Working at Camp IS a Real Job!

There is something to be learned from any job, but there are more resume-building skills and practical work experience packed into one summer on camp staff than in almost any other job! Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Leadership and Planning are just some of the skills that come to mind. Working at summer camp IS a real job, but also an opportunity to serve others and make forever friends. DuBois Center is currently accepting applications for energetic, child-focused and fun-loving individuals to serve on our summer staff. Check out the Summer of Service flyer and this piece from the American Camp Association, then consider whether an amazing summer at DuBois Center might be just the opportunity you have been looking for. Positions include cabin counselors/activity leaders, barn assistant/counselors and coordinators. FAITH. FUN. HARD WORK. GREAT FRIENDS. LONG HOURS. AMAZING MEMORIES. Applications are now available online at www.DuBoisCenter.org or by contacting DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Camp Counselor – So Much More than ‘Just a Summer Job’

They’re off – some to school, some on family vacations or traveling with friends, some back home to another country. Most barely had time to eat, sleep and do laundry before heading off on their next adventure. In their wake, DuBois Center is now a much quieter place. We will miss all the energy and enthusiasm, but mostly we will miss their hearts and spirit.
It’s always hard to explain the ethos, or “magic,” of camp to those who have not experienced it, but Georgia, better known as Croc, does a nice job of describing it in a recent Facebook post:
“Earlier this year I applied for a job at a summer camp… and while I was nervous about spending my summer away from home and having almost no free time, I’m so glad I made the decision to work here. The amount of love that this small camp has to offer is incredible. The people I worked with are some of the most loving and caring people I’ve ever met. I am so grateful that God guided me in this direction and I will always be thankful for the experience this summer offered me. DuBois Center: you will always hold a special place in my heart.️ Also, I’d like to give an individual shoutout to my OCD, V8 loving, horse crazy, barn chore fanatic friend, Catie Goetter. Working in the barn with you this summer was so much fun and I’m so glad I had you by my side the whole time. Even though we’re polar opposites and definitely tested each other’s patience a few times, I appreciate you and love you lots.”
May God bless them all on their journeys!

Prayers for our Camp Staff

On Wednesday, May 29, our summer camp program staff officially arrived for nine days of intensive training covering topics such as health and safety, faith formation, activity leadership, behavior management and so much more! They came from local Illinois South Conference churches and from communities of faith around the world.

Please keep the leadership team, program staff and site staff in your thoughts and prayers. They have an awesome task in front of them! We also ask that you keep our international staff and their families close to your heart. These staff members have traveled from Finland, New Zealand, Peru, Poland and Tanzania, and will be far from their homes for three months and even longer for some. Thank you!

Meet Our Summer Staff – Ryan and Jack!

Welcome back to Ryan Goetter from Collinsville and Jack Lockhart from Motueka, New Zealand!
Ryan – AKA Shark Bait – is returning for this fifth summer on staff. We celebrate his recent graduation from Missouri State University with his bachelors degree in music education and his new teaching position at DuQuoin Middle School. Another highlight – the designation of Ryan’s chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha as “Chapter of the Year.” An honor in itself, but even more so because Ryan was a founding brother early in his college career. Ryan is an active member of St. John UCC in Collinsville and long-term DuBois Center camper. His favorite childhood memories are from his adventures at camp. When asked why he has such a passion for working at DuBois Center, Ryan wrote, “I grew up at camp! It’s such an amazing and magical place and I want an opportunity to give the kids a great experience like I had!”
Jack – AKA Chip – is returning for his second summer on staff. He had such an incredible time last year, he couldn’t wait to return! Jack is a certified lifeguard, and volunteers with the rural fire department back home. Serving others is in his DNA. Jack is excited to be back at DuBois Center because he loves the “family atmosphere” and wants to gain more experience working with young people and families. His goal after completing university is to work with youth in the criminal justice system to make a difference while there is still an opportunity for significant life changes. Jack enjoys all camp activities – especially those involving water or horses. He was a rookie last summer, but quickly grew his grooming, tacking and riding skills.
5_31 Staff 2

Meet Our Summer Staff – Kristian, Laura and Bailey

      

Welcome Kristian Avise-Rouse, Laura Renken and Bailey Reichert (pictured above, left to right) to our 2019 summer camp leadership team! This will be Kristian’s fourth and Laura’s third summers on staff – both will be serving as Village Coordinators. Bailey will serve as our Waterfront Coordinator during her second summer on staff this year.
Kristian is from Waterloo, IL and attends Epiphany UCC in St. Louis. He is a student at Illinois Wesleyan University, where he is focusing on music education. His goal is to become a high school choir director. Growing up, Kristian looked forward to going to camp every summer. His favorite part now is “watching kids build lifelong friendships like I was able to do during my many years as a camper!”
Laura studies elementary education at Eastern Illinois University; her goal is to teach second or third grade. She is from Hamel, IL and is an active member of Salem UCC in Alhambra. Laura loves working with children and was a regular Vacation Bible School and summer camp volunteer before joining our staff. Camp has been a second home for Laura since she was a young camper. “It is a safe place where I feel free to explore my faith and be myself. My favorite part of camp is the people that you make connections with when you come together.”
Bailey grew up in Columbia, IL and her home church is St. Paul UCC in Columbia. She is also a student at Illinois Wesleyan University, where she studies biology and psychology. After graduation, she has her sights set on graduate school and a career as a Physician’s Assistant. Some of her favorite things are coffee, swimming and female empowerment. Bailey volunteered for two summers at camp before joining our staff. Bailey loves “watching campers learn to love camp just as much as she does and seeing the impact it has on them!”
Welcome back Kristian, Bailey and Laura!

Early Bird Deadline – April 10

All you need to be singing a happy Early Bird tune is a completed 2019 summer camp registration and $50 non-refundable deposit by Wednesday, April 10. Save $30 on full-week sessions and $15 on part-week sessions!
View the camp brochure online or pick one up at your local UCC church. Then register and pay online or postmark your registration form and deposit by April 10. Use this form for mail-in registration. If your church pays part of the camp fee, we will send them an invoice later in the season.
For more information, contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

2019 Summer Camp Registration is Open!

We’re ready for summer! Are you? Register now to join us for a few days, a week, or more during Summer Camp 2019!

Campers have a blast making new friends and having new adventures. From swimming and canoeing in the lake to horseback riding to making crafts and so much more, there’s something for everyone at DuBois Center’s Summer Camp! We also play games, go hiking, have music time, fish, learn more about our faith and enjoy God’s creation together.

For more details, check out this summer’s brochure and schedule online here. You can also learn more about our camp, staff, this year’s theme and more here. Click here to register now! See you this summer!

Don’t Forget to Apply for Summer Staff 2019!

Energetic, child-focused, fun-loving with a heart for ministry – sound like you or someone you know? Check out this flyer and consider whether an amazing summer at DuBois Center might be just the opportunity you have been looking for. Positions include cabin counselors/activity leaders, barn assistant/counselors and coordinators.

Gain practical experience, build your resume and make a difference, all while having a fun summer and making new friends and memories. Job descriptions and application packets are available online. Questions? Contact us at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

More than Just a Summer Job

Energetic, child-focused, fun-loving with a heart for ministry – sound like you or someone you know? Check out this flyer and consider whether an amazing summer at DuBois Center might be just the opportunity you have been looking for. Positions include cabin counselors/activity leaders, barn assistant/counselors and coordinators. Gain practical experience, build your resume and make a difference, all while having a great time and meeting new friends!

Job descriptions and application packets are available online. Questions? Contact us at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

camp job 1

Summer Jobs – DuBois Center Equestrian Program

Looking for a rewarding summer job working with children and horses? How about hands-on experience managing a trail ride program? DuBois Center has openings for a dedicated summer barn coordinator and two barn assistants/cabin counselors. Spending time with the horses is a highlight for many of our campers. In addition to caring for our 20-horse herd, our summer barn staff utilize basic riding instruction and time “getting to know the ponies” to help campers build self-confidence and learn to respect and appreciate God’s amazing creation. For those who have never experienced a horse up close, the first moments can be overwhelming. However, with nurturing guidance, campers quickly learn that they can overcome their fears and experience something wonderful. Tears often transform into giant smiles. The joy campers show is reward enough, but serving on the summer barn staff also provides hands-on work experience for individuals considering a career in an equine-related field. For more information, check out the attached flyer or contact Shirley at 618-787-2202 or email.