Here’s What We Need

Just as nature is resilient, DuBois Center is also resilient. And part of being resilient is asking for what it is you need. In order to provide the programming we want to provide this summer, DuBois Center needs to hire at least four more summer camp counselors and at least one more camp cook.

Our camp counselors run our activities during the day and stay with our campers at night. This is an excellent opportunity for college age people and young adults, with all meals and housing provided from May 26 until July 31, training opportunities, and starting pay at $275-$300 a week. If you or someone you know would be interested in this position, please contact us at dcinfo@duboiscenter.org or view the website. We will also be asking for volunteer counselors to help us achieve safe ratios, so please consider if God might be calling YOU – volunteer of any age, to spend a week at camp and see our website. In order to complete our reopening plans, we need all hands on deck this summer!

Our cooks make our camp meals legendary. We are looking to round out our meal preparation staff with at least one more cook. While hours are more consistent in the summer, there are opportunities for work in the non-summer season as well. As part of the kitchen team you will cook meals, prep cookouts, and be an integral part of an amazing team. Starting pay range is $12-$14 an hour, and up to 40 hours a week are available during our summer season. This is a great opportunity for someone in chef school or interested in the food industry. Email dcinfo@duboiscenter.org or see our website for the application.

Please consider if you, someone you know, or someone in your congregation would be a good fit for a position at DuBois Center. This summer at camp is more vital to the youth of our area than ever, and we need YOU to help make it happen!

Camp Counselor – So Much More than ‘Just a Summer Job’

They’re off – some to school, some on family vacations or traveling with friends, some back home to another country. Most barely had time to eat, sleep and do laundry before heading off on their next adventure. In their wake, DuBois Center is now a much quieter place. We will miss all the energy and enthusiasm, but mostly we will miss their hearts and spirit.
It’s always hard to explain the ethos, or “magic,” of camp to those who have not experienced it, but Georgia, better known as Croc, does a nice job of describing it in a recent Facebook post:
“Earlier this year I applied for a job at a summer camp… and while I was nervous about spending my summer away from home and having almost no free time, I’m so glad I made the decision to work here. The amount of love that this small camp has to offer is incredible. The people I worked with are some of the most loving and caring people I’ve ever met. I am so grateful that God guided me in this direction and I will always be thankful for the experience this summer offered me. DuBois Center: you will always hold a special place in my heart.️ Also, I’d like to give an individual shoutout to my OCD, V8 loving, horse crazy, barn chore fanatic friend, Catie Goetter. Working in the barn with you this summer was so much fun and I’m so glad I had you by my side the whole time. Even though we’re polar opposites and definitely tested each other’s patience a few times, I appreciate you and love you lots.”
May God bless them all on their journeys!

Neither Rain, nor rain, nor rain…

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these camp leaders from the swift completion of their appointed duties. Whether greeting parents on a stormy afternoon or creating engaging indoor or undercover options, summer staff at DuBois Center serve with smiles on their faces and a lot of enthusiasm. Sure, sometimes they get a little down… it’s a tough job, but your prayers sustain them and the special stories of the lives they have touched keep them going.
Recent Facebook comment from a Parent: God placed it on my heart to let you guys know, that what you’re doing with all the kids, is simply amazing! Just know that you’re making changes in these kids’ lives daily! Thank you for all you do!”

Summer Camp Volunteers Needed

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.

Meet Our Summer Staff – Ryan and Jack!

Welcome back to Ryan Goetter from Collinsville and Jack Lockhart from Motueka, New Zealand!
Ryan – AKA Shark Bait – is returning for this fifth summer on staff. We celebrate his recent graduation from Missouri State University with his bachelors degree in music education and his new teaching position at DuQuoin Middle School. Another highlight – the designation of Ryan’s chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha as “Chapter of the Year.” An honor in itself, but even more so because Ryan was a founding brother early in his college career. Ryan is an active member of St. John UCC in Collinsville and long-term DuBois Center camper. His favorite childhood memories are from his adventures at camp. When asked why he has such a passion for working at DuBois Center, Ryan wrote, “I grew up at camp! It’s such an amazing and magical place and I want an opportunity to give the kids a great experience like I had!”
Jack – AKA Chip – is returning for his second summer on staff. He had such an incredible time last year, he couldn’t wait to return! Jack is a certified lifeguard, and volunteers with the rural fire department back home. Serving others is in his DNA. Jack is excited to be back at DuBois Center because he loves the “family atmosphere” and wants to gain more experience working with young people and families. His goal after completing university is to work with youth in the criminal justice system to make a difference while there is still an opportunity for significant life changes. Jack enjoys all camp activities – especially those involving water or horses. He was a rookie last summer, but quickly grew his grooming, tacking and riding skills.
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Job Opening – Male Counselors

DuBois Center is still 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. 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 shirley.director@DuBoisCenter.org. Application packets are available online or can be sent by mail upon request.

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.

Don’t Forget to Apply for Summer Staff 2019!

Energetic, child-focused, fun-loving with a heart for ministry – sound like you or someone you know? Check out this flyer and 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 assistant/counselors and coordinators.

Gain practical experience, build your resume and make a difference, all while having a fun summer and making new friends and memories. Job descriptions and application packets are available online. Questions? Contact us at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

More than Just a Summer Job

Energetic, child-focused, fun-loving with a heart for ministry – sound like you or someone you know? Check out this flyer and 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 assistant/counselors and coordinators. Gain practical experience, build your resume and make a difference, all while having a great time and meeting new friends!

Job descriptions and application packets are available online. Questions? Contact us at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

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Meet Our Summer Staff: Rachel

We welcome Rachel Hughes to our 2018 summer staff team! This will be Rachel’s first summer on staff, but she is no stranger to DuBois Center. In addition to attending numerous Mother-Daughter Retreats and ISC youth events, Rachel was a DuBois Center camper for many years, a CIT (counselor in training) and a volunteer camp counselor.

She has experience working with children in other settings as well. She was a mentor for kindergartners, Sunday School teacher and volunteer with Arts ‘n Autism (a non-profit for children and adults with autism).

This summer, Rachel will be joining us as a Counselor/Activity Specialist. She has dreamed about working at camp since she was young and is very excited to make even more amazing memories. Rachel hails from Freeburg, Illinois where she is an active member of St. Paul’s UCC. She studies business at the University of Alabama, is a member of the Delta Gamma sorority, and is on an Ultimate Frisbee team.

When asked about her “favorites” Rachel wrote, “I don’t know if this is my favorite food, but I’m always in the mood for ice cream. My favorite smell is brown sugar/vanilla. My favorite childhood memories are definitely from camp and also from travelling. I’m a huge TV and movie fan. I could go on forever and ever, but I think I like comedies the best. My favorite book is ‘Call Me by Your Name’.”

When asked about a mentor or someone who inspires her, Rachel talked about “Krazy,” her counselor for CIT. Rachel says, “She was just the funniest, coolest person ever. It showed me that even if I have a ‘grown-up’ job when I’m older, I can still volunteer at camp and make an amazing impact on the campers!” (Note: Krazy’s real name is Kristen Kniepkamp-Belcher. She is a high school science teacher in Alton, long-time UCC church member, and DuBois Center volunteer.) Welcome Rachel!

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