which included goat roping, post-hole digging, goat sorting and wagon racing. Communication is another component of camp. We were
each assigned a Silver Bullet, a quote we were expected to memorize and recite on command. If asked — and you got asked a lot — you had to recite the quote in front of the group and explain what it meant to you. It helps take the fear out of public speaking. Creating a tri-fold is a really big deal at Ranch Brigade.
The tri-fold is the primary communication tool used for pre- sentations when you return home. The last night of camp doesn’t end until all of the cadets have fi nished their tri-folds. Our camp fi nished at 1:20 a.m. — the earliest of any Ranch Brigade so far. Sleep is optional at Ranch Brigade. The goal of camp isn’t to make you the best rancher in the
world. It’s to provide you enough knowledge so you can tell the story of stewardship and give back to the community. You’re encouraged to make presentations and work with the media. The more presentations you make after returning home,
the more likely it is that you’ll earn a chance to go back to Ranch Brigade as an assistant herd leader and receive one of several scholarships provided by the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. The largest is $4,000. Ranch Brigade is something I will remember for a long
time, not only because of the people I met, but because of the impact it had on me. It changed the way I think about the land and cattle, and what we can do with them. Cattle aren’t just steaks but are tools that allow us to
improve the land. And land isn’t just grass and dirt. It’s the foundation of a way of life that keeps rangeland open and productive. Productive rangeland provides a home to things such as water recharge, oxygen production and wildlife habitat. Whether people realize it or not, rangeland is home base for life — and ranchers take care of it for us all.
Sleep is optional at Ranch Brigade.
Land isn’t
just grass and dirt. It’s the
foundation of a way of life that
keeps rangeland open and
productive.
Texas Brigades FAQs Source: Texas Brigades (
www.texasbrigades.org)
The Texas Brigades is a wildlife-focused leadership development program for high school youth ages 13 - 17. There are 5 camps: Bobwhite Brigade, Buckskin Brigade, Bass Brigade, Waterfowl Brigade and Ranch Brigade. The camps are held on private ranches and at environmental camps in Texas. Each camp is 4 ½ days long.
What will I study at the Texas Brigades?
You will study anatomy, biology, habitat management, population dynamics, conservation, watershed man- agement and more. In addition, you will study photog- raphy, art, entomology, botany, leadership skills and camp-specifi c subjects such as fl y-tying and fi rearms safety.
What do you mean by ‘leadership skills’?
No matter what profession you choose, it will be im- portant to develop the ability to think, plan and com- municate. Many of the activities at the Texas Brigades revolve around teambuilding and critical thinking. The Brigades develop your ability to tell stewardship’s story, so you will learn to write for the print media, how to present educational programs and even how to be interviewed on radio and television.
What are the qualifi cations?
You must be 13 to 17 years old and must commit to conducting a minimum of 3 educational programs when you return home.
Is there a fee?
Yes, there is a $400 tuition fee for cadets, which cov- ers meals, lodging and supplies. Don’t let money stop you from applying. Texas Brigades will help you fi nd fi nancial assistance.
How do I apply?
Applications are online at
www.texasbrigades.org. Or you may obtain an application by contacting Zelina Al- varado, phone 855-TXBRIGS, or email zalvarado@tex-
as-wildlife.org. Applications are due March 15, 2016.
76 The Cattleman January 2016
thecattlemanmagazine.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100