WEATHER at DuBois Center

This was a week of weather extremes for campers and leaders at DuBois Center – rain, lightning and heat. So how do we adapt when the weather throws us a curve-ball or two? First, we switch to the weird & wacky weather schedule. We are up at 6:30 for activities before the heat and storms. Then it’s time for breakfast and more activities. BLAST (Bible Learning and Spirit Time) and a relaxing “siesta” are reserved for the heat of the day. Next, round up extra fans and water jugs, and make sure plenty of frozen treats and beverages with extra electrolytes are on hand.

So that takes care of the heat. What about the rain? Many camp activities are just as much fun under soggy skies! This group thoroughly enjoyed their rain-soaked game of Kwik Cricket!

So please keep us in your prayers as the temperatures rise, but know that plans are in place to keep campers hydrated, healthy and happy.

WELCOME TEAM for the WIN!

This is a big week at DuBois Center – lots of campers, lots of NEW campers, lots of volunteers and an amazing turnout for the Sunday Welcome Team. A total of 19 volunteers – in addition to those staying for the week – hit the field to welcome campers and their families. That’s a new record!

The parking lot was packed, but with additional volunteers giving directions – it wasn’t as issue. There were lots of heads to be checked and medications to be reviewed, but again – not an issue. Non-stop pontoon boat shuttles to the landing in the Rustic Village – easy!

This short-term service opportunity makes a HUGE difference, especially for first-time campers and their parents. Watch for a list of our 2019 Welcome Team volunteers in upcoming Weekly Connections.

Calling all Artisans & Handicrafters

Are you gifted with gourds, clever with color or cloth, handy with hardware, talented with tools or skilled in stitchery? If yes, DuBois Center is now accepting applications for vendors at our annual Fall Festival on Sunday, October 6. Each year, over 2,000 people turn out for this family-friendly event. To learn more about displaying your wares, click here. To register, click here.

At this event, the focus is on hand-crafted pieces, and items that are truly vintage or re-purposed. A limited number of vendor spaces are available, so don’t delay. For more information, contact Susan Fuchs at SusanKFuchs@gmail.com or 618-978-3182.

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WELCOME TEAM — Join Us – July 14 or 21

It is amazing what a difference 4-5 volunteers can make! When the Sunday Welcome Team is short by this number, we struggle; and check-in seems to take forever. When the slate is full, the process runs so much more smoothly! We had great turnouts in June. Now we are gearing up for July. In addition to our summer staff, 12-15 volunteers are needed each Sunday to assist with greetings, parking, the camp store, registration, health screenings, dock duty and people-moving.

Volunteers should arrive by 1:15 pm and will be done by 4 pm. Volunteers Needed: July 14 and July 21. The roster for July 7 is already full, but there are lots of opening for July 14. If you are interested and available, please RSVP by the Wednesday prior to the Sunday needed to dcinfo@duboiscenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Behind the camera

DuBois Center has hundreds of avid Facebook followers – especially during the summer. Family members love seeing photos of their child riding a horse, playing on the water mat or hanging out with new friends! This special treat is made possible primarily by one volunteer – Scott Kuether. Over 90% of the photos on our Facebook page were taken by “Flash” – his camp name. Scott works full-time in Glen Carbon, but still makes time for DuBois Center twice a week during the summer camp season. He helps with check-in on most Sundays and then heads off with his camera to capture first day shenanigans. Mid-week he sets up shop in our office and works remotely while taking “breaks” throughout the day to snap photos of campers.

Scott is also the chair of our equestrian committee and a regular ride volunteer. He serves on our marketing committee and the ISC finance ministry team. Scott’s active involvement with DuBois Center began about 12 years ago. He wanted to spend more time with Sandy, his wife and our equestrian director, and his two daughters who love to ride and spent many of their weekends at camp. Little did he know…

THANKS SCOTT for everything you do!

OUTBACK Camp – July 7-12

Ever wonder what it’s like to build your own shelter, cook dinner over a campfire or stay out late listening for owls and watching for bats? While all DuBois Center campers spend lots of time out in nature, Outback takes it a step further. A night or two camping under the stars – or a bug net, foil stew or pie-iron pizza for dinner, nocturnal exploits and a lazy sleep-in morning are all put of the fun. Campers experience God’s creation firsthand while exploring parts of camp that others may never see. In addition, other classic DuBois activities – canoeing, horseback riding, water mat and archery – are also options for this adventure.

To learn more, download our brochure or contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618.787.2202 to receive one by mail. Ready to register? Click here.

Thanks for the memories…

and all the digital cameras you donated! Over the past 18 months, we have been collecting small, point and shoot cameras – the ones pushed to the back of the closet when phones were upgraded. These gifts are now being used by our camp “family groups.” Each has a camera and is encouraged to take pictures of their adventures. This past week, one group did an especially good job of capturing camp life on their digital. Here are some of our favorites shots. It’s obvious they loved their time with the horses and in the creek.

Donations of digital cameras – in good condition – are still being accepted. For more information contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

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HORSE CAMPS – Ready to Ride?

Believe it or not, there are still a couple openings! Horse Campers spend more time with the ponies, but still have time for other camp favorites like the water mat, 9-Square, vespers and crafts. If the weather cooperates, they have the option to ride each day. Some mornings, these horse enthusiasts are up and at ’em long before breakfast to feed, groom and tack the herd. An early morning ride – in the cool of the day – is a great reward for early morning chores! Later in the day, horse campers take turns mucking out the stalls and actually have fun while learning about the responsibilities of caring for horses.

Ready to register online? Click here. For more information, pick up a camp brochure at your UCC church or check out the brochure online. Contact DuBois Center at 618-787-2202 or dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org to have one mailed to you.

SADDLE ‘EM UP: July 7-12 (completed grades 7-9)
PONY EXPRESS: July 21-24 (completed grades 4-6)

Prayer Request

Summer camp at DuBois Center is in full swing! Throughout June and July scores of enthusiastic campers, hopeful volunteers and dedicated staff members will journey together and embrace God’s creation. They will dig into scripture, build amazing relationships and have loads of fun! Please keep these individuals and God’s ministry through DuBois Center in your thoughts and prayers each day. Thank you!