By Jessica Domel
Multimedia Reporter

Time is running out for Texas youth to apply for one of several hands-on, engaging summer camps designed to introduce them to the animals, habitats and natural resources that make Texas unique and how they can be conserved for future generations.

Youth ages 13-17 have until March 15 to apply for Texas Brigades Summer Camps.

“Texas Brigades is a non-profit organization, and we are known for our brigade summer camps,” Natalie Wolff, executive director of Texas Brigades, said. “There are two Bobwhite Brigade camps, two Buckskin Brigade camps, two Ranch Brigade camps and then we have Bass Brigade, Waterfowl Brigade and Coastal Brigade.”

The five-day camps run from June through July, which gives youth an opportunity to select a camp based on their interest, the date that best fits their schedule or the location of the camp.

Campers who attend the Bobwhite Brigade will learn the anatomy and biology of bobwhite quail, their diet, nutritional needs, habitat requirements, covey dynamics, predator and habitat management and natural resource management.

The Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade is June 7-11 in Rising Star.

The South Texas Bobwhite Brigade is June 24-28 in McCoy.

“They are going to learn quite a bit of things through the camps, so essentially, whatever the topic is of the camp, they are going to be learning about that species,” Wolff said in an interview with the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network.

The Buckskin Brigade will cover the ecology of white-tailed deer, their habitat and diet, population dynamics and natural resource management.

The South Texas Buckskin Brigade will be June 11-15 in La Pryor.

The North Texas Buckskin Brigade will follow July 23-27 in Santa Anna.

Like the other brigades, the Ranch Brigade will cover natural resource management. There, campers will also learn about land stewardship, livestock production, low-stress livestock handling, grassland management and nutrition and livestock marketing.

The South Texas Ranch Brigade is June 24-28 in Freer.

The Ranch Brigade follows July 17-21 in Santa Anna.

Campers who are selected for the Bass Brigade will learn about aquatic ecosystems, pond and lake management and natural resource management.

The camp is July 5-9 in Santa Anna.

The Waterfowl Brigade follows July 12-16 in Garwood. It will cover the importance of wetland ecosystems, waterfowl biology, flock dynamics, land and water stewardship and natural resource management.

The Coastal Brigade will focus on fish identification, saltwater species collection techniques, water quality, habitat management, angling, boating safety and natural resource management.

The camp is July 25-29 in Galveston.

Ranch, wildlife brigades teach youth valuable skills Time is running out for Texas youth to apply for one of several hands-on, engaging summer camps designed to introduce them to the animals, habitats and natural resources.

While the camps focus on conservation, natural resources and wildlife, Wolff said they’re also a great opportunity for youth to learn other valuable skills that can last them a lifetime.

“The true beauty of a brigades camp is the leadership aspect. That is what sets us apart from all other camps. It is regimented. That’s why we call it a brigade. It’s not military, but they’re moving. They are going all day from one presentation, to the outside, to handling quail or handling livestock, whichever camp they may be going to,” Wolff said. “They are learning these aspects, but they’re also learning team building skills. They’re learning their individual strengths and challenges.”

Camp goers also learn about public speaking while building the internal confidence needed to speak on behalf of natural resource and conservation needs.

“In true form, that is what we are trying to do—get them educated but also motivated to be a steward and to be an ambassador for our natural resources no matter what they want to be when they grow up,” Wolff said.

Those interested in attending one of the summer camps should not wait until the last minute to apply as there are some requirements that need to be met.

“We always want to get to know our applicants through our application, and we do have some long answer questions,” Wolff said. “We really just want to know what their interests are and maybe what their understanding of conservation is prior to coming to camp, so we definitely don’t want them to wait until the last minute because we want them to put a little thought into what they’re submitting.”

Adult leaders, assistant leaders and other volunteers are needed for the camps and may apply at TexasBrigades.org. The deadline to apply is March 15.

People can also help send youth to the Texas Brigades Summer Camps by donating online.

“The cost is $500 for each cadet. That is an all-inclusive cost for five days, but we know that that’s still a challenge for some. So, we have the opportunity of working with donors and organizations throughout the state to help cover those costs either in full or in part,” Wolff said. “We always encourage cadets to reach out to businesses and feed stores and conservation organizations in their communities, but if they’re struggling with that, that’s where we come in and we can help connect them.”

Details on how to apply to attend a brigade, how to volunteer and make a donation are available at TexasBrigades.org.