Welcome Kurtwynn Trompetter from Johannesburg, South Africa to our 2018 summer staff team. Kurtwynn will be serving as a Counselor/Activity Specialist and hopes to gain even more experience and new tools for youth work. Kurtwynn wrote, “My career goal is to open a summer camp for underprivileged children in South Africa of different ages.” Kurtwynn has a variety of applicable experience. He has taught and coached football (soccer), assisted in a day care center and with the youth group at his church, and babysat for family and friends. One of his most significant learning experiences came while working with a 9-year old with Down Syndrome.
When asked about a favorite memory of the “outdoors” from his youth, Kurtwynn shared enthusiastically about an educational camp he was invited to attend while in high school. During the camp they visited an underwater marine exhibit where they learned about different sea animals and about the evolution of life underwater. The camp definitely made a lasting impression. In his free time, Kurtwynn enjoys the arts – making music, drawing and painting. He enjoys staying fit by taking part in soccer tournaments and fitness competitions. Road trips and outings with family and friends are also favorites. During a two-week visit to Mozambique, he was amazed by the beach, loved the HUGE prawns, and saw first-hand how people live in other parts of the world. It was a humbling experience. His “favourite” foods include creamy pastas and spicy prawns; he has a sweet tooth for chocolate and caramel cake.
Welcome Kurtwynn!
Kristian is from Columbia and a member of St. Paul UCC. He attends Illinois Wesleyan University, where he studies Music Education and participates in a variety of music related activities – from vocal jazz to opera. Kristian served as a delegate from the Illinois South Conference to the UCC General Synod. His selection is an honor and a significant responsibility. Kristian attended summer camp at DuBois Center while growing up. He attributes much of who he is as a person to his weeks as a camper and his first summers as a counselor. In addition to finding mentors at camp, another mentor at school has made a significant impact on this life. Kristian wrote, “Every day this semester I have been more and more inspired by my choral director… He overcame a great deal of adversity to pursue his passion. He struggles with anxiety every day and has been open about how this affects his life. He reminds us every day to feel lucky to be alive and able to make music. His humility and passion for inclusion have taught me many important lessons to help me when teaching in the future.”
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 
