Year-End Support for Ministry at DuBois Center

This time of year, we are more mindful of giving thanks – for family, friends, our church community and God at work in our lives. At DuBois Center, we are also thankful for stories, especially ones of connection, challenge and transformation.

These stories tell of new-found confidence for first-time campers, deepening parent-child relationships, faith discussions that come alive, individuals transformed into communities, unlikely friendships built on respect and so much more. Scores of dedicated volunteers, staff members and donors together make DuBois Center a place of welcome and hospitality, a place to connect, belong and grow… a place where faith is nurtured and lives are transformed. With your financial support this work continues.

Click here to read our annual letter which highlights aspects of our shared ministry in the outdoors at DuBois Center in 2019. This is your ministry, the work of your congregations, the work of the Illinois South Conference. We hope you will consider a year-end gift. You may donate safely online or, if you prefer, use this form and mail your donation. With so many demands on your resources, we are truly honored by your gifts of financial support as well as offerings of prayer, time and talent. Thank you!

Sign Up for Camp!

There are still openings throughout the summer and lots of new friends to be made! But don’t delay, spots are filling quickly, and a number of sessions are already full. To learn more about summer camp at DuBois Center, check out the camp brochure online or pick one up at your UCC church. To have a brochure sent by mail, contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202. Click here to register online.

Are You Ready for a Full Week of Camp?

If your child will complete grades 3-5 this spring or summer, then it may be time to step up to Settler camp – which includes a full week of fun!
New friends and lots of fun are just the beginning. Campers run, play, sing, eat, jump, act, create, splash, pray, hike, explore, build, ride and finally… sleep! Growing and playing together, exploring God’s creation, building a Christian community – that’s Settler camp at DuBois Center.
There are three dates from which to choose: June 9-14, June 23-28 and July 7-12. Sessions are filling quickly – so don’t delay. Pick up a camp brochure at your UCC church or download one here. To receive a brochure by mail, contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202. If you are ready to register, click here.

Peace Works – This Year’s Camp Theme

Merriam-Webster defines peace this way: “a state of tranquility or quiet: as a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom keeping the peace.” In the Bible, the word takes on a different tone. The Hebrew word for peace – shalom – relates to concepts of totality or completeness, success, fulfillment, wholeness, harmony, security and well-being. Every culture has its own ways of describing peace and the work it requires.

Throughout camp sessions this summer, Bible verses will be paired with words and stories from around the world to explore how “Peace Works” and how each of us can live more peace-filled lives. For more information view our brochure online.

Don’t Delay – Register for Camp Today!

Summer vacation is a great time to get outside, unplug and make new friends face-to-face!

Give your kids or grandkids the gift of joyful, low-tech, faith-filled fun this summer. Summer 2019 adventures at DuBois Center are filling quickly – some already have waiting lists! There are, however, so many great options that are still available – just don’t wait too long!

Pick up a brochure in your church office or click here to view the online version. To have one mailed to you contact DuBois Center at 618-787-2202 or dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org. Ready to register online? Click here.

Horse Camps – Ready to Ride?

Do you love to ride horses? Want to learn more about them and how to care for these beautiful creatures? Consider coming to a Horse Camp at DuBois Center!
Horse Campers spend more time with the ponies, but still have time for other camp favorites like swimming, 9-Square, vespers and crafts. If the weather cooperates, they have the option to ride each day. Some mornings, these horse enthusiasts are up and at ’em long before breakfast to feed, groom and tack the herd. An early morning ride – in the cool of the day – is a great reward for early morning chores! Later in the day, the stalls need to be mucked out. Horse campers take turns, and have fun while learning about the responsibilities of caring for horses.
Younger campers can hop aboard the Pony Express for an introduction to horse camp. Older ones can choose from a variety of sessions.
PONY EXPRESS (completed grades 4-6)
            July 21-24
HORSIN’ AROUND (completed grades 5-7)
            June 9-14, July 14-19
SADDLE ‘EM UP (completed grades 7-9)
            June 7-12, July 14-19
WRANGLERS (completed grades 8-12)
            June 16-21
Ready to register online? Click here. For more information, pick up a camp brochure at your UCC church or check out the brochure online. Contact DuBois Center at 618-787-2202 or dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org to have one mailed to you.
Horse Camp 2

LEAD – June 23 – 28

Leadership Experience and Development – LEAD – is a great Camp session for young people who are interested in developing their leadership skills, working with younger children, and having a great time at DuBois Center!
LEAD functions much like a “lab school” with discussion, instruction, practice and evaluation sessions. Skills gained will help participants grow as positive Christian leaders, manage camp situations and camper behavior, create a safe, fun environment, and teach basic camp skills. LEAD is designed for youth who have completed grades 10-12. Check out this flyer for more details.
Previous camp experience is not required, but we do require a special application in addition to the Camp Registration Form. The LEAD application packet is available online or by contacting DuBois Center at email or 618-787-2202.

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.

Ready for a FULL WEEK at DuBois Center?

If your child will complete grades 3-5 this spring or summer, then it’s time to step up to Settler! New friends and lots of fun are just the beginning. Campers run, play, sing, eat, jump, act, create, splash, pray, hike, explore, build, ride and finally… sleep!

Growing and playing together, exploring God’s creation, building a Christian community – that’s Settler camp at DuBois Center. Three days just isn’t enough time to explore all that DuBois Center has to offer, so consider these sessions for the next step: June 9-14, June 23-28 and July 7-12.

Check out the camp brochure and register online. For more information or to receive materials by mail, contact the 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!