Texas Brigades

By Justin Nelson

   Texas Brigades is a nonprofit organization with a mission to educate and empower students ages 13-17 with leadership skills and knowledge in wildlife, fisheries and land stewardship to become conservation ambassadors for a sustained natural resource legacy. Texas Brigades accomplishes this mission by hosting 5-day summer camps that focus on a specific species and ecosystems. Camps include: Bob White Brigade, Buckskin Brigade, Ranch Brigade, Bass Brigade, Waterfowl Brigade and Coastal Brigades. The Brigade motto is “Tell me and I forget, Show me and I remember, Involve me and I understand”. 

   In 2023 I had the opportunity to attend the South Texas Buckskin Brigade summer camp. At this camp I learned about deer anatomy and physiology through hand on training. I learned about deer ecosystems by completing a plant collection and studying plants that attract deer. Aldo Leopold believed that the same five tools that have the potential to destroy an ecosystem, also have the potential to restore it when utilized responsibly. Using this information we learned how the ax, cow, plow, fire and gun can maximize or destroy a wildlife habitat. We learned gun and archery safety and skills, as well as, media, wildlife photography and wildlife journaling skills. Professionals in the wildlife industry such as Game Wardens, Taxidermists, and Wildlife Biologists came to speak to us about their knowledge and arts. We learned to rattle antlers, score deer and how to net deer from a helicopter for capture. I learned so much at this camp that I wanted to return to camp in 2024 as a Junior Herd Leader. 

   In order to do this, I was charged with completing a Book of Accomplishments. This meant that I had to speak to groups about the South Texas Buckskin Brigade as well as expand my knowledge of deer conservation. I created a slideshow about camp and presented it to Chambers County 4-H groups and to the Career Classes at Anahuac Middle School. I displayed my poster at various archery competitions, feed stores and wildlife events, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Archery Competition. Over Christmas Break, I completed a five day internship with a wildlife processor as well as a two day internship with a taxidermist. My efforts paid off and I was one of five students who got to return to camp in 2024 as a Junior Herd Leader. I also received a college scholarship in the amount of $1900.00. My camp experience in 2024 was every bit as great as the year before. Now I would like to return to camp in 2025 as a Special Agent. In order to do so I have to complete another Book of Accomplishments as well as organize a conservation event in my community. My friend Wyatt Trainer, is also working on his Book of Accomplishments to return to camp in 2025 as a Junior Herd Leader. The Commissioner’s of Chamber’s County heard about our aspirations and allowed us to present at Commissioners’ Court about the South Texas Buckskin Brigade Camp and what it means to us. I have never presented in such a formal setting but this was an incredible experience. I feel very honored to have County Commissioners support me in this journey. Thank you Chambers County for being not only a great place to live but for building up your youth the way you do. If anyone would like to come alongside me and help me organize a conservation event, I welcome the guidance and the help.