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Yearly Archives: 2019

SUMMER JOBS – DuBois Center Equestrian Program

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Looking for a rewarding summer job working with children and horses? How about hands-on experience managing a trail ride program? 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 team utilizes 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 team also provides hands-on work experience for individuals considering a career in equine or social service related fields.

For more information, check out the attached flyer or contact Shirley at shirley.director@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Sneak Peek – Summer Camp 2020

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“Though the weather outside is frightful…” visions of water games and campfires dance in our heads as we plan another incredible summer at DuBois Center! Registration opens February 15, so watch for the brochure online earlier that month. Use this schedule to begin planning your summer now! Stay up to date by checking our Facebook page or emailing us with questions at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org.

YEAR-END SUPPORT for Ministry at DuBois Center

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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!

‘TIS THE SEASON… for Baking

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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!

Rafiki

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Rafiki: to agree (or promise) to one another to work together in oneness and unity. This concept, shared by a seminary student from Kenya a couple summers ago, is one that we continue to focus on at DuBois Center. We strive to provide a place to laugh, play, pray and break bread together, a place where faith grows. As a significant piece of the ministry and mission of Illinois South Conference, we work to build up God’s kingdom on earth… as it is in heaven. With the financial support of scores of individuals, churches and church groups, this work continues. Hopefully, you received a letter that highlights in words and pictures some joys from 2019. If not, or if it’s lost in a pile somewhere, click here for a digital copy or contact our office to have a letter mailed to you.

If you have not already done so, we hope you will consider a year-end gift in support of our shared ministry at DuBois Center. You may donate safely online, or if you prefer to mail your donation, use this form. With so many demands on your resources, we are truly honored by your prayerful gifts of financial support as well as offerings of prayer, time and talent. Thank you.

Donate Your Boots and Cameras to DuBois!

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Our supply of boots for horseback riding is running low. A variety of sizes, from child size 11 through adult size 14, are needed. New or used, in fair to good condition – we’ll take them! Larger adult boots can be expensive to purchase, so used ones are at the top of our wish list.
The search also continues for digital cameras. We know those small, point and shoot versions – the Coolpix, PowerShot and FinePix – are out there, somewhere gathering dust! Recycle them to DuBois Center and we’ll use them for camp scavenger hunts, photography classes, photo booths and so much more. Requirements: good working condition and SD memory card compatible.
For more information contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

We Give Thanks to Our Staff!

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This week we give thanks for our staff team! Almost all are part-time and most work limited schedules, only as needed. Despite this, they are the lifeblood of DuBois Center. They can be seen in the office and the kitchen, on the tractor and in a lifeguard chair. They care for our campers, guests, critters, facilities and grounds. Some tend to the horses in the bitter cold; others serve in the summer heat. Some clean dirty buildings; others bake up delicious meals. They are often found trekking through the woods with eager students, leading team-building activities, laying campfires for guest groups and plunging toilets. They work collaboratively with scores of volunteers to provide a ministry of hospitality and nurture, and to maintain and improve our facilities. Thanks to the staff team that keeps DuBois Center on a steady course day in and day out, throughout the year.

LEAF ATTACK!! Saturday – Dec 7

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Looking for a morning and/or afternoon of service and fellowship for your youth, family or fellowship group? Look no further than DuBois Center – your big back yard. It is snowing leaves here, and we could really use your help! On Saturday, we’ll be raking, blowing and burning bushels of leaves.

Arrive and depart when you can. Early birds will start at 8:30. Lunch will be available at noon. We have rakes, but bring gloves and if you have a leaf blower handy – bring it too!

RSVP to dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202. If this day doesn’t work for you – let us know and well explore other options.

 

 

Wanted: Talent Scouts

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With leaves and random snowflakes falling, summer camp seems eons away! However, planning is in full swing and summer staff recruitment kicks off over Thanksgiving weekend.
We are in search of caring, hard-working individuals who enjoy the outdoors, love to have fun, and can embrace their silly side. They must have a passion for working with young people, and a heart for ministry and service. Paid and volunteer positions are available for Summer 2020.
If you know someone who might be a good fit, complete the information on this form and return it or contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.
Full application packets will be available on our website on Nov 27.

Save the Date for Father-Son Retreat 2020!

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Fathers, Grandfathers and Uncles – SAVE THE DATE and plan now to bring your sons, grandsons, nephews or another young man in your life to DuBois Center for a weekend of quality guy time! Our 2020 Father-Son Retreat will take place April 24 – 26.

Fish, hike, canoe or 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.

The weekend is geared for those age 5 and older, and families participate together. Rev. RJ Morgan will be returning as our chaplain for the weekend.

Registration opens January 15. Watch for details. Questions? Contact us at 618-787-2202 or dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org.