Susan.Himes@ag.tamu.edu

Contact: Program Manager McKenzie Mull, 210-556-1391, camps@texasbrigades.org

SAN ANGELO –Texas Brigades is now accepting applications for its youth summer camps. The seven leadership camps focus on natural resources and wildlife conservation and are open to youth 13-17 years of age. The all-inclusive tuition for each camp is $500 per participant and the application deadline is March 15.

Each camp features a single theme and is limited to 30 participants, called cadets. Themes include deer, bass, redfish, waterfowl, ranching and quail camps.

Dr. Dale Rollins, Texas A&M Extension Service wildlife specialist, came up with the idea for Texas Brigades in order to expand AgriLife Extension’s educational efforts through the development of the next generation of wildlife ambassadors.

“The quality we develop in these cadets is, quite simply, maturity- that’s a big deal for a 14-year-old,” said Rollins. “Participants in these ‘conservation boot camps’ leave with a deep appreciation of our wildlife, and what kind of leaders will be needed to conserve it for their generation.”

He said one of the greatest compliments he and others receive as camp administrators comes from the parents of the cadets.

“The changes they see in their teen are palpable, and they appreciate the importance of public speaking and other leadership skills their teen learns,” he said.

The 2019 summer camp dates and locations are:

  • June 7-11, Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade, Centennial Lodge, Coleman.
  • June 16-20, South Texas Buckskin Brigade, Welder Wildlife Refuge, Sinton.
  • June 22-26, South Texas Bobwhite Brigade, Buck Horn Creek Ranch, McCoy.
  • July 7-11, North Texas Buckskin Brigade, Warren Ranch, Santa Anna.
  • July 16-20, Coastal Brigade, Sea Star Base, Galveston.
  • July 17-21, Bass Brigade, Warren Ranch, Santa Anna.
  • July 22-26, Ranch Brigade, Warren Ranch, Santa Anna.

To apply or for more information, go to www.texasbrigades.org/applications or contact the Texas Brigades headquarters in San Antonio, at 210-556-1391 or camps@texasbrigades.org. Applications for tuition assistance are also available.

Texas Brigades is a nonprofit organization that 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. Other collaborators include universities, conservation groups, local soil and water conservation districts, private businesses, individuals with an interest in natural resources, and those involved in wildlife conservation and youth leadership development.

 

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