New Life and Firm Foundation

Posted on July 27, 2019 by Dubois Center — No Comments ↓

St. Paul’s UCC in Freeburg has a unique approach to mission work, one aspect of which is a rotating two-year commitment to study, prayer and service in partnership with DuBois Center, Hoyleton Youth & Family Services and Kindercottage. In 2019 and 2020, DuBois Center is again blessed to be the focus of their energy.

Six years ago, the congregation designed and built the new chapel in main camp and made a significant donation towards the new docks. This time around, they have taken on a variety of projects – including the renovation of the three Deer Run cabins.

Over the coming months, in collaboration with Green DuBois, these buildings will be transformed into an environmental education library and resource center, a nature blind for observing and photographing wildlife, and a day-use retreat space. First on the list – shore up the building foundations, then double the size of the decks, next upgrade the electric.

The last two Saturdays, teams from St. Paul’s have been hard at work – despite the heat. Most of the foundation work is complete and the decks are taking shape. Everything looks amazing! THANKS so much to St. Paul’s for all their hard work and support. They are truly breathing new life into the Deer Run cabins!

Transforming Deer Run

Posted on July 26, 2019 by Dubois Center — No Comments ↓

Yes, lots of deer do run at DuBois Center! In fact, this summer we have been blessed with frequent sightings of kids with their mothers… often running. But did you know that one of the most beautiful areas of camp is named Deer Run?

First established in 1975 as an area for tent and RV camping, Deer Run never quite reached its full potential. Currently, summer campers use it for evening games and camp outs. During Nature’s Classroom, a variety of activities are based there. Our horses appreciate the pasture and more advanced riders enjoy “Canter Alley.” The occasional scout troop camps there, but the area has so much more potential!

In terms of structures, there are three small cabins, a lodge that is frequented by more wildlife than human life, and a very rustic shower house. The centerpiece is a small three-acre lake that boasts giant lily pads in the summer.

Earlier this year, a team from Green DuBois was inspired by the possibility of transforming Deer Run into the intentional nature study and earth care hub of DuBois Center. Energy for this vision is catching! In early spring, two hives of bees were introduced and blessed by our conference minister. In May, a work crew from Christ UCC in Dupo and St. Paul UCC in Belleville removed the old, decrepit dock from the lake. Hoyleton Buddies from Region 2 re-established the boat landing – wading in hip deep to pull lily pads. Summer staff members recycled cardboard from the kitchen and moldy hay bales – making a “layer cake” out of them in the new composting area. And now, St. Paul’s UCC in Freeburg is breathing new life into the three cabins (article posted tomorrow).

The transformation won’t happen overnight, but it has begun!

Rainbow Camp Registration Deadline is July 26!

Posted on July 25, 2019 by Dubois Center — No Comments ↓

The 5th Annual Rainbow Camp will be held at DuBois Center on Saturday, Aug 10. It’s a full day of fun in community, where everyone is recognized as a whole child of God. Anyone can attend, regardless of denomination, and all ages are welcome. Rainbow Camp is for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer singles, couples and families. Straight allies are welcome, too!

See the informational flyer for more details. To register online, click here.

Are You a Retail Diva?

Posted on July 14, 2019 by Dubois Center — No Comments ↓

Plans are coming together for DuBois Center’s annual Fall Festival. One area still in need of an implementation team is the Upscale Resale Shop & Silent Auction.

Volunteers to pick up, store and deliver items to camp are already in place. Now a team is needed for Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6 to set up and run the shop.

Tasks include unpacking, setting up, pricing, recruiting cashiers and managing the shop and silent auction the day of Fall Festival.

No need to start from scratch, helpful hints will be provided. If your church or fellowship group might be interested, please contact Nancy Wagner, chair of the Outdoor Ministries Team, at 618-444-2835 or email, or DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Employment Opportunity – Office & Event Coordinator

Posted on July 12, 2019 by Dubois Center — No Comments ↓

Enjoy connecting with people and the outdoors? Fluent in computer-speak? Looking for a position that is more than just a job? DuBois Center is seeking an Office & Event Coordinator.

This is a permanent, part-time position; the purpose of which is to organize, coordinate and implement office and event functions at DuBois Center including camper family and guest relations, data management (financial, camper, guest group and employee), assistance with marketing efforts and occasional guest group hosting. The person filling this position will be an integral part of the ISCUCC staff and the DuBois Center team.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to DuBois Center via email at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org. Click here for the position description.

Behind the camera

Posted on June 22, 2019 by DuBois Office — No Comments ↓

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!

Eagle Project

Posted on June 5, 2019 by DuBois Office — No Comments ↓

At DuBois Center during May, guest groups are in and out nearly every week and weekend, and work crews tackle final projects before our busy summer season. On Memorial Day weekend, scouts from Troop 9, Ship 9 and Crew 9 took on a number of projects at the waterfront. They worked on erosion issues, cleared the trail between the swim beach and boating dock, and constructed a “landing” for benches and shoes. Campers now have a great place to stow their shoes before jumping in and heading for the water mat or loading into canoes.

The estimated cost of the project was $841. Christ UCC, Belleville – home base for these scout groups – donated $180; pavers, blocks, food for the hungry workers and tools were also donated. The project was designed and the work coordinated by James Taylor as his Eagle Project. He enlisted the assistance of the St. Louis Job Corps cement pre-apprentice program, which provided the custom pavers. Making the pavers provided practice in forms, mixing concrete and finishing work for Jobs Corps members. A total of 26 people, including a number of troop members, assisted with the project. Together they logged 259 hours of service. THANKS to James, his crew and supporters! Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Know someone who might be interested in an Eagle Project at DuBois Center? The best time to contact us and begin the process is from Aug 15 – Sept 15.

Summer Camp Volunteers Needed

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Dubois Center — No Comments ↓

Consider a week (or even a few days) at DuBois Center and join our Summer Camp 2019 team! Wanted: fun, engaging and caring volunteers to serve as nurses, cabin counselors, activity specialists and barn helpers. Minimum age is 18 for most positions; young adults and older adults are welcome. Give of your time and talent, make a difference and gain a wonderful sense of satisfaction!

For more information, go to the volunteer page of our web site or contact Shirley at shirley.director@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Make New Friends – Sign Up for Camp!

Posted on June 1, 2019 by Dubois Center — No Comments ↓

There are still openings throughout the summer and lots of new friends to be made! But don’t delay, spots are filling quickly, and a number of sessions are already full.

To learn more about summer camp at DuBois Center, check out the camp brochure online or pick one up at your UCC church. To have a brochure sent by mail, contact DuBois Center at 618-787-2202 or dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org.

THANKS to the Happy Quilters and St. John UCC in Mascoutah

Posted on May 26, 2019 by DuBois Office — No Comments ↓

The Happy Quilters of St. John UCC in Mascoutah have done it once again! Each year this group creates a beautiful kid-friendly quilt to celebrate and raise funds for DuBois Center. But that’s just the beginning! Teams of quilters then hit the road and visit churches throughout the conference on Sunday mornings bringing goodwill and selling quilt tickets. Ticket sales raised $1760. St. John UCC matched this amount dollar for dollar, bringing the total donation to $3520. This year, the proceeds are designated for the spillway and AC projects that comprise Operation Shimmer.

Thanks so much to the Happy Quilters (Kay, Beth, Nancy, Marion, Muriel, Treva, Dorothy, Lou Ann and Kim) for all their hard work and to all the members of St. John UCC in Mascoutah for their support. Thanks also to the following churches for hosting the traveling quilt: Christ UCC in Dupo, Grantfork UCC in Grantfork, St John UCC in Trenton, St. Paul UCC in Lebanon, St Peter’s UCC in Okawville and Zion UCC in New Baden. The quilters have been known to go to great lengths to sell tickets. In fact, this year the winning one was purchased – not at a church or the Quilt Fair – but at a family Easter meal at which one salesperson sold $60 worth of tickets. Congratulations to quilt winner Ronald Ostrom of Fairfax, Virginia!

General News