About Us

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DuBois Center is the Camp and Retreat Center of the Illinois South Conference of the United Church of Christ. Nestled amidst 330 wooded acres, two shimmering lakes, open meadows and network of wooded trails, DuBois Center is a great escape in Southern Illinois for all ages. Our equestrian program is one of the longest continuously-running in the area, and we are proud to have offered first-time rides to visitors of all ages – as well as seen many campers grow into a lifelong love of horses! Because we have been fortunate to run continuously since 1965, we are beginning to welcome third- and fourth- generation DuBois Center campers. It is an honor to maintain such an incredible legacy of love for the outdoors.

We are committed to building an equitable, inclusive organization. We host camps and retreats for all ages, genders, denominations and races. Although we are a United Church of Christ camp, we open our arms to any and all who wish to join us for summer camp.

Lenten Devotional

This is our gift to you! From Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, we hope these words and photos can be part of your Lenten journey. Though written to celebrate DuBois Center and Green DuBois, this piece speaks to all who find comfort, wisdom and challenge in God’s creation and word. We hope this resource is a blessing to you during the coming weeks. Click to read or download the entire resource in week by week segments. Please feel free to share this gift, but please give credit where credit is due. For details see the Forward/Intro.

Our History

DuBois Center was established in 1965 as the Conference Retreat Center and Summer Camp of the Illinois South Conference of the United Church of Christ. Learn more about our history.

Our Ministry

DuBois Center is the camp and retreat center of the Illinois South Conference of the United Church of Christ. We have served the people of Southern Illinois, the Greater St. Louis area and beyond for more than 50 years as a place where people of all ages and faiths can learn more about themselves and the world in which they live.

Our Mission Statement

Growing Together… In Faith, in Respect for Ourselves and Others, and in our Care for Creation

Because we affirm the value of all God’s people, the Illinois South Conference of the United Church of Christ does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, national origin, religious background, sexual orientation, or gender identity. To the extent possible, we endeavor to accommodate those with a variety of physical, mental, emotional, medical, or dietary needs.

Our Staff

Our energetic and caring team provides positive leadership and guidance for our campers, while Pastors and Christian Educators enrich the faith-based focus, and our maintenance, kitchen and office teams work ceaselessly to support us all. Our year-round staff, seasonal staff and volunteers are dedicated to providing a safe and accepting atmosphere for visitors and campers to explore and grow. All of our staff members and volunteers are screened and trained in accordance with our Safe Conduct procedures. In addition, our paid summer staff are First Aid and CPR certified and have completed extensive training including safety, program facilitation, activity leadership, and emergency reponse.

DuBois Center would not be what it is without the fantastic people who keep the fires lit. Learn more about our staff.

Our Facilities

Our lodges and cottages are located on the shores of our main lake amidst over 300 acres of woods, pastures, and wildlife. We provide our guests with a comfortable retreat environment, a well-maintained camping & retreat facility and delicious home-cooked meals. Learn more about our facilities.

Our Services

Hospitality: Lodging and Meal Service

Faith Formation and Christian Education: Whether during our summer camps and seasonal retreat or your church or group retreat, opportunities to grow in one’s faith abound.

Nature’s Classroom: Experiential education and community building for school groups.

Recreation: Horseback riding, canoeing, hiking, swimming, fishing, team building, teams course, Gaga, campfires, hay rides and more.

Nature Study: Utilize our diverse eco-system, including the lakes, creek and trails to get closer to nature than ever before.

Spiritual Retreats: Faith and Fellowship – take time to focus, reconnect and relax.

Retreat Center: Meeting spaces for your church or community group.