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

Ranger Cookie Recipe

From our kitchen to yours… we would like to share one of our favorite camp recipes – Ranger Cookies. For a holiday touch, try adding Craisins to the mix.
Mix Together:
1/2 c shortening (softened)
1/2 c butter/margarine (softened)
1 c brown sugar
1 c white sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
Mix Together:
2 c flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
Now mix two bowls of ingredients together.
Then mix in the following:
2 c crispy rice cereal
2 c quick oats
1 c coconut
To Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°.
Blend all ingredients together well in order listed above, scraping the bowl often. (This will result in very thick dough.)
Scoop out onto cookie sheets with parchment paper (optional).
Bake until lightly browned (approx. 8-10 minutes).
Makes about 2-2.5 dozen.
Happy Baking and Merry Christmas!

Just Keep Swimming

Moderate to strong swimmer? Enjoy spending time at the lake? Each summer we hire 7-8 young adults with Lifeguard certification to serve on our summer staff. If you are interested, NOW is the time to start swimming. Stay in shape this winter while preparing for a great summer job. Check out courses at your local college or university, rec center, YMCA or JCC. Hint: If your school offers a course – take it. Those classes are generally less expensive than community classes. Lifeguard certification classes also include First Aid and CPR certification, both of which are prerequisites for summer staff.

Questions about lifeguard certification? Contact us at 618-787-2202 or email. Happy swimming!

Join us for the Buddy to Buddy Mission Experience

Looking for a meaningful and affordable summer mission trip for the young people of your church? Look no further! Bring your youth and “buddy-up” with day campers from Hoyleton’s residential programs. Help create a setting that is welcoming and accepting. Get your hands dirty with a work project, and spend quality time reflecting on this experience and God’s call to “do justice, love kindness and walk humbly.” Buddy to Buddy will run from June 30 – July 3 in 2019. The experience begins with orientation on Sunday afternoon and concludes after dinner and a closing circle on Wednesday. Registration is by church or region group, not individual. Adult chaperones must accompany youth participants. The cost is $175 per person. Space is limited. Click here for more information or contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

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 stories are written. 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 2018. This 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 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.

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.

Stewardship in Action

The weather was perfect for last Saturday’s inaugural Green DuBois Stewardship Day at DuBois Center. Volunteers split into teams to tackle two projects – invasive species removal and organizing and cleaning up the scrap pile and lumber shed. It was a day full of laughter, learning and fellowship – and a little bit of mud! With both scrap and usable materials sorted into discrete piles and boards stored neatly on shelves, the lumber shed looks like a brand-new building! Targets for the invasive species removal team included bush honeysuckle, autumn olive and multiflora rose. Over three hundred individual plants were removed from the stretch of woodlands from Oak Lodge to Picnic Point. This will allow populations of native plants to recover and protect DuBois Center’s amazing biodiversity. Keep an eye out for more opportunities to join in caring for our little section of Creation!
Interested in joining the Green DuBois initiative? The next Green DuBois meeting will be at the Illinois South Conference Highland office on Wednesday, December 5 at 1:30pm. Join us if you’re interested in environmental sustainability and stewardship, natural sciences, outdoor recreation, or just love DuBois Center!

Employment Opportunity – Office & Event Coordinator

Enjoy connecting with people and the outdoors? Fluent in computer-speak? Looking for a position that is more than just a job? DuBois Center is seeking an Office & Event Coordinator. This is a permanent, part-time position, the purpose of which is to organize, coordinate and implement office and event functions at DuBois Center, including camper, family and guest relations, data management (financial, camper, guest group and employee), coordination of office help, assistance with marketing efforts and occasional guest group hosting. The person filling this positions will be an integral part of the ISCUCC staff overall and the DuBois Center team.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to DuBois Center via email at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org. Click here for the position description.

Winter Projects: Looking for One?

If you like to work with your hands and have some spare time over the winter, DuBois Center has some indoor winter projects that might be of interest. Enjoy refinishing furniture? We have a coffee table in need of some TLC. Upholstery interest you more? We have two chairs that need attention – backs and seats only. Here’s an interesting one… refinishing arrows. Removing and replacing damaged feathers takes time, patience and the right tools. We have a couple dozen that need attention. All three of these projects can be done in the comfort of your home or here at camp.

For more information, contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.