Operation Shimmer

Have you ever marveled at the sun across the lake at DuBois Center? You’re not the only one. Whether from a canoe, pontoon, bridge or beach, you can’t help but appreciate the shimmer that comes across the lake from sunrise to sunset. In many ways, the lake is the heart of our camp. It supports camp activities, as well as wildlife and plants. Stand still and listen to the water lap, and feel the pulse of the camp.

Just as human hearts sometimes need a little extra care, our lake needs some extra care right now, with some pressing improvements. The spillway pipe has outlived its lifespan. Temporary repairs bought time, but some Muskrat Love (for those of you old enough to remember the song) has hastened the need to make a major repair before summer camp this year. This means cutting the dam, replacing the pipe, rebuilding the dirt, and resurfacing the road. The only week out of the year when this is logically feasible is Holy Week, when there are no groups in camp.

There’s one other improvement needing to happen before summer, and that’s air conditioning in Oak Lodge. Can we get an Amen? The shimmer of the lake in late July would look so much prettier if we all were shimmering a little less in the summer heat. It also will make the camp more attractive and accessible for campers and guests. Some dedicated AC funds are waiting to be used, and they will cover a portion of the cost.

So welcome to Operation Shimmer. These expenses are larger than our typical improvement, and they need to happen over the course of the next four months. Based on estimates for both projects, our goal is $60,000, with $10,000 already received. The first money in goes to repair the spillway so the work can happen in April. Air conditioning will go in second, but still before camp fills in June.  It’s a tall order in a short time, but these projects require immediate attention.

DuBois Center has tackled sudden expenses in the past with support from across the Conference. This time is no different. We need your donations, your Lenten fundraisers, your pop-up yard sales and trivia nights to meet the $60,000 goal by the end of May. These repairs just can’t wait. Help us keep our aquatic heart healthy and keep the shimmer on the lake.

Donations can be sent to the Illinois South Conference labeled Operation Shimmer, and they’ll go to this project. Thank you for your unwavering support of DuBois Center.

Click here for a flier or here for a bulletin insert.

High School Week

One week, two great options: Wranglers and X-Plore! From June 16 – 21, our high school-aged campers can enjoy all of their favorite DuBois Center activities and MORE! More fun, more adventure, more friends, AND an extra special treat – more meals served in the Rustic Village. Plus, “Choice Times” will return with even more fun and unique 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.

Upcoming Events at DuBois Center

There are so many fantastic events coming up soon at DuBois Center! Check out the list below and click on the links for more details. For information about these and other events, or how you can plan your own, contact us at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.
Thursday, March 14: Green DuBois Meeting – Highland
Saturday, March 23: Wrangle & Ride Horse Day – DuBois Center
Saturday, March 23: Service Saturday – DuBois Center
Friday, March 29 – Sunday, March 31: Father-Son Retreat – DuBois Center
Wednesday, April 10: Nature’s Classroom Spring Season Begins
Saturday, April 13: Wrangle & Ride Horse Day – DuBois Center
Saturday, April 13: Service Saturday – DuBois Center
Saturday, April 27: Green DuBois Stewardship Day – DuBois Center
Sunday, April 28: DuBois Center Thank You Party – DuBois Center
Sunday, May 5: Rustic Block Party for Middle Schoolers – DuBois Center
Monday, May 13 – Thursday, May 16: Christ UCC Dupo Work Days – DuBois Center
Monday, May 20 – Wednesday, May 22: Southern Illinois Art Workshop – DuBois Center
Wednesday, May 29: Summer Camp Staff Training Begins
Sunday, June 9: First Day of Summer Camp 2019!

Wrangle and Ride Registration Now Open

Spring is a great time to explore DuBois Center from horseback! Join our equestrian team on Saturday, March 23 and/or April 13 from 9am – 5pm for a full day of fun with the DuBois Center herd. Designed for both beginner and more experienced riders, these are horse-intensive days of grooming, tacking, riding, instruction and other horse-related activities. Beginners will be introduced to basic skills, while more experienced riders work on advanced options. Minimum age is 12. The cost is $65 per day with lunch included.
Online registration is now open, or complete and mail this form. Questions? Check out this flyer or contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@duboiscenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Volunteer for a Week at Camp

Is your vacation request due? Consider a week (or even a few days) at DuBois Center and join our Summer Camp 2019 team! We are looking for 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 website or contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Spring Brochures are Here!

Check your mailbox! Spring brochures are headed your way. If you’re not on our mailing list but would like more information about our Father-Son Retreat, Wrangle & Ride, Service Saturdays or Block Party, check out the brochure and registration form. You can also register online here. If you’d like to be added to our mailing list, send your contact info to dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or call 618-787-2202.
Church Alert: If you’d like a stack of Spring Brochures for an event or to insert into Sunday bulletins, call DuBois Center at 618-787-2202. Help spread the word! Brochures will be available at the Day of Discipleship this coming Saturday. Let us know how many you’d like and we’ll have them ready for you.

Sneak Peek – Summer Camp 2019!

The countdown to summer has begun!

Here at  DuBois Center, we are busy planning yet another incredible summer camp. Use this schedule* to begin planning your summer now! Check out our Facebook page to stay up-to-date and so you don’t miss our registration when it opens.

Questions? Contact us at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202

*This schedule has been updated from the original post on Feb. 20, 2019.

Two Boys Thumbs Up

CAMP NURSES — Servants with Sunscreen

Band-Aids – YES, but so much more! One setting for ministry at DuBois Center is our health center. Volunteer nurses, most of whom are RNs, are a vital piece of our summer camp program. Serving as a camp nurse can be a very rewarding mission experience, one that is very different than most traditional jobs. Responsibilities include reviewing camper medical forms, conducting health screenings, receiving & administering medications, providing first aid & basic medical treatment, and documentation. But 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.

Summer Jobs – Apply Now!

Is this the year for more than just another summer job? DuBois Center is searching for fun-loving and child-focused individuals with a heart for ministry to serve on our summer staff. Amazing memories + resume building skills = a summer to remember. Check out the Summer of Service flier and consider whether serving outdoors with a dynamic team might be just the opportunity for you. Open positions include cabin counselors, barn staff and coordinators. Lifeguard certification is a plus.

Questions? Contact Shirley at 618-787-2202 or by email. Application packets are available online.

Volunteers are the Heart of DuBois Center

Volunteers are the heart of strong and healthy outdoor ministry programs. At DuBois Center, volunteers serve throughout the year on committees and teams, at the barn, in the office, on work projects, as retreat leaders and fund raisers.

During the summer, there are a variety of ways to be involved and make a difference in the lives of the young people we serve. Join us for a few hours on a Sunday afternoon, a couple days during the week or a full session of camp – no matter what time you can give, know that it is a big help! Volunteers work hand in hand with paid summer staff to provide our fun, engaging and faith-filled program.

For more information contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202. Volunteer applications are available online and a list of summer volunteer opportunities can be found below.

Summer opportunities include:

– Cabin Counselor

– Chaplain

– Nurse

– Barn Helper

– Sunday Welcome Team

– Activity Specialist

– Photographer