Like Father, Like Son

“We always hear preachers preaching about love…” Last summer Kalaba Kapundu, an international student at Eden Theological Seminary, served on the summer staff at DuBois Center. This year his son Ian was able to attend camp – thanks to our wider faith community. Ian’s fee was paid by St. Mark’s UCC in DuBois. The church also provided money for a stop at the camp store for Ian and his younger brothers. Rev. Carol Shanks provided transportation to and from camp for the family, playing tour guide along the way. The kids were amazed by the cornfields and grain silos, and even stopped for photos with the stalks. Jill Schantz from the seminary helped with paper work, gathering supplies and moral support. It was definitely a community effort!
Last week, we received an email from Kalaba. An excerpt is included below:
“Greetings in the name of Jesus.
Shirley, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for helping Ian to experience Camp DuBois. Ian is in love with DuBois and I think he did connect with DuBois the same way I did and DuBois Center will always have a special place in my family. My life had changed a lot from my experience at DuBois Center. We always hear preachers preaching about love, at DuBois Center love is not preaching but experienced. For me, DuBois Center is the expression of the love of God for humanity… I lack word to express my gratitude, may God continue to strengthen you in your ministry of making disciples for the transformation of the world. Thank you, Boss. J
Peace and Grace, Kalaba Kapundu”

Welcome Team – Join Us!

July 8, 15, 22 – On these three Sundays, scores of campers will arrive at DuBois Center eager and excited to begin their time at camp. Twelve volunteers are needed for each of these Sundays – plus summer staff – to ensure the check-in process runs smoothly! Volunteers assist with greeting, parking, the camp store, registration, health screenings, dock duty and people-moving. They arrive by 1:15 pm and are done by 4 pm.
Please consider joining our Sunday Welcome Team on one or more check-in days. You are invited to wear a church t-shirt and show your spirit. Even consider bringing a team from your church! Let us know in advance when you can help; contact the DuBois Center office at 618-787-2202 or dcinfo@duboiscenter.org.

Don’t Delay, Register Today!

It’s OFFICIALLY summer and July is a great month to get outside, unplug and make new friends face-to-face. Give your kids the gift of joyful, low-tech, faith-filled fun this summer! There are still openings in some 2018 Summer Adventures at DuBois Center, just don’t wait too long. Pick up a brochure in your church office, view the online version or contact DuBois Center to have one mailed to you – dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202. Ready to register? Click here.

Time to hit the water!

When is a dock more than a dock?

Over the last 12 months, all three docks on the “big lake” at DuBois Center have been replaced – the Oak Lodge dock, the boating dock and finally the swimming dock.

When is a dock more than a dock? When it’s a free choice activity during high school camp! Last week over a dozen teens – and Rev. John Holst, their chaplain for the week – chose dock construction over a myriad of other activities. With a lot of planning and many willing hands, the team completed the project in record time.

high school dock 2

The high school campers wanted to give back and they definitely did. This week campers of all ages are enjoying the fruits of those labors. A special thanks to two volunteers – Slick (Marcus Vaughan) and Bullseye (Daniel Schmidt) for their above and beyond commitment to the dock’s completion.

high school dock 1

Summer Adventures in July

July is a great month to experience DuBois Center! Many sessions are full, but not all. There are openings in each of the weeks listed below. Check out great pics from the first weeks of camp at DuBois Center’s Facebook page. Recruit a friend new to DuBois Center and SAVE! Click here to register online or contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202 to receive a brochure. NOTE: Grades listed below are the grades completed.
Dates: July 8-13July 15-20July 22-25
Horse Camps with Openings: Pony Express (grades 4-6), Horsin’ Around (grades 5-7), Saddle ‘Em Up (grades 7-9)
General Sessions with Openings: Boy Meets Camp / Discovery Camp / Girl Power (grades 1-3), Settler (grades 3-5), Mad Science / Move It! Move It! (grades 4-7), Splash! (grades 5-7), Base Camp / Trekkin’ It (5-8), Outlander (grades 6-9)
July Camp 2

Mission Week – May 2018

It was a whirlwind of activity as volunteers from St. Paul UCC in Belleville, Christ UCC in Dupo and other friends of DuBois Center descended the third week of May. Braving unseasonably warm weather, they tackled a variety of projects around camp – at the boat dock, office, beach house, rustic cabins and beyond. Their efforts have already had a significant impact on the quality of the camping experiences we provide.

We have a new boat dock! A small crew deciphered cryptic instructions, assembled the modular pieces and secured them in place – often finding creative approaches to challenges.

Work Week 3

The south side of the office was overhauled. The siding was removed and replaced, and the garage wall was re-framed and the foundation upgraded. When this team opened the section of the wall by the ventilation fan, they discovered FIVE FEET of dried grass, branches and feathers. The massive nesting area was removed and efforts were made to critter-proof the opening.

The beach house also underwent a major overhaul. The walls were painted inside and out, and the pipe-and-shower-curtain changing partitions were replaced with full-length wooden dividers and doors.

Work Week 2

In all ten cabins in the Rustic Village, the electrical wiring was inspected and upgraded, and the ceiling fans and lights replaced with more efficient, more effective, lower profile fixtures.

In the craft area, railings were super-sanded and painted, and supplies were sorted and organized.

MANY THANKS to the volunteers who dedicated their week to making these incredible improvements at DuBois Center!

Summer Camp 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!

Summer Adventures in July

July is a great month to experience a summer adventure at DuBois Center! Many sessions are full, but it’s not too late. There are openings in each of the following sessions in July. Recruit a friend new to DuBois Center and SAVE! Check out great pics from the first week of camp at DuBois’ Facebook page. Click here to register online or contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.orgor 618-787-2202 to receive a brochure.

 

July 8-10     Discovery Camp (completed grades 1-3)
July 8-13     Mad Science (completed grades 4-7)
                         Move It! Move It! (completed grades 4-7)
                         Horsin’ Around (completed grades 5-7)
                         Trekkin’ It (complete grades 5-8)
July 11-13    Boy Meets Camp (completed grades 1-3)
July 15-20   Settler (completed grades 3-5)
                         Base Camp (completed grades 5-8)
                         Horsin’ Around (completed grades 5-7)
                         Outlander (completed grades 6-9)
                         Saddle ‘Em Up (completed grades 7-9)
July 22-25   Girl Power (completed grades 1-3)
                         Pony Express (completed grades 4-5)
                         Splash! (completed grades 5-7)

Thanks for the Memories…

…and all the digital cameras you donated! A couple months ago we asked for donations of small, point and shoot cameras – the ones that were pushed to the back of the closet when you upgraded your phone. Your trash; our treasure – these gifts are now being used by our camp “family groups.” Each has a camera and is encouraged to take pictures of their adventures throughout the week. They captured everything from cook-outs to barn chores, new friends to creek walks. Here are some of our favorites from week #1.

Camera donations are still being accepted. For more information contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

WheelbarrowSelfie
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creekwalk

 

It’s Not Too Late – Register for Camp!

Summer vacation is a great time to get outside, unplug and make new friends face-to-face. Give your kids the gift of joyful, low-tech, faith-filled fun this summer! 2018 Summer Adventures at DuBois Center are filling quickly – some already have waiting lists! However, there are still lots of great options available, just don’t wait too long. Pick up a brochure in your church office, click here to view the online version or contact DuBois Center to have one mailed to you – dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.