Founded in 1964 for the purpose of educating our youth in shooting sports and outdoor activities, the brigade believes that the outdoors is a thing of the heart and senses, the sight, sound, smell, taste and touch of the Master’s hand.

The brigade’s ongoing purpose is to arouse and maintain this interest in the hearts and minds of today’s youth. To teach the need for genuine conservation of our wildlife resources and effective protection of our right to keep and bear arms is extremely important.

The four year program encompasses all areas of hunting. From Ohio’s Hunter Education course (offered to first year students) to field instruction and practice shooting shotgun, rifle, muzzleloader, pistol and archery, youth have the opportunity to learn under the close supervision of experienced instructors. Advanced classes include sporting clays and pheasant hunting over dogs. Instruction in taxidermy, knife making, cap making, wildlife identification, watercraft and first aid are offered throughout the program.

Two campfire weekends are held annually and are open to boys and girls ages 10 to 17. Each youth attending must have an adult sponsor who attends classes and activities with the youth. The sponsor is responsible for the youth’s behavior during the program. One adult may sponsor more than one youth. Food and housing are included in the cost of the weekend.