July 5, 2004

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COLLEGE STATION -- The Texas Brigades are summer camps that were designed to help teenagers develop leadership skills. This year the Texas Brigades introduced the Bass Brigade, in which the young campers learn about aquatic life, water resources and conservation. Norma Moreno has more details.

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Hands-on experience is what the Bass Brigade camp provides to its members. Organizers say campers learn leadership skills, just as they do in the Bobwhite Brigade, Buckskin Brigade, and Feather Forces camp. But don't let the names fool you - they are not about hunting and fishing.

SOUND BITE- Helen Holdsworth// executive director of the Texas Brigades

"THERE ARE THOSE COMPONENTS. ALTHOUGH WE DO NOT HUNT, AND WE ACTUALLY WILL NOT FISH, WE TALK ABOUT THOSE THINGS, BUT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IS REALLY OUR MAIN FOCUS."

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The young campers also polish their public speaking skills, critical thinking and communication skills. However, Holdsworth indicated, that this camp is not for every child.

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"WE ARE LOOKING FOR KINDS WITH A 'B' AVERAGE, 13 TO 17 YEARS OLD, INTEREST IN THE OUTDOORS, THEY DON'T HAVE TO BE EXPERIENCED HUNTERS OR ANGLERS. THEY MAY BE EXPERIENCED PHOTOGRAPHERS, WHATEVER THE CASE MAY BE, BUT WE ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR KIDS WHO ALREADY HAVE SOME LEADERSHIP ABILITY."

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For instance, Brandy Singleton, a 16- year-old high school student who will be graduating a year early, described herself as a loner, but said attending this camp has helped her develop her social skills and sense of teamwork.

SOUND BITE- Brandy Singleton// Bass Brigade camper

"THERE IS SO MUCH LIKE, HOW EVERYTHING DEPENDS ON EACH OTHER. HOW WATERSHEDS, AND ANIMALS, AND PLANTS, HOW ALL DEPEND ON ONE EACH OTHER. AND HOW YOU WITHOUT ONE IT'LL BASICALLY ALL COLLAPSE. AND THAT ALSO GOES WITH PERSONAL SKILLS, YOU NEED EACH OTHER. YOU CAN'T JUST GO WITHOUT EACH OTHER."

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By learning these skills not only helps campers with school and life, but also helps them be part of something greater such as natural resources conservation.

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" THEY WILL GO HOME AND USE THOSE SKILLS IN THEIR HOME COMMUNITY BECAUSE THESE KIDS ARE THE FUTURE OF TEXAS."

From Bastrop, Texas... I'm Norma Moreno

TAG

For more information call Helen Holdsworth or Tamara Trail at (210) 826-2904 or visit the Web at http://texasbrigades.org .