Mentoring Young Conservationists at Summer Texas Bobwhite Brigades

With summer camp season in full swing, our Texas team has been out in the field mentoring and inspiring the next generation of wildlife conservation leaders. Staff members recently volunteered as instructors and Covey Leaders across two premier camps hosted by the Texas Brigades.

Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade (Rising Star, TX)

Staff provided hands-on instruction to cadets covering essential natural resource and wildlife management topics:

• Hands-on Biology: Cadets completed quail necropsies and studied Bobwhite ecology and behavior.

• Land Management & Safety: Instruction focused on native habitat evaluation, firearm safety, and proper land stewardship practices.

• Team Leadership: Kaitlyn Johnson and Sarah Smith served as Covey Leaders, guiding students throughout the week alongside instructors Jordan Davis and Development Officer Kyle Lusson.

South Texas Bobwhite Brigade (McCoy, TX)

Coordinating Wildlife Biologist Jocelyn Hernandez served as a Covey Leader, guiding her group through an intensive curriculum focused on habitat evaluation and leadership:

• Applied Habitat Tools: Cadets learned the practical application of Aldo Leopold’s five wildlife management tools (axe, cow, plow, fire, and gun).

• Field Demonstrations: Highlights included watching working bird dogs in action and handling a drip torch during a mock prescribed burn demonstration.

• Leadership & Teamwork: Cadets pushed through rigorous physical marching challenges, late-night poster prep sessions, and public speaking exercises.

Building the Future of Wildlife Stewardship

Across both camps, our staff came away deeply inspired by the cadets' dedication, rapid skill growth, and enthusiasm for natural resource conservation.

To learn more about these youth leadership programs or to get involved, visit the official Texas Brigades Bobwhite Brigade page.