Feathered Forces teaches confidence

Michler

Malachi Michler, 13, did a presentation on quail anatomy for the Outriders 4-H club recently, utilizing skills and knowledge he gained with the East Texas Feather Forces.

The Feathered Forces are part of The Texas Brigades, one of four summer camps available for ages 13-17. Three other cadets from Jasper attended the camp, Ariel Calkins, Kelcye Durdin and James Humble. Michler is home-schooled.

At the five-day camp, cadets learn animal anatomy, botany, habitat shooting skills and gun safety, controlled management, shooting skills and gun safety, controlled burning and outdoor skills.

The motto of the camps is "Tell me, I'll forget; show me and I'll remember; involve me and I will understand." Mentors from organizations like Texas Parks and Wildlife give hands-on lessons in the field.

The Texas Brigades are a non-profit 501(c)3. Deadline to apply for summer camp is April 1. For more information, call 800-839-9453 or visit www.texasbrigades.org.

The Feathered Forces camp is near Lufkin, the Bobwhite Brigades are near Abilene and Pleasanton, Buckskin Brigades near Uvalde and Abiline, and Bass Brigade near Bastrop.