Are You Ready for a Full Week of Camp?

If your child will complete grades 3-5 this spring or summer, then it may be time to step up to Settler camp – which includes a full week of fun!
New friends and lots of fun are just the beginning. Campers run, play, sing, eat, jump, act, create, splash, pray, hike, explore, build, ride and finally… sleep! Growing and playing together, exploring God’s creation, building a Christian community – that’s Settler camp at DuBois Center.
There are three dates from which to choose: June 9-14, June 23-28 and July 7-12. Sessions are filling quickly – so don’t delay. Pick up a camp brochure at your UCC church or download one here. To receive a brochure by mail, contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202. If you are ready to register, click here.

Peace Works – This Year’s Camp Theme

Merriam-Webster defines peace this way: “a state of tranquility or quiet: as a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom keeping the peace.” In the Bible, the word takes on a different tone. The Hebrew word for peace – shalom – relates to concepts of totality or completeness, success, fulfillment, wholeness, harmony, security and well-being. Every culture has its own ways of describing peace and the work it requires.

Throughout camp sessions this summer, Bible verses will be paired with words and stories from around the world to explore how “Peace Works” and how each of us can live more peace-filled lives. For more information view our brochure online.

Don’t Delay – Register for Camp Today!

Summer vacation is a great time to get outside, unplug and make new friends face-to-face!

Give your kids or grandkids the gift of joyful, low-tech, faith-filled fun this summer. Summer 2019 adventures at DuBois Center are filling quickly – some already have waiting lists! There are, however, so many great options that are still available – just don’t wait too long!

Pick up a brochure in your church office or click here to view the online version. To have one mailed to you contact DuBois Center at 618-787-2202 or dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org. Ready to register online? Click here.

Rustic Block Party – Rain or Shine

Rain or shine, we’re having a Block Party and middle & high school youth groups are invited!

Join DuBois Center staff and volunteers for an afternoon of fun, food, games, contests and music. One of the best parts – IT’S FREE.

We’ll roast hot dogs and make s’mores for our late afternoon snack, meet some of the horses, and explore the Rustic Village. If it rains, we’ve got great back-up plans that may involve some mud – so dress for the weather and bring extra clothes and shoes… just in case.

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. Youth must be accompanied by adult chaperones or parents.

RSVP by Wednesday, May 1 – we need to stock the coolers and send you final details. For more information check out this flyer. To RSVP, contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618.787.2202. Click here for a permission form to print and distribute.

Why International Staff?

Why do we bring in international staff members for our summer camp program? Because they’re great!
Each summer, DuBois Center recruits 4-5 international staff members through agencies like Camp America and from Eden Theological Seminary. With accents that draw you in and stories about life in their home countries, it’s easy to see why our international staffers are much beloved by campers and local staff alike.
We appreciate the perspectives they bring, the games and songs they teach, and the unique opportunities they provide just by spending the summer at DuBois Center. The cultural exchange they facilitate is not just educational – it can also be very entertaining: a favorite game is to check for reactions to breakfast staples like coffee cake or biscuits and gravy! It’s also fun to try eating like a Brit for a meal.
This summer, we will welcome Aleksandra from Poland, Elina from Finland, Jayde from New Zealand and Mtipe from Tanzania. We will also welcome back Jack AKA Chip from New Zealand.
Do you know, or can you guess which flag represents which country?
             

SPLASH! Camp Sessions

We had such a great time with this camp session last summer, we decided to offer two sessions in 2019 – June 16 – 21 AND July 7 – 12.

All DuBois Center campers spend time at the waterfront, but SPLASH! sessions are designed for those who want to spend even more time IN, ON and NEAR the lake. Sand castles, masks & fins, early morning canoeing, crazy water games & challenges, water experiments, vespers on the beach – who knows what cool adventures might drift our way!

Both sessions will be based out of the main camp cottages. The age groups do vary a bit between the two, so be sure to check the schedule.

Pick up a camp brochure at your UCC church or download one today. To receive a brochure by mail, contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202. Space is limited, so don’t wait too long. If you are ready to register, click here.

Male Counselors Needed

DuBois Center is in search of a few good men to round out our summer staff roster. We have more than enough solid applicants for the female cabin counselor positions, but not for their male counterparts. If you or someone you know enjoys working with people, has a heart for ministry and is looking for a resume-building summer job – look no further!

Check out the Summer of Service flyer and consider whether serving outdoors with a dynamic team might be just the opportunity for you. Believe it or not, working at camp is a REAL JOB with tangible benefits. Click here to read further about the benefits of working at camp.

Questions? Contact Shirley at 618-787-2202 or via email. Application packets are available online or can be sent by mail upon request.

Lenten Work Days – Recap

      
It is truly amazing what can be accomplished by enthusiastic and willing workers in short periods of time! A HUGE THANKS to volunteers from Carbondale Church of the Good Shepherd UCC, Grantfork UCC, Trenton St. John UCC, Nashville St. Paul UCC, New Baden Zion UCC, Hookdale St. Peter UCC, and other friends of DuBois Center for joining us for our Lenten Work Days this spring.
Rotted sections of wood were removed from the Nature’s Classroom buildings. In their place, a new deck was built and fascia installed. New gutters are awaiting their rain barrels. Leaves and dead branches throughout camp have been removed, as well as a fallen tree that was blocking a horse trail. Benches and equipment were moved out of storage and set in place. Work continued on the fences around camp and at the lumber shed. Deer Run Lodge was opened and tidied. And last, but definitely not least, support work on the bridge between Oak and Hickory Lodges was completed.
This work makes a significant difference! We are thankful for the new and old friends and their gifts of time and talent!

RSVP for the Thank You Party by Friday!

The annual DuBois Center ‘Thank You’ Party is scheduled for Sunday, April 28. Previously held during the Christmas holidays, this event is our 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 through ministry in God’s great outdoors. Volunteers, staff, supporters and friends make it all happen. If you fit into any of these categories – then YOU are invited. Churches are encouraged to send representatives.

Enjoy a yummy meal, tour the grounds by tram or pontoon boat, take a nature hike, or just sit on a dock or porch and enjoy the day. DuBois Center is beautiful in the spring, so don’t miss this opportunity! Remember to dress casually and for the weather. Activities will begin at 2 pm, with dinner at 4:30 pm. We’ll conclude by 6 pm.

Click here for your invitation. Please RSVP to DuBois Center at dcinfo@duboiscenter.org or 618-787-2202 by Friday, April 19.

Horse Camps – Ready to Ride?

Do you love to ride horses? Want to learn more about them and how to care for these beautiful creatures? Consider coming to a Horse Camp at DuBois Center!
Horse Campers spend more time with the ponies, but still have time for other camp favorites like swimming, 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, the stalls need to be mucked out. Horse campers take turns, and have fun while learning about the responsibilities of caring for horses.
Younger campers can hop aboard the Pony Express for an introduction to horse camp. Older ones can choose from a variety of sessions.
PONY EXPRESS (completed grades 4-6)
            July 21-24
HORSIN’ AROUND (completed grades 5-7)
            June 9-14, July 14-19
SADDLE ‘EM UP (completed grades 7-9)
            June 7-12, July 14-19
WRANGLERS (completed grades 8-12)
            June 16-21
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.
Horse Camp 2