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Summer Camp

Camper Pick-Up

Pick-up details:

Half-Week Sessions:

  • Just You & Me departs at 2:00 pm on Tuesday
  • Discovery pick-up time is 7:00 pm on Tuesday.
  • Boy Meets Camp, Camp Quest, and Girl Power pick-up time is 2:00 pm on Friday.

Full Week Sessions: Pick-up at 2:00 p.m. on Friday.

Please do not arrive early as your child WILL NOT be ready to leave. 

 

The last activity of each session is a closing circle. This is a meaningful time for many campers, so we try to keep interruptions to a minimum.

When you arrive, a greeter will provide further instructions.

A Pick-Up Authorization Form is required for all youth campers, even those being picked up by a parent.

List ALL individuals who might pick up your camper – include yourself. Then bring the completed form to camp on check-in day. Campers will only be released to a person who is authorized on the form.

The pick-up person will need to present a photo ID, such as a driver’s license, to the camper’s counselor. We cannot release a camper to an adult without authorization on the pick-up form AND a photo ID.

If plans change, and someone not listed on this form must pick up the camper, call the Camp Office at 618.787.2202 and send signed WRITTEN PERMISSION with the person picking up the child.

Lost & Found

Items found after campers depart will be held until the winter and will then be donated to a local charitable organization. Please mark your camper’s items clearly- we make efforts to contact campers about items with their names written on them. If you are missing an item, check with DuBois Center by calling 618.787.2202 or by email at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org.

After Camp

Your camper will likely be tired after their adventures at camp and may need additional rest after their stay. Try to ensure a lighter schedule for the next day or two after they return home. Some campers will talk your ear off with wild stories the whole way home – some will snooze and snore the second their seat belt is buckled.

Dam road

Packing for Camp

PackingWhat to Bring

We recommend bringing older, less expensive clothing and gear. It’s best to LABEL EVERYTHING since found items that are identifiable are easier to return.

To avoid cuts and other injuries to feet and ankles, campers wear sturdy shoes with closed toes at all times, except at the beach or in the cabin and shower areas. Sturdy shoes also make walking and hiking safer and more enjoyable.

Bring extras in case of rain, spills, sweat, or mud – nothing causes blisters faster than damp dirty socks or wet shoes. Especially during very hot or rainy weather, being able to change into fresh socks and clothes at midday does wonders for morale.

Plan a system to keep things tidy! A large duffel bag is great for easy transport but makes it hard to keep dirty, clean, and half-clean clothes together. Consider a dedicated bag for bathhouse supplies. Think about how your camper can best utilize an upper or lower bunk. We offer a daily award for the cleanest cabin, and we’ve seen some truly innovative techniques for tidy cohabitation! We also encourage our campers to keep a tidy cabin to minimize cozy homes for the bugs and critters that live here at DuBois Center.

Detailed packing lists are available by session here:

 

What NOT to Bring

Prohibited items brought to camp will be collected and returned at the end of the camper’s stay.

No open-toed shoes outside of cabins, waterfront, and showers. Flip flops and slide sandals may be worn as shower/beach shoes only.

Do not bring valuable, breakable, or dangerous items. This includes guns, knives, weapons of any kind, matches, lighters, fireworks, illegal substances, smoking and vaping products, or any items containing alcohol, cannabis, or tobacco.

Do not bring candy, soda, gum, or food. The bugs love it all, and snacks in the cabins encourage critters to nest in suitcases.

Aerosols are not allowed at camp. These can explode and leak in hot weather and are a serious danger around candles and campfires. Please send pump-bottle bug sprays and sunscreens instead.

NO CELL PHONES.

NO CAMERAS. We have designated photographers here at camp to take pictures, including an official photo per family group. Because we open our camp to minors in difficult situations, we cannot permit unofficial photography.

NO SPENDING MONEY. There are no additional fees for activities or snacks, so spending money is not needed. The camp store is only open during check-in.

Thank you for helping us keep camp safe for everyone!

Preparing for Camp

Summer Camp Resources

Health Profiles

BeachDue 2 weeks prior to the start of the camper’s session

A FULLY COMPLETED Health Profile is an absolute requirement for every camper, including adults. The Health Profile does not require a physical exam, but must include current medical information, immunization dates, details about medication and an authorization for treatment.  Complete Health Profiles ONLINE!  Parent/Guardian signature is required.

Family Share of the Camp Fee

Due 2 weeks prior to the start of the camper’s session

Some churches and organizations pay a portion of the camp fee. The part of the fee to be paid by the family (Family Share) is the amount due a minimum of two weeks prior to the camp session. Early payments are welcome.

Medications

We stock a number of over-the-counter medications, so it is not necessary to send these items. A list of stock medications can be found on the Health Profile.

Be sure to fully complete the medication sections of the Health Profile in detail. ALL medications brought to camp must be in ORIGINAL PACKAGING or PRESCRIPTION CONTAINER. Prescription containers must include the camper’s name, dosage, frequency, and times of administration. All medications, including ibuprofen, vitamins, etc., must be turned in to the Health Care Staff when checking in on the first day of camp. Medications are administered regularly at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack/bedtime and irregularly as needed.

Do not pre-pull medication or pack it in the camper’s luggage. Put all medications in a gallon-sized zip-lock bag labeled with the camper’s full name.

Exceptions are granted for emergency medications, rescue inhalers, etc under certain circumstances – even if you anticipate this exception to be made for your camper, please arrive prepared to submit medications for inspection at the healthcare check-in station.

Camper Accommodations

If your camper requires special accommodations for a successful camp experience, please contact DuBois Center a minimum of three weeks in advance of the first day of your camper’s session. This allows time for us to strategize together.

We make every effort to serve campers with special needs who are within the scope of our training and staffing capabilities. Because we are a “general” camp, as opposed to a “specialized” camp, we do not have the benefit of extra staff to serve as accommodation specialists or one-on-one chaperones.

Within our cabin and activity groups, we maintain a minimum of one leader per six younger campers, and one leader for each seven or eight older campers. To have a successful summer camp experience at DuBois Center, campers must be able to function within this type of staffing structure.

The sooner we have information about the circumstances, the better able we are to provide appropriate support.

BuddiesCamper Mail

Campers love to receive mail. Please send cheerful, upbeat notes. Avoid mentioning how much you miss your child. Statements like this can cause worries and amplify some of the challenges of being away at camp. Try rephrasing “we can’t wait for you to come home” into “we’re looking forward to hearing all about your time at camp!” It is tempting to send notes for every day of camp – or more! This can be tough on campers who receive little or no mail. One or two letters through a week is usually more than enough. Camper mail can be cards or letters in a sealed envelope, and a sheet of paper folded in thirds and firmly taped shut is also acceptable. Please address your camper mail clearly with the camper’s name and session name.

  • Please address your camper mail clearly with the camper’s name AND session name.
  • Letters may be left at the “Mail Station” while checking in on the first day of camp. You will have the chance to place your letter in a box for delivery at lunchtime on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

Mail for campers not deposited during check-in may not be delivered. We cannot guarantee delivery of camper mail sent through other methods.

PLEASE – NO CARE PACKAGES!

Packages from home are intended to be symbols of love. For DuBois Center they create problems. Eating and storing food in the cabins and cottages attracts insects and critters. In addition, campers not receiving such treats can feel left out. Please send letters instead. If packages are sent, in most cases, they will be held until the end of the session and sent home with the camper. Do not include food, candy, money, or glitter in any camper mail. 

LETTERS HOME

Don’t be alarmed if letters home are brief and sporadic or don’t arrive at all – campers are busy while at camp, and it is unlikely a letter mailed during their week at camp will make it to you before they are back home. You are more likely to receive mail from your camper if you pack pre-addressed, stamped postcards or envelopes.

Many campers feel more comfortable writing, drawing or pasting scraps into a journal or notebook rather than feeling pressured during rest/bedtime to complete and submit an entire letter or postcard. Sending along a small blank notebook with a marker set and a roll of scotch tape can result in a charming and unique camp memento you can review together – and add to through the years!

Registering for Camp

Register Online!

The quickest and easiest way to sign up for camp is to Register Online.  Just follow the link to Campwise, our registration website, and follow the directions. Online registration requires online payment.

Having trouble?

Our online registration service is the simplest way to get your camper registered- but if you are encountering problems, you can contact our registrar office by email or call 618.357.1809. A debit/credit card is required for payments over the phone.

Things to Consider as you Register

Cabin Buddies

TWO campers may request to bunk together. However, they must be within one year of age AND both request each other on their Camp Registration Forms. All written requests are considered, but not guaranteed.

It’s fun to share a week of camp with old friends, and it may be easier for first-time campers to come with a buddy. Campers are encouraged to recruit their friends (and receive a discount for their efforts).

Camp provides great opportunities to make new friends and build new relationships. It is our responsibility to assign campers in the way we feel is in the best interest of the whole camp family.

Health or Dietary Issues

If your camper has significant health or dietary issues, contact our office via email before registering AND describe the issues on the registration form. We partner with parents to accommodate special needs whenever possible.

Discounts, Scholarships and Assistance

Early Bird Discounts

Register by March 15 to save $40 on full-week sessions and $20 on part-week sessions. Non-refundable deposit of $50 confirms your camp registration.

UCC Church Scholarships!

Many United Church of Christ congregations in the Illinois South Conference offer to pay a portion of the camp fee for their members.  Check with your church!

Registration Confirmations

We will email your confirmation within 10 days of receiving your registration and payment.

Payment Plan

If you register online, it’s easy to make payments to your account at your convenience. If you register by mail and would like to set up a payment plan, contact the Registrar at 618.357.1809 for assistance.

Cancellations

The $50 deposit is non-refundable.

If a registration is canceled at least 30 days in advance of the start of the camp session, the full camp fee (minus the $50 deposit) will be refunded.  When notification is received between 14 and 29 days, up to 75% of the total camp fee will be refunded. When less than 14 days’ notice is received, no refund is given.

In cases of sudden illness, accident, or emergency, we can transfer your registration to another session if space is available. If all sessions are full, then a full refund is given.

The DuBois Experience

AmaniIn these tech-centered times, it is increasingly important for kids to unplug, get outside, play hard, get a little dirty, and connect face-to-face. In addition to heaps of classic fun, activities that help campers build relationships and grow in their faith are woven throughout each day – whether exploring the creek, gazing at the stars or cooking over the campfire.

Cabin groups of 5-8 campers combine to form DuBois family groups. These family groups experience much of camp life together. On the first night, these campers and their leaders discuss and choose many of their adventures for the week. In addition to family group activities, older campers also have “choice times” when they select from a variety of options.

We offer a progression of activities based on the age group, program focus and the skill level of our campers. There are new challenges and experiences for the youngest of campers, as well as for older youth.

Lodging

DBunkuBois Center has three distinct lodging areas for summer campers:

Main Camp: Four cottages near the dining hall in Oak Lodge. Each cottage has a common room between two sleeping rooms. Each sleeping room has bunk beds for 8 and a bathroom with a shower.

Rustic Village: Eight cabins are split between two sites with one centrally located shower house. Cabins have screened windows and doors, a ceiling fan, electricity, and sleep 8 in bunk beds.

Hickory Lodge: A lodge in main camp near the dining hall in Oak Lodge. Hickory has hotel-style sleeping rooms, bathrooms off the hallways, and a meeting/activity room.

 

LunchMeals & Dietary Concerns

Most meals are prepared and served in Oak Lodge. Some sessions do have cookouts or special meals in different areas of camp as part of their program. Campers are offered three hearty meals a day, plus snacks. Fresh fruits and veggies are served daily. There is plenty of food and usually enough options for even the pickiest eater. Please do not send any extra food with your camper UNLESS arrangements have been made in advance with the Program Office.

Dietary Restrictions: We are able to accommodate SOME special dietary needs. Please contact the Program Office at 618.787.2202 or email dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org at least three weeks in advance of the camper’s arrival, to discuss special dietary needs.

So Much to Explore!

Horseback Riding • Crafts Archery • 9-Square-in-the-Air • Ga-ga • Goofy Songs • Nature Discoveries • Campfires • Night Hikes • Faith Chats  • Cook-outs •  Kayaking • Water Games • Shelter Building • Swimming • Beach Fun • Water Mat • Fishing • Creek Walks • Crazy Skits • Camp-Style Worship • Team-Building Activities • B.L.A.S.T. – Bible Learning And Spirit Time

Horses

ApacheNo doubt about it, our horses are the most popular kids in camp. Spending time with “the ponies” is a favorite activity for many. Campers receive instruction in basic barn etiquette and how to safely lead, mount, dismount and ride a horse. Our riding instruction is based on safety and recreation. It is not intended as instruction for horse shows or for competition.

Weather permitting, part-week campers have the option of riding once during their two- or three-day stay at camp. Campers attending week-long sessions have the option of riding twice during their stay. The first ride consists of time in the arena to get comfortable with the horse and practice basic skills. A short trail ride may also be included – if time permits. The second ride is usually a longer trail ride.

Rides are canceled whenever there are heavy rains, storms, lightning or the heat index reaches 100° degrees. If rides are canceled, we do our best to reschedule whenever possible.

Horse Campers spend significantly more time around the barn working on grooming and horse care, as well as riding daily. They also help feed the horses in the morning and muck out the stalls at the end of the day.

What if the camper does not want to ride? At DuBois Center, we believe in “challenge by choice” – the camper’s choice. While no one is forced to participate in any activity, each is encouraged to try at least a first step. In the case of the equestrian program, this might mean petting a horse with a leader nearby. SUCCESS! Often small steps lead to a child being more willing to try riding.

Alternatives for those choosing not to ride include: spending time with a small group and a leader and cheering on their family group; working on a craft or other horse-related project; or perhaps joining the riding staff in the arena and “assisting” with instruction. For those with significant allergies, check with your doctor regarding appropriate options.

Leading HorseSAFETY FIRST! Our summer barn staff have significant training and experience working with horses and young people. They know our trails and our horses. The safety of your child is their first priority.

Helmets, specifically designed for horseback riding, are required for all riders, as are long pants that are not slick (preferably jeans) and proper footwear, including SOCKS. DuBois Center supplies helmets and boots, and we have some pants available; however, campers are encouraged to bring their own jeans. Also, pack one or two pairs of taller/crew-height (above the ankle) socks since boots can rub on bare ankles. Horse Campers should bring extra pairs of jeans and long socks because theirs may get quite dirty and smelly.

Summer Camp

Welcome back! In the Summer of 2025, we’ll be offering a variety of sessions for campers age 5-18. We’re excited to welcome you back, or for the first time! 

PDF version of Summer 2025 Schedule

Register!

Helpful links and Info:

How to Prepare for Camp

Packing Lists

 

Summer Camp Registration is OPEN!
Register before March 15th and save $20 for part-week sessions and $40 for full-week sessions. 

SESSION INFORMATION

 

Just You and Me – a session for younger campers with adult chaperones 

(Adults & youth ages 5, 6, 7) 

Session #1: June 15-17

Session #2:  June 29 – July 1

Cost: $225 per person ($450 for youth and adult)

Spend quality one-on-one time with a special child in your life: son, daughter, grandchild, niece, nephew, godchild. Choose some activities you both enjoy, like canoeing, crafts, creek walks, and horseback riding. Play games and laugh together. Make new friends on a hayride and share meals around the table. Explore God’s love together.

Housing: Hickory Lodge or Roadside Cottage

Schedule: You and your camper companion choose your activities to fill free-choice activity blocks each day. While meals and some evening activities are for the entire group, there are blocks of time through the day for you to explore fishing, crafts, canoeing, creek walks, sports games, and our horse barn. It is always an option to rest in your bunk, take a quiet walk, or self-direct if needed.  

Parking: We provide parking for adult chaperones in specified areas. You will be directed to the designated lot upon arrival. 

Packing list for Just You and Me

Half-week camps for younger campers 

(for campers who have completed 1st – 3rd grade – or equivalent)  

We offer bite-sized camp options to our younger campers to build confidence and a love for camp. Many of our half-week campers come back to full-week sessions and feel more prepared to handle a full week of new friends and adventure. We pack a full camp experience into the half-week – our campers have the chance to try horseback riding, swimming, crafts, and more while knowing they’ll be back in their own bed after a few nights away. 

Housing: main camp cottages

Please note: for Discovery, check out is 7:00 pm Tuesday. 

Packing list for half-week camps

Boy Meets Camp

(for boys who have completed 1st – 3rd grade or equivalent) 

July 9-11

Cost: $300

This one’s for the boys and packed with camp fun and adventures! Make friends and have a blast as we laugh and play together as brothers. Wednesday afternoon to Friday afternoon.

Camp Quest

(for campers who have completed 1st – 3rd grade or equivalent) 

June 18-20

Cost: $300

Our shortest adventures for boys and girls on their own. Riding a horse, exploring the creek and jumping in the lake (or even wading) may just seem like simple fun, but in reality, campers are gaining critical social skills, independence, a healthy spiritual identity, and a greater awareness of God’s creation. Wednesday afternoon to Friday afternoon.

Discovery

(for campers who have completed 1st – 3rd grade or equivalent) 

Session #1: July 6-8

Session #2: July 13-15

Cost: $325

Sunday afternoon through Tuesday evening – a little longer than Camp Quest. Campers enjoy more activities and one last dinner, then participate in a closing circle together with their parents.

Girl Power

(for girls who have completed 1st – 3rd grade or equivalent) 

July 16-18

Cost: $300

Just for the girls! Two days jam-packed with fun activities. Laugh, dance and play — all in the spirit of sisterhood! Wednesday afternoon through Friday afternoon.

Summer Camps for Grades 3-5

Settler

(for campers who have completed 3rd – 5th grade or equivalent) 

Session #1: June 15-20

Session #2: July 6-11

Session #3: July 13-18

Cost: $620

Housing: main camp cottages

Leap into a full week adventure at DuBois Center! You’ll get to play on the water mat, ride a horse, jump in the gaga pit, create a craft, hook a fish, roast hot dogs and marshmallows and make memories with new friends.  Our Settler camp is designed to help you settle in and get to know DuBois Center and all it has to offer.

Packing list for Settler

Pony Express

(for campers who have completed 4th and 5th grade, or equivalent)

July 9-11

Cost: $315

Housing: rustic cabins

Pack your (saddle)bags for a part-week introduction to the Rustic side of camp with an emphasis on our horses. Pony Express campers get an extra horseback ride and some hands-on education on what it takes to take care of a horse. Don’t worry, there will still be time for other favorite camp activities!

Packing list for Pony Express

Puddle Jumpers 

(for campers who have completed 4th and 5th grade, or equivalent)

July 9-11

Cost: $300

Housing: rustic cabins

Test the waters on the Rustic side of camp with this part-week adventure. Beat the summer heat in our lake with some extra aquatic activities. Don’t worry, we’re not fish – you’ll still get plenty of land-based fun, too!

Packing list for Puddle Jumpers

Rustic 101

(for campers who have completed 4th and 5th grade, or equivalent)

July 9-11

Cost: $300

Housing: rustic cabins

Are you ready to “rough it” in the Rustic Village? Sheltered by tall Oak trees, enjoy screened-in cabins with comfy bunks and ceiling fans. In this new two-night adventure, first (or second!) time rustic campers take their DuBois experience to the next level. Your days will be filled with camp favorites like horseback riding, playing on the water mat, and even archery and a special cookout!

Packing list for Rustic 101

Summer Camps for Grades 5-7

Horsin’ Around

For campers who have completed 5th – 7th grades or equivalent

Session #1: July 6-11

Session #2: July 13-18

Cost: $665

Housing: rustic cabins

Git along lil doggies and git on down to DuBois Center for a boot stompin’ good time! This is a session for horse fanatics who’ve completed 5th-7th grade. The good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, campers will ride every weekday.  If you’re ready for tackin’, groomin’, ridin’, and muckin’ – then join us for a little bit of Horsin’ Around!

Packing list for Horsin’ Around

Splash!

For campers who have completed 5th – 7th grades or equivalent

June 15-20

Cost: $620

Housing: rustic cabins

Make waves exploring the lake or spend the afternoon building an epic sand castle. Whichever floats your boat, this camp has something for you. With extra time at the waterfront, you never know what cool adventure might drift your way; chill out on the water mat or play fun canoe games. Jump in and make a splash!

Packing list for Splash!

Trekkin-It

For campers who have completed 5th – 7th grades or equivalent

June 15-20

Cost: $620

Housing: rustic cabins

Grab your gear, hop on a pontoon boat and head over to the Rustic Village. Campfires and nine square, fishing, canoeing, archery, a dinner cooked over the fire – don’t miss out! It’s an exciting adventure for the camp lovers who want “a little of everything”!

Packing list for Trekkin-It

Middle School Week on Main Camp!

(for campers who have completed 5th – 8th grades – or equivalent)  

Middle schoolers enjoy a great week from the comfort of a Main Camp cottage. This week-long extravaganza offers daily focused activity times tailored to their session, along with other camp activities!

Art Explosion

For campers who have completed 5th – 8th grades or equivalent

June 22-27

Cost: $620

Housing: main camp cottages

Free your inner artist and come make the world a little more colorful this week with a camp geared towards the creator in all of us. Find ways to express yourself and get in touch with your artsy side as we pursue projects in various mediums. Our projects will still leave time for your other favorite activities, so join us for middle school week on main camp!

Packing list for Art Explosion

Mad Science

For campers who have completed 5th – 8th grades or equivalent

June 22-27

Cost: $620

Housing: main camp cottages

Bubble! Fizz! Goo! Join us on a scientific investigation of the wild and wacky. Take time each day to build, learn and create as we experiment and explore. When you’re not in the “lab”, there’ll be plenty of time for other camp favorites. Join us for middle school week on main camp. Have fun, get messy and experience the wonders of God’s world!

Packing list for Mad Science

Summer Camps for Grades 7-9

Dunk’d

For campers who have completed 7th – 9th grades or equivalent 

July 13-18

Cost: $620

Housing: rustic cabins

Dive on in to Dunk’d! Our newest addition to DuBois Center’s aquatic adventures is full of possibilities. Tackle a Dock-to-Dock swim, play canoe games, enjoy a beach-front Vespers – camp is your oyster! There will still be time for dry activities too – horseback riding, archery, maybe even Kiddie Pool Kickball!

Packing list for Dunk’d

Outback

For campers who have completed 7th – 9th grades, or equivalent 

July 6-11

Cost: $620

Housing: rustic cabins

More adventure with a night of camping under the stars. Join this outdoor-adventure focused session so you can try your hand at fire building, hammock camping, campfire cooking, and shelter building. Explore God’s creation in a whole new way!

Packing list for Outback

Saddle ‘Em Up

For campers who have completed 7th – 9th grades, or equivalent 

June 15-20

Cost: $665

Housing: rustic cabins

Hit the ol’ dusty trail – it’s time to join the DuBois Center herd for grand horseback adventures. Some mornings, it’s “up and at ‘em” long before chow time – the horses need to be fed and groomed before breakfast. You’ll be rewarded with a morning ride off into the sunrise. Other mornings, you’ll get a bit more shut eye, but don’t fret – you’ll still ride! There’ll also be time for swimming, hiking, and other adventures on foot!

Packing list for Saddle ‘Em Up

High School Week

HIGH SCHOOL WEEK: June 22-27

(for campers who have completed 9th – 12th grades – or equivalent)

High schoolers will be the only ones in the Rustic Village!

This week is full of adventure, making friends, and building community! In addition to our usual structure of your favorite activities with your family group, you’ll also mix it up with choice-time activities. Try your hand at shaving cream whiffle ball, flow through some poses with a relaxing yoga class, or have a gab session on the water mat – who knows what else the week might bring!

 Drenched! 

High School Week: June 22-27

Cost: $620

Housing: rustic cabins

Get Drenched during High School week in the Rustic Village! Have a blast with beach parties, boating challenges and soaking up the sun – all your camp favorites with an emphasis on the waterfront. Explore something new or revisit a classic during choice time activities.

Packing list for Drenched

Wrangler

High School Week: June 22-27

Cost: $665

Housing: rustic cabins

Giddy-up and get a move on! Our older and more experienced riders will enjoy traditional camp activities with the other High School Camps but when it’s time to hit the trails, they’ll mount up and ride their trusty steeds to greener pastures. This is an equestrian experience for horse lovers who already know their stirrups from their spurs.

Packing list for Wrangler

X-plore

High School Week: June 22-27

Cost: $620

Housing: rustic cabins

X-Plore camp community with High School Week in the Rustic Village! Expect to experience things like cooking dinner over a campfire, kayaking into the coves, a horse ride on the trails, and hammock camping under the stars – don’t forget about choice time activities! X-Plore has it all!

Packing list for X-plore 

Summer Camps for Aspiring Future Staff

LIT: Leadership in Training

(for campers who have completed grades 10-12)

Housing: Blended

June 15-20

Cost: $185

Nothing is more rewarding to DuBois Center than watching campers become a part of the summer staff team. LIT campers gain skills that will help them grow as positive leaders while making new friends and building their own community. Together, LIT campers will learn to create a fun and safe environment, teach basic camp activities, and master techniques to aid in becoming a great summer staffer. This program is designed to set LIT campers up for success in becoming a DuBois Center Camp Counselor or Barn Assistant!  … Did we mention how excited we are to have more campers become staff members?! [LIT has an additional application packet to be completed before registration can be finalized. Please contact the Camp Office for more information – 618.787.2202 or dcinfo@duboiscenter.org]

LIT Application Materials

Packing list for LIT 

Read more Summer Camp ›

Summer Camp Brochure – Hot Off the Design Table!

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You heard it here first! Our summer camp brochure is at the printer and will be in the mail to churches and past campers in early March. But no need to wait! Check out this online version.

The Early Bird deadline is April 1 and online registration is now open. Download this form to register by mail or email.

Block Party! Sunday, April 26

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What’s a Block Party? A party in our neighborhood on our “street.” Who’s invited? Middle & high school youth groups (and individuals) with their adult chaperones or parents. Join DuBois Center staff and volunteers for an afternoon of fun, games, music and snacks. One of the best parts – IT’S FREE! We’ll roast hot dogs and make s’mores, meet some of the horses, and explore the Rustic Village. 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.

RSVP by Monday, April 20 – we need to stock the coolers and send permission forms. For more information check out this flyer, to RSVP contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Working at Camp IS A REAL JOB!

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There is something to be learned from every job, but there are more resume-building skills and practical work experience packed into one summer at camp than with almost any other job! Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Leadership and Planning are just some of the critical skills that come to mind. Working at summer camp IS a real job, but also a great opportunity to share your faith, serve others and make forever friends.

DuBois Center is currently accepting applications for energetic, child-focused and fun-loving individuals to serve on our summer staff. Check out the Summer of Service flyer and this piece from the American Camp Association, then consider whether an amazing summer at DuBois Center might be just the opportunity you have been looking for. Positions include cabin counselors/activity leaders, barn assistants/counselors and coordinators. FAITH. FUN. HARD WORK. GREAT FRIENDS. LONG HOURS. AMAZING MEMORIES.

Applications are now available online at www.DuBoisCenter.org or by contacting DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Camp Nurses — Servants with Sunscreen

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Band-Aids – YES, but so much more! One setting for ministry at DuBois Center is our health center. Volunteer nurses, most of whom are RNs, are a vital piece of our summer camp program. Serving as a camp nurse can be a very rewarding mission experience that is similar, yet very different than most traditional nursing positions. Responsibilities include reviewing camper medical forms, conducting health screenings, receiving and administering medications, providing first aid and basic medical treatment, and documentation. But when you really get down to it, nurses spend most of their time removing ticks, soothing rashes, distributing medications and providing extra TLC for homesick and nervous campers.

If you are an RN, please consider serving with us for a full or partial week. The living quarters do have AC, and there is often time to join us for worship, explore the woods or just sit back and read a book. For more information, contact Shirley at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.