Dreaming of Spring

As we brave the cold, dark days of winter – even with the beauty of each unique snowflake and crisp starry night – our dreams are filled with visions of a more vibrant and colorful spring.

Bloodwort and Indian Pink are just two of the beautiful wildflowers that thrive at DuBois Center throughout the spring and summer.

Now is a great time to plan a trip to “your big backyard” for a retreat, Service Saturday or a group horseback ride and picnic. Contact us at dcinfo@duboiscenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Flower 1

Fluffy, Fluffy Ponies!

With the deep chill we recently experienced, the horses at DuBois Center have certainly been enjoying their luxurious winter coats! This extra fur is super soft and GREAT for petting, but it also serves a crucial and practical function – it traps in heat to help protect against harsh winter weather.

Horses are very social animals, and in order to maintain a healthy herd dynamic, our horses live outside year-round. We do bring them into the barn occasionally to groom them for rides and feed them. When the temperatures drop and the winds pick up, we also open the barn as a wind break. While living outdoors does help keep our horses mentally healthy, they do require some extra care when the cold and snow prevent them from grazing on grass. Staff and volunteers provide a steady stream of hay, and supplemental grain when the weather gets exceptionally bad. Some of our horses have even been known to gain weight over the winter!

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 definitely reward enough, but serving on the summer barn staff also provides hands-on work experience for individuals considering a career in the equine field.

For more information, check out the Summer Camp Equestrian Program flier or contact Shirley at 618-787-2202 or shirley.director@DuBoisCenter.org.

Digital Cameras – Used Compact Models 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 photo booths, scavenger hunts, photography classes and so much more.

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

Vacation Request Due?

Consider a week (or even a few days) at DuBois Center and join our Summer Camp 2018 team! Wanted: fun, engaging and caring volunteers to serve as nurses, chaplains, cabin counselors, activity specialists and barn helpers. Minimum age is 18 for most positions; young adults and older adults are welcome. Give of your time and talent, make a difference and gain a wonderful sense of satisfaction… and even perhaps a bit of joy!

For more information, check out the volunteer page of our web site or contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Canoeing

Father-Son Retreat – April 13 – 15

Fathers, grandfathers and uncles – save the date and plan now to bring your sons, grandsons and nephews to DuBois Center for a weekend of quality guy time! Fish, hike, canoe and just hang out together. Make cool crafts, share in vespers and work on your archery skills. Horseback riding is available for an additional fee.

This is also a perfect opportunity for churches to extend their family or men’s ministries. Gather a group from your congregation and join us – engaging faith sessions led by Rev. RJ Morgan, our chaplain for the weekend, will be held throughout the event.

Lodging is in heated cottages and Hickory Lodge. Activities are planed from Friday evening through early Sunday afternoon, April 13 – 15. All ages are welcome, though activities are geared for boys ages 5 and older. Registration opens February 15. For more information and a paper registration form, click here.

Buddy to Buddy Mission Experience – June 30 – July 3

This close-to-home mission experience June 30 – July 3 offers teens the opportunity to “live kindness, do justice and walk humbly.”

Youth (completed grades 8-12) buddy up with one or two young people from Hoyleton’s youth residential programs and share in crafts, nature hikes, dock swims, canoeing and more with their new friends. When the Hoyleton campers head home each day, buddies and their chaperones reflect on their experiences, plan for the next day and tackle a work project before relaxing, playing and enjoying their favorite camp activities.

Participation is by church or region group, as opposed to “open enrollment” like summer camp. Chaperones (age 21 and older) provide overall supervision for their youth. Click here to learn more or contact Shirley at DuBois Center at shirley.director@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

High School Week – June 17 – 22

High School Week is BACK for summer camp this year, from June 17 – 22. The week offers two great options – Wranglers and X-Plore. Campers experience all of the favorite DuBois Center activities, plus more! More fun, more adventure, more friends and with an extra special treat – more meals served in the Rustic Village. Plus, “Choice Times” return with even more great options.

If you have completed grades 8-12, this is a great week to build community, grow closer to God, experience nature and have some great unplugged FUN! Plan now to attend and watch for details in the coming weeks.

Wintertime Oddities – Fun Facts from DuBois

Have you ever come across a frozen lake or pond and wondered what would happen if you tossed a stone onto it? If not, you might be surprised by the results. Check out an example from our lake here, or another example from Youtube.

This futuristic, sci-fi, laser-like sound is caused by the whole plate of ice vibrating each time the rock strikes it. Because the ice is not of uniform thickness or texture, vibrations (that cause sound waves) occur in differing frequencies, and the higher the frequency, the faster it travels. The higher pitched waves reaching your ears before the slower, lower frequencies is what causes the sliding laser-like sound.

Camp Nurses – Servants with Sunscreen

One setting for ministry at DuBois Center is our health center. Volunteer camp nurses, most of whom are RNs, are a vital piece of our summer camp program. Many find serving at DuBois Center to be a rewarding mission opportunity, one that is quite different from their regular job.

Responsibilities include reviewing camper medical forms, conducting health screenings, receiving & administering medications, providing first aid & basic medical treatment, and documentation. However, when you really get down to it, nurses spend most of their time removing ticks, soothing rashes, distributing medications and providing extra TLC for homesick and nervous campers.

If you are an RN, please consider serving with us for a full or partial week. The living quarters do have AC and there is often time to join us for worship, explore the woods or just sit back and read a book. For more information, contact Shirley at DuBois Center at 618-787-2202 or shirley.director@DuBoisCenter.org.