Save the Date: Thank You Party – Sunday, May 3

The annual DuBois Center THANK YOU Party is an opportunity to share our appreciation for your prayers and support; your gifts of time, talent and treasure; and your partnership in our shared mission and ministry at DuBois Center. Together we have touched countless lives over the past five decades with gifts of God’s abundant love. Volunteers, staff, supporters and friends make it all happen. If you fit into any of these categories – then YOU are invited. Enjoy a yummy meal, take a nature hike, tour the grounds by tram or pontoon boat and see what’s happening around camp. DuBois Center is beautiful in the spring, so don’t miss this opportunity! Churches are encouraged to send representatives.

Activities will begin at 2 pm, with dinner at 4:30 pm. We’ll conclude by 6 pm. Please RSVP to DuBois Center at dcinfo@duboiscenter.org or 618-787-2202 by Friday, April 24.

Wrangle & Ride – Saturday, April 4

Spring is a great time to be outside at DuBois Center… even more so when horses are involved! Join our equestrian team on April 4 from 9am – 5pm for a full day of fun with the DuBois Center herd! Designed for both beginning riders and those with some experience, this is a horse-intensive day of grooming, tacking, riding, instruction and other horse-related activities. Beginners will be introduced to basic skills, while more experienced riders work on more advanced techniques.

The cost for this event is $65 with lunch included. Online registration is NOW OPEN. Click here for more information or to register by mail or email. Questions? Contact us at dcinfo@duboiscenter.orgor 618-787-2202.

Summer Camp Brochure – Hot Off the Design Table!

You heard it here first! Our summer camp brochure is at the printer and will be in the mail to churches and past campers in early March. But no need to wait! Check out this online version.

The Early Bird deadline is April 1 and online registration is now open. Download this form to register by mail or email.

Nature Photography Retreat – May 1-2

Registration is now open for a Nature Photography Retreat at DuBois Center May 1-2. This overnight retreat will feature two experts- Brady Kesner (left), professional nature photographer from Highland, and Marty Kemper (right), retired biologist and avid birder from Nashville, to guide you through camp during spring bird migration and spring wildflower season. Friday night will include presentations on common wildlife, rare plants and photography skills. Saturday will allow plenty of time for photos anywhere your feet can take you at camp. Get more details, registration info and the full retreat schedule on the flyer or poster.

This is a great opportunity to explore some flora and fauna at camp, hone your photography skills, or just enjoy a spring weekend outdoors. Bring your friends and a camera- beginners and amateurs of any age with a DSLR camera are welcome. Early bird registration is now open until April 1. Register early online to ensure your spot.

Father-Son RETREAT April 24-26

Fathers, Grandfathers and Uncles – bring your sons, grandsons, nephews or other significant young men in your life to DuBois Center for a weekend of quality guy time! 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.

Online Registration is now open. Space is limited, so register early. Click here for more information or to register by mail. Questions? Contact us at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Block Party! Sunday, April 26

What’s a Block Party? A party in our neighborhood on our “street.” Who’s invited? Middle & high school youth groups (and individuals) with their adult chaperones or parents. Join DuBois Center staff and volunteers for an afternoon of fun, games, music and snacks. One of the best parts – IT’S FREE! We’ll roast hot dogs and make s’mores, meet some of the horses, and explore the Rustic Village. Whether you are a DuBois Center camper or not, you’re invited! Load up right after church, grab some lunch, and head to camp. We’ll be on the move from 1-4 pm, but arrive when you can.

RSVP by Monday, April 20 – we need to stock the coolers and send permission forms. For more information check out this flyer, to RSVP contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Working at Camp IS A REAL JOB!

There is something to be learned from every job, but there are more resume-building skills and practical work experience packed into one summer at camp than with almost any other job! Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Leadership and Planning are just some of the critical skills that come to mind. Working at summer camp IS a real job, but also a great opportunity to share your faith, serve others and make forever friends.

DuBois Center is currently accepting applications for energetic, child-focused and fun-loving individuals to serve on our summer staff. Check out the Summer of Service flyer and this piece from the American Camp Association, then 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 assistants/counselors and coordinators. FAITH. FUN. HARD WORK. GREAT FRIENDS. LONG HOURS. AMAZING MEMORIES.

Applications are now available online at www.DuBoisCenter.org or by contacting DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Spring Star Party – March 20th

What’s a Star Party? An evening of star gazing, with hot chocolate and snacks around the campfire! This specific night just might be one of the best nights of the season to check out the night sky – depending on the weather. Mark your calendars and join us as we celebrate the start of spring! Festivities are scheduled from 7 pm – 10 pm on March 20, the Spring Equinox, beginning with a bonfire and snacks at Picnic Point. The big open playing field in the Rustic Village will be our prime star-gazing location. Trams will run to and from this area from the toasty campfire at 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm. Bring your own binoculars or view the sky with provided equipment.

This is a FREE conference-wide, family-friendly event sponsored by Green DuBois. Dress warmly and bring your friends, neighbors, youth group or Sunday School class.

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 that is similar, yet very different than most traditional nursing positions. Responsibilities include reviewing camper medical forms, conducting health screenings, receiving and administering medications, providing first aid and 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 dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Wrangle & Ride — Saturday, April 4

Spring is a great time to be outside at DuBois Center… even more so when horses are involved! Join our equestrian team on Saturday, April 4 from 9 am – 5 pm for a full day of fun with the DuBois Center herd! Designed for both beginners and more experienced riders, this is a horse-intensive day of grooming, tacking, riding, instruction and other horse-related activities. Beginners will be introduced to basic skills, while experienced riders work on more advanced options.

The cost for this event is $65 with lunch included. Online registration is NOW OPEN. Click here for more information or to register by mail. Questions? Contact us at dcinfo@duboiscenter.org or 618-787-2202.