Year-end Support for Ministry at DuBois Center

 

At 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 make DuBois Center a place of welcome and hospitality, a place to connect, belong and grow… a place where faith is nurtured and stories are written.

With your financial support this work continues. You may have received a letter lifting up “snapshots” of our ministry in the outdoors. If not, you can view the letter online. DuBois Center is your ministry, the work of your congregations, the work of the Illinois South Conference. We hope you will consider a tax-deductible year-end gift. You may use our donation site to safely donate online. If you prefer to mail your donation, please use this form.

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.

Used Compact Digital Cameras Needed

Great photos and smart phones go hand in hand nowadays. So what happened to all those small, point and shoot cameras – the Coolpix, PowerShot and FinePix? DuBois Center is in search of 8-10 used (or new) cameras. They are great for scavenger hunts, photography classes, photo booths and so much more.

Requirements: good working condition and SD card compatible. For more information contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Recycle your Golf Cart

Plan to replace your golf cart next spring? Current one just taking up space? We may be able to help! DuBois Center is in need of a 4-seat golf cart – gas or electric. Currently, our nurses use a Gator with two seats to respond to situations and deliver medication. If a camper needs to be transported back to the health center for treatment, there is no room for a third person. Renting a golf cart for the summer is very expensive, so we are exploring other options. You can help with this critical need; donations may be tax-deductible. For more information, contact Shirley at 618-787-2202 or shirley.director@DuBoisCenter.org.

Summer Jobs – Make a Difference this Summer!

Got big plans for winter break? It’s a great time to apply to serve on summer staff at DuBois Center! Pursuing a career in education, recreation, ministry, counseling, health care, social work or other service-related field? A summer at camp provides valuable hands-on experience that can enhance your resume.
CounselorIf you or someone you know is energetic, child-focused and fun-loving – check out the Summer of Service flier and consider whether a summer at camp might be just the opportunity to make a difference you have been looking for. Faith! Fun! Significant Friendships! Hard Work! Amazing Memories!  Open positions include cabin counselors, barn staff and coordinators. Questions? Contact Shirley at  shirley.director@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.
Application packets are available online.

“Thank You” Christmas Party

The weather was perfect for DuBois Center’s annual “Thank You” Christmas Party. Volunteers, donors and staff – who are all essential to the success of DuBois Center – enjoyed good food, uproarious laughter, off-key singing and, of course, THE Christmas Game.

This year’s “Camp Christmas” theme lent itself to traditional summer camp décor and food, including BBQ pork steaks and a s’mores cake dessert. Did you know that both marshmallows and cauliflower taste great when roasted?!  A canoe and the Big Dipper were the backdrop for the ever-popular photo booth. Check out the shots of equestrian and marketing team volunteers, as well as Hickory Lodge renovators and a camp nurse and spouse.  There are more photos in our FaceBook album.

Special thanks to Norma Borgmann for the amazing appetizers (more of a meal), Rachel Kinzinger for the desserts, the Marketing Committee for the very fun decorations and activities, and to everyone who supported DuBois Center in any way in 2017!

Bunco Night – The Challenge Saturday, Feb 24

Calling all churches and youth, fellowship and community groups! Join Region 2 for a night of winter blues-busting fun – support DuBois Center and a local food pantry! There’s nothing wrong with a little friendly competition, so this year’s Bunco Night is joining forces with an effort to “Fill a Food Pantry.” Besides a lively game of Bunco, cool Silent Auction treasures and a 50-50 drawing, bring a food item and take on The Challenge! By February, the major “food” holidays will be distant memories and pantry shelves will need restocking. We can help and have a lot of fun – all at the same time.
The Challenge:
1.  Bring a can or box of nutritious food to donate to a local food pantry. For each item you donate, you will receive one ticket for a special drawing – the more items donated, the more chances to win. The prize will be a fun basket of items appropriate for a variety of ages.
2.  Recruit Bunco players from your local church or community group. The church/group with the most individuals who pay and play Bunco at the event will have the honor of selecting the food pantry to receive the night’s collection.

Year-end Support for Ministry at DuBois Center

At 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 make DuBois Center a place of welcome and hospitality, a place to connect, belong and grow… a place where faith is nurtured and stories are written.

With your financial support this work continues. You may have received a letter lifting up “snapshots” of our ministry in the outdoors. If not, you can view the letter online. DuBois Center is your ministry, the work of your congregations, the work of the Illinois South Conference. We hope you will consider a tax-deductible year-end gift. You may use our donation site to safely donate online. If you prefer to mail your donation, please use this form.

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.

GuysGals

Outdoor School at DuBois Center

Each spring and fall, DuBois Center welcomes scores of middle school students as they embark on a journey of discovery. Nature’s Classroom, our experiential education program, was designed to give students the opportunity to learn about the world around them, while being immersed in a non-traditional setting. By stepping out of the classroom and into the woods, students gain practical skills and knowledge in a variety of areas, while simultaneously disconnecting from electronics and connecting with nature.

Nature's Classroom “Topics of study” include creek hikes focusing on stream quality and its impact on aquatic life; primitive skills such as building shelters in the woods or making dip candles and clay pots; basic rocket science with 2-liter bike-pump bottle rockets; predator-prey interactions in a giant game of hide-and-seek tag; exploration of the senses on night hikes; as well as favorites such as archery and horseback riding. Throughout their stay, students are encouraged to cultivate curiosity and critical thinking skills. The residential aspect of our program encourages students to develop stronger relationships with their classmates.

We currently have openings for new schools for our Spring 2018 season. Options include 3, 4 and 5-day programs. Check out our Nature’s Classroom brochure or contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202 for more information.

Gift Certificates

Looking for a unique gift for someone special in your life? Hate crowded malls and overwhelming online sites? Gift Certificates for DuBois Center camps, events and items in the camp store might be just the answer to your shopping conundrum. Consider giving your child or grandchild the gift of a week at camp or your son and grandson a weekend together just for Fathers & Sons. Love your old camp t-shirts and sweatshirts? Share that love with all the grandkids, nieces and nephews.

Certificates are available for any amount of $10 or more. For more information contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.