Photo AlbumsWhile at Camp
Camp Staff and Supervision
We look long and hard to find staff who truly want to and enjoy working with children in a camp setting. All camp staff, paid or volunteer, have gone through a selection process which includes a written application, interview, written employment and personal references, and other screening.
Most paid staff are college age young people working towards a degree in education or recreation. All staff, volunteers or paid, are at least 18 years old. All staff undergo training in programming, camp routine, child development, behavior management, and more. Paid staff receive American Red Cross Community First Aid, AED and CPR certification.
All campers like to get mail. Letters should encourage your child to enjoy their stay away from home. Please avoid phrases like "we miss you a lot" or "your pet hasn't eaten since you left". It is often reassuring for children to receive mail early during a camp stay.
If you would like to leave mail for your child for the first and/or second day of their camp stay, we will be glad to see that it is delivered on the day you indicate on the envelope. You can leave these letters with us at check-in.
Don't worry if you don't receive mail from your child right away. Kids are busy, and letters to home sometimes spend a day carried around in a pocket or a notebook.
Camp Address:
Child's Name
Camp Event Area (Conference, Rustic, Deer Run, etc.)
DuBois Center
2651 Quarry Rd.
DuBois, IL. 62831-1415
Homesickness
Despite the fun, adventure, and new friends made at camp, some children do become homesick. Counselors and other campers are caring and supportive when this happens. The feeling usually passes quickly or in a day or two and the camper enjoys the rest of the session, having successfully met a real challenge. Please do not become unduly concerned if the first letter home sounds like your child is not happy. It's normal for most youngsters to miss home and family without serious implications. Your encouraging attitude before and during camp will help prevent homesickness.
All children and parents experience anxiety about the separation. To ease that separation we suggest you let your child know what camp is all about. Visit DuBois Center or talk with others who have attended. Let your child know you believe they are ready for camp. Demonstrate the length of a camp session. Let your child know you expect them to stay the entire session. And finally, encourage your child to be honest with camp staff. It's okay to say, "I miss my family". Saying "my stomach hurts" only confuses everyone.
Since talking with parents directly on the phone usually increases a camper's homesickness, the camp procedure for handling homesickness generally does not include phone calls between parents and campers. Parents with concerns are encouraged to call the camp director. We may arrange for parents to talk directly to the child's counselor. Camp fees are not refunded if a child leaves camp due to homesickness.
Parent Notification
DuBois Center will notify parents or other adults responsible for a camper whenever a camper is taken off-site for any reason.
Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, Center Staff will take appropriate immediate action, and attempt to contact parents, or other adults responsible for campers. Should none of these persons be available, the Center will act according to the Parent's Authorization statement located on the health form. Also, there can arise specific circumstances that would require us to be in direct contact with parents or legal guardians (not aunt, uncle, etc.). If you are going out of town please leave word with your emergency contacts as to where you can be reached.
Resident Accident Insurance
In the event of an accident requiring doctor's care or hospitalization, DuBois Center provides limited primary insurance coverage for campers. Treatment costs for illness are the responsibility of the camper or camper's family.
Questions?
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.