FEATHERED FORCES, 1: A camp where kids learn about 
wildlife and living life ... details on Passport to Texas ... 
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PTT from TPWD and the SFWR Program

An innovative outdoor classroom experience, called the 
Feathered Forces, offers leadership development training 
to girls and boys, ages thirteen to seventeen.
 
"We are working to develop ambassadors for conservation of 
wildlife and our natural resources."

Helen Holdsworth, is executive director of the Texas 
Brigades, which is organizes six camps each summer in 
different parts of the state. 

"We're out here learning about quail and turkey. Habitat 
management and biology. We do plant identification as well as 
things like photography and journalism and leadership."

This year's camp, near Lufkin, allowed campers to study 
wildlife management, increase their appreciation for the 
outdoors, and develop life skills.

"The thing that really affects me when I look at them is how they 
change from being a quiet young person that can't even look 
you in the eye when they speak to you - if they even speak at all 
- to someone who quite confidently can come up and shake 
your hand and speak clearly and concisely and really conduct 
themselves in a manner that would make any parent proud."

Learn more about Feathered Forces when you visit 
texasbrigades.org.

Tomorrow: When boot camp meets science camp ... 

That's our show for today ... we had help from Tom 
Harvey ... the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program 
sponsors our show ... and works to increase shooting, 
hunting fishing and boating opportunities in Texas ... For 
Texas Parks and Wildlife ... I'm Cecilia Nasti.