By Jennifer Whitlock
Field Editor

Texas Brigades, a collection of wildlife and natural resource-focused leadership development programs, strives to bring wildlife to life for Texas youth.

One of the non-profit organization’s most popular programs, the five-day summer camp series, is back for summer 2021.

“Our most popular program is our summer camps, and we’ve been doing those from the very beginning in 1993,” Natalie Wolff, executive director of Texas Brigades, said. “We have eight camps lined up this summer, where each camp has a focal species relevant to the area the camp is being hosted in.”

At the Bobwhite Brigade camps, for example, held this year in the Rolling Plains and South Texas areas, “cadets” will learn more about the Northern bobwhite quail.

“Kids learn about habitat styles and habitat needs for different species. They’re learning how to manage those needs, the different survey methods and how to manipulate those environments to help that species or to help that system, depending on what they’re learning,” Wolff said. “Then we liken that to a kid’s environment. You need to understand what’s going on in your life. You can manipulate those factors, surround yourself with good people. So, it’s just a really magical way to wrap all of that into one five-day intensive session.”

This year, Texas Brigades will host two bobwhite-focused camps, two white-tailed deer-focused camps and one camp covering waterfowl, coastal wildlife, bass and land stewardship. In addition to learning more about wildlife, students bring home other lessons about careers in natural resource conservation.

“We do have some lectures, but we’re really hands-on. We actually take the kids out into the field to learn about conservation careers—like how to go out and do surveys, or with Coastal Brigades, they take them out on the bay in a boat. Kids get to work with professionals like that,” Dominique Meyer, program manager, said. “It’s not just sitting in a classroom, writing in a notebook. It’s a lot of fun, and we know through hands-on learning, knowledge will stick with you for longer.”

The lessons learned extend beyond the classroom, too.

“We bring in media presence, talk about public speaking, learn how to write, do different leadership and teambuilding exercises. It’s just a fun avenue to get information to kids,” Elizabeth Brogan, program manager, said.

Volunteers from organizations like Texas Farm Bureau and the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo have assisted in the past to help youth learn to conduct media interviews, as well as be interviewed about their works, Wolff added.

“The kids learn speaking skills, interview skills, social media marketing. They’re learning from professionals that what you put out there matters,” Wolff said in an interview with the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network. “They learn about writing for a brand, understanding what the organization stands for and how perceptions matter. It all boils down to critical thinking skills, so it’s a really good exercise.”

The camps are open to Texas youth ages 13 to 17.

Wolff noted the camp locations are purposefully distributed across the state to encourage kids from all areas and walks of life to participate.

“For any kid out there who is looking for something new, exciting, interesting or something to just get outside and get away from the house, we have eight camps that they can choose from based on the location or based on their interest and available dates,” she said. “We know kids are really busy throughout the summer, so there’s lots of ways to choose their preferred camp. We encourage those who are interested to learn about the camps, see the dates, apply, let us know a little bit about yourself, and we hope to see you this summer.”

Applications are available at the Texas Brigades website and are due by March 15.

Tuition is $500, and financial assistance may be available.

Detailed application instructions and frequently asked questions are available online.