TEXAS BRIGADES APPLICATIONS
THE DEADLINE HAS PASSED… PLEASE JOIN OUR WAITLIST!
2024 Summer Camp Applications Deadline March 15, 2024 (11:59pm) CST
Applications received after March 15 will be processed and added to the waitlist. Simply complete the below application(s) to be placed on the waitlist.
We aim to keep all of our camps full, so we often rely on the waitlist to accomplish this in instances of drops or cancellations. The earlier you join the waitlist, the better!
Interested in attending one of our Summer Brigade Camps? Click the different positions below to familiarize yourself with each opportunity. We look forward to processing your application!
2024 Texas Brigades Summer Camps:
North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade (June 3-7 in Washburn, ND)
South Texas Buckskin Brigade (June 9-13 in La Pryor, TX)
Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade (June 10-14 in Rising Star, TX)
South Texas Bobwhite Brigade (June 22-26 in McCoy, TX)
South Texas Ranch Brigade (June 22-26 in Freer, TX)
Bass Brigade (July 9-13 in Santa Anna, TX)
Ranch Brigade (July 15-19 in Santa Anna, TX)
Waterfowl Brigade (July 17-21 in Garwood, TX)
North Texas Buckskin Brigade (July 21-25 in Santa Anna, TX)
Coastal Brigade (July 23-27 in Galveston, TX)
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*This is NOT the application for North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade. Applications for our camp in North Dakota are separate from the applications for our Texas camps. Please see the “North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade Applications” tab below.
BECOMING A TEXAS BRIGADES 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 for a Texas Brigades Summer Camp (becoming a Cadet) is a competitive process. Cadet applications require the completion of two essay questions (see below) and listing achievements, honors, awards, and hobbies.
Applicants rank their top 3 Texas Brigades Summer Camp choices. Please make sure to consider your parent’s/guardian’s summer schedule, and your own, when making camp selections.
Tuition assistance is available, and we can help guide you to local resources.
IMPORTANT 2024 TIMELINES:
• March 15th – Application Deadline [11:59 pm]
• April 15th – Selection Notifications are made [via email]
• May 1st – Confirm Selection Notification & Camp Attendance
• May 15th – $100 Non-Refundable Deposit Due (applied towards camp fee)
• May 24th (STBUB & RPBB Only) – Paid in Full & CampDoc Health Profile Complete
• June 7th (STBOB & STRB Only) – Paid in Full & CampDoc Health Profile Complete
• June 26th (BASS & RANCH Only) – Paid in Full & CampDoc Health Profile Complete
• July 3rd (WTFL, NTBB & COAST Only) – Paid in Full & CampDoc Health Profile Complete
2024 CADET ESSAY QUESTIONS:
*We strongly encourage applicants to prepare answers to these questions prior to starting the application so they can easily transfer them into the application. Essay responses should be about 250 words per question.*
Why do you believe it is important for your generation to be educated about land stewardship and natural resource conservation?
What qualities make someone an effective leader, and how can you build and use these types of qualities to be a leader in your own community?
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*This is NOT the application for North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade. Applications for our camp in North Dakota are separate from the applications for our Texas camps. Please see the “North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade Applications” tab below.
BECOMING A TEXAS BRIGADES ASSISTANT LEADER
You may apply for this position if you have previously graduated from 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 4-6 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.
Important 2024 Timelines:
• March 15th – Application & Final BOA Deadline [11:59 pm]
• April 15th – Selection Notifications are made [via email]
• May 1st – Confirm Selection Notification & Camp Attendance
• May 24th (STBUB & RPBB Only) – CampDoc Health Profile Complete
• June 7th (STBOB & STRB Only) – CampDoc Health Profile Complete
• June 26th (BASS & RANCH Only) – CampDoc Health Profile Complete
• July 3rd (WTFL, NTBB & COAST Only) – CampDoc Health Profile Complete
2024 ESSAY QUESTION
* We strongly encourage applicants to have their answer prepared prior to starting the application for easy transfer. Essay response should be about 250 words.*
What do you perceive to be your strengths and challenges as a leader? How would being selected for this position help you grow as a leader?
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*This is NOT the application for North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade. Applications for our camp in North Dakota are separate from the applications for our Texas camps. Please see the “North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade Applications” tab below.
BECOMING A TEXAS BRIGADES 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 Texas Brigades 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.
IMPORTANT 2024 TIMELINES:
• March 15th – Application & Final BOA Deadline [11:59 pm]
• April 15th – Selection Notifications are made [via email]
• May 1st – Confirm Selection Notification & Camp Attendance
• May 24th (STBUB & RPBB Only) – CampDoc Health Profile Complete
• June 7th (STBOB & STRB Only) – CampDoc Health Profile Complete
• June 26th (BASS & RANCH Only) – CampDoc Health Profile Complete
• July 3rd (WTFL, NTBB, & COAST Only) – CampDoc Health Profile Complete
2024 ESSAY QUESTION
*We strongly encourage applicants to have this information prepared prior to starting the application for easy transfer. Essay response should be about 250 words.*
What has motivated you to apply as a Special Agent, and why should the camp committee select you to serve in this capacity?
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*This is NOT the application for North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade. Applications for our camp in North Dakota are separate from the applications for our Texas camps. Please see the “North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade Applications” tab below.
BECOMING A TEXAS BRIGADES 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 (i.e. Covey Leader, Herd Leader, School Leader, or 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 Texas summer heat & humidity, walking through brush, 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 4-6 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.
IMPORTANT 2024 TIMELINES:
• March 15th – Application Deadline [11:59 pm]
• April 15th – Selection Notifications are made [via email]
• May 1st – Confirm Selection Notification & Camp Attendance
• May 24th (STBUB & RPBB Only) – CampDoc Health Profile Complete
• June 7th (STBOB & STRB Only) – CampDoc Health Profile Complete
• June 26th (BASS & RANCH Only) – CampDoc Health Profile Complete
• July 3rd (WTFL, NTBB, & COAST Only) – CampDoc Health Profile Complete
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To learn more about North Dakota Waterfowl Brigade (NDWTFL) and navigate the available applications, please head to the NDWTFL landing page!
Applications for our camp in North Dakota are separate from the applications for our Texas camps.
STAFF APPLICATIONS
Interested in supporting Texas Brigades in a staffing role? Click the different positions below to familiarize yourself with each opportunity and apply by or before the deadline. We look forward to processing your application!
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Operations Manager, Full-time
Deadline to Apply: April 7, 2024
We are seeking a dynamic and organized Operations Manager to join our team and play a crucial role in the successful execution of our educational programs, specifically our summer Brigade camp program. The Operations Manager will oversee various aspects of program processes and general operations, ensuring a safe, efficient, and productive experience for staff, volunteers, and participants. The Operations Manager will report to the Executive Director, work under the Program Manager, and oversee seasonal summer staff.
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Summer Staff positions are seasonal, paid staff roles with the Texas Brigades office, headquartered in New Braunfels, TX.
You may apply for a summer staff position if you are interested in assisting Texas Brigades to execute its Summer camps & programs.
You must have a valid Texas driver's license to be considered.
Familiarity with Texas Brigades camps (have previously attended camps, have completed projects/submitted a Book of Accomplishments) and being 18 years or older is preferred but not required.
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Texas Brigades is working through a strategic planning process, where new positions will become available and open soon!
OTHER APPLICATIONS
See and click below for other applications or to be directed to the appropriate registration, information, or registry.
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Texas Brigades is involved with the nation-wide Confluence of Young Conservation Leaders (CYCL). Every two years a CYCL partner hosts the next CYCL event. Texas Brigades hosted the 2019 CYCL in Austin, TX.
We recently attended the 2022 Confluence of Young Conservation Leaders, October 20-23, 2022 in Poynette, Wisconsin.
This event is held every two years at a different location in the U.S. It presents an opportunity to meet and network with other young leaders with a passion for the conservation of natural resources. Previous attendees have come from Texas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Florida, Oklahoma, Virginia, and South Carolina.
Mackenzie Environmental Center
The center has separate sleeping accommodations for males and females, meeting rooms, and a commercial kitchen. For details, see MacKenzie Center | Wisconsin DNR.
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OUR VOLUNTEER REGISTRY IS OPEN YEAR-ROUND!
Volunteers are the heart of Texas Brigades. Our programs utilize volunteers every summer as Committee Members and Instructors. Year-round, our volunteers serve as mentors for our cadets and organizers of our events. By registering as a volunteer, you allow us to match you with Texas Brigades volunteer opportunities that might interest you in your area! Please note: the Volunteer Registry is NOT the Adult Leader application. If you wish to attend one of our camps as an Adult Leader, you need to fill out the Adult Leader application in the Camp Application section above.
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The Texas Brigades Board of Directors work with the Executive Director of Texas Brigades.
Currently, the Texas Brigades board is seeking nominations for open positions.
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Texas Brigades is continually seeking new opportunities to fill in the missing links to achieve large-scale agricultural and natural resource literacy in Texas’ youth.
W.I.L.D. was created in an effort to further develop participants’ knowledge of wildlife and natural resource conservation. W.I.L.D. is an advanced program that engages and exposes participants to natural resource policies and procedures, hands-on field rMore W.I.L.D. Infoesearch and data, career-building and professionalism.
The next W.I.L.D. Class (VIII) is currently being curated. Applications will open when available.
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Each Experience is free and has a registration process.
Currently, we are working with partners to develop upcoming Experiences across the state. Stay tuned!