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 gently 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 dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Meet Our Summer Staff: Troy

Summer staff recruitment is in full swing, and we will be introducing members of our 2018 team through Weekly Connection and Facebook. First up is Troy Mcrae.

This will be Troy’s second summer on staff. He will again make the long trek from Western Australia to DuBois, Illinois. Troy grew up in the “Aussie countryside” in the small town of Manjimup. Active in his church youth ministry and camping programs, he grew from youth participant to young adult volunteer leader. Troy loves being outside and spent a year as a trainee and instructor at an outdoor school. Canoeing, lifeguarding, “bush walking expeditions,” food prep and equipment maintenance were all part of his experience there.

Thinking back to 2016 when Troy last served with us, his big smile, gentle nature and amazing height come to mind. Yes, he occasionally had to duck when going through doorways. When asked about his desire to return to DuBois Center, Troy commented, “I just felt drawn back to the overwhelmingly positive atmosphere at camp. It’s impossible to finish each day without a smile on your face.”

Troy brings skills as an effective canoeing instructor, accomplished guitar player and caring camp counselor. His long-term goal is to become a professional outdoor educator. Aussie meat pies are Troy’s favorite food. Two of his favorite hobbies are cycling and larping (think Lord of the Rings meets football, with a bit of theater improv thrown into the mix). He describes himself as a massive “pop culture nerd (in the best of ways).” Welcome back, Troy!

Troy 1

Spring Line-Up

 4/11         Wed            Nature’s Classroom Season Begins
4/13-15   Fri-Sun      Father & Son Retreat
4/21        Saturday    Wrangle & Ride – Horse Day
                                      Service Saturday
5/6          Sunday       BLOCK Party for Middle Schoolers
5/14-18  Mon-Fri      St. Paul UCC, Belleville Work Week
5/21-23  Mon-Wed  Southern Illinois Art Workshop
5/30       Wed             Summer Camp Staff Training Begins
6/10       Sunday       1st Day of Summer Camp 2018

Dice and Green Beans this Saturday evening, Feb 24

Join Region 2 for a night of winter blues-busting fun at St. Paul UCC in Columbia. Play BUNCO, and support DuBois Center and a local food pantry! Bunco is an engaging dice game that is easy to learn; children as young as 10 or 11 can be successful and have fun. Doors open at 6:30 pm; play begins at 7 pm. Cost to play is $10 per person. This year Bunco Night is being paired with an effort to “Fill a Food Pantry.” By February, the major “food” holidays will be distant memories and pantry shelves will need restocking. Lend a hand and have a lot of fun – all at the same time! Help spread the word; invite everyone you know! Check out this flier for details.
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 this event will have the honor of selecting the food pantry to receive the food collected that evening.
Beans and Bunco

Volunteer NURSES Needed – Spend 3-6 Days at DuBois Center

Share you skills and make a difference! Camp Nurses, most of whom are RNs, play a key role in providing safe and fun experiences during DuBois Center summer camps. Many find it to be a very rewarding opportunity for ministry; one that is quite different than their regular jobs. Camp nurses review camper medical forms, conduct health screenings, administer medications, and provide first aid, basic medical treatment and extra TLC for homesick campers.

The nurses’ living quarters are air-conditioned, and it’s not all work and no play. There is often time to sit back and read a good book, take a hike or dip your toes in the lake. For more information about this ministry opportunity, contact Shirley at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Father-Son Retreat – April 13 – 15

Calling dads, lads, granddads, uncles and nephews! Spend quality time together at the annual DuBois Center Father-Son Retreat. 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. Lodging is in heated cottages and Hickory Lodge. Families participate together; activities are geared for boys age 5 and older. Rev. RJ Morgan will be returning as our chaplain for the weekend.

For more details, check out our flier and reservation formOnline registration is available now. Questions? Contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@duboiscenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Spring Brochure

Check your mailbox! Spring brochures have been mailed and should arrive any day now. If you’re not on our mailing list but would like more information about our Father-Son Retreat, Wrangle & Ride, Service Saturdays or our Block Party, check out the brochure online. Register online starting February 15registration by mail is open now.

Summer Camp 2018 – Sneak Peek!

The countdown has begun! Here at DuBois Center we are busy planning yet another incredible summer! Registration opens February 28, so watch for the brochure later this month. Use this schedule to begin planning your summer now! Check out our Facebook page to stay up-to-date. Questions? Contact us at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Watermat

Two Sessions! Just You & Me Camp

Last summer, our Just You & Me Camp was packed with a waiting list. This year, there are two sessions from which to choose: June 10-12 and June 24-26.

Spend quality one-on-one time with a special child in your life – son, daughter, niece, nephew, godchild… Try out some favorite camp activities together. Canoe, play on the water mat, create a treasure or ride a horse. Make new friends around the dining table and during family game times. Learn more about God and God’s love during BLAST and Vespers. Make memories together that will last a lifetime. Online registration opens February 28.

JYM2

Just keep swimming – You, too, can be a LIFEGUARD!

Moderate to strong swimmer? 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 shirley.director@DuBoisCenter.org. Happy swimming!