Working at Camp IS a Real Job!

There is something to be learned from any job, but there are more resume-building skills and practical work experience packed into one summer on camp staff than in almost any other job! Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Leadership and Planning are just some of the skills that come to mind. Working at summer camp IS a real job, but also an opportunity to 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 assistant/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.

SUMMER JOBS – DuBois Center Equestrian Program

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

“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

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

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!

LEAF ATTACK!! Saturday – Dec 7

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

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.

BOOTS & CAMERAS

Kick up your heels & smile for the camera!

Cleaning out the garage or a back closet? DuBois Center is in need of boots for horseback riding – child size 11 to adult size 14 and everything in between. 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. M

Meanwhile, the search continues for digital cameras. 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? They are great for camp scavenger hunts, photography classes, photo booths 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.

SERVICE SATURDAY – November 2

Stretch your muscles! Breathe fresh fall air! Hang out with friends and lend a helping hand!
Youth and adult fellowship groups, individuals, families – everyone is invited. Projects vary, depending on the skills of those involved and the weather. Preparations for winter, stacking wood, raking leaves, cleaning and painting are on the list, as are a variety of skilled labor projects. The work may not be glamorous, but it really does make a BIG DIFFERENCE!
Click here for a flyer to post and share, and here for a typical Work Day schedule. Please let us know in advance if you plan to attend and if any of your group members have special skills. We want to be sure to have appropriate projects and a hot lunch ready for you! Contact DuBois Center at 618-787-2202 or email.

Thank You

THANK YOU!
It rained, but it didn’t pour! The skies were overcast, but the sun did peek out every once in a while. Through it all the tractors kept rolling, the musicians kept singing and smiling faces and umbrellas were everywhere. The rain may have dampened the turnout, but not the spirit. Thanks to the Volunteers, Staff, Vendors and Guests who made Fall Festival 2019 a success!
Watch upcoming editions of Weekly Connection to hear some of the fun stories from this event.