Camp Lost & Found

Gone are the days when every mother meticulously sewed printed labels into her child’s camp gear and school clothes. Good for moms, not so good for lost and found!

Every summer, a mountain of towels, socks, shorts and water bottles accumulates at DuBois Center. This year was no different. Much of our 2019 collection has already been returned, but even more is waiting to go home. If you or your camper, or someone you know, lost something at camp – let us know. Send an email to dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org with a detailed description and we’ll check the boxes and bags in the office. Give us a week or two to check and get back to you!

Unclaimed items will be held until September 10 and are then donated to charitable organizations.

Transforming Deer Run

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!
   

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!”

What’s in a Name?

Twig, Sparkle, Mr. T, Peanut, Croc, Simba, Minnow, Curly, Kayak, Bandit, Sparrow, Shark Bait – what’s with all the weird names?

Since 2011, “camp names” have been a tradition for summer staff and volunteers at DuBois Center. Some are silly and pulled from…well, who knows where? Others have stories behind them  – to avoid inhaling pollen and dust, Nurse Bandit wears a bandana over her nose and mouth when driving the golf cart or Gator around camp. Amani means PEACE in Swahili, a primary language in Tanzania – the home of one of our international staff members.

We use “camp names” during the summer because they are FUN, and because sometimes there are just too many Merediths, Rachels and Ryans running around. Real names are shared on the last day of each camp, and they are listed on the sign-out sheets when parents pick up their children at the end of a session. If a counselor senses that a parent is nervous about not knowing their “real name,” the leader might take them aside and share that detail in advance.

What’s in a name? A lot of silliness and camp fun!

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.

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

Early Bird Deadline – April 10

All you need to be singing a happy Early Bird tune is a completed 2019 summer camp registration and $50 non-refundable deposit by Wednesday, April 10. Save $30 on full-week sessions and $15 on part-week sessions!
View the camp brochure online or pick one up at your local UCC church. Then register and pay online or postmark your registration form and deposit by April 10. Use this form for mail-in registration. If your church pays part of the camp fee, we will send them an invoice later in the season.
For more information, contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Early Bird Deadline for Camp 2019 is April 10

All you need to be singing a happy Early Bird tune is a completed 2019 summer camp registration and $50 non-refundable deposit. Save $30 on full-week sessions and $15 on part-week sessions.
View the camp brochure online or pick one up at your local UCC church. Then register and pay online or postmark your registration form and deposit by April 10. If your church pays part of the camp fee, we will send them an invoice later in the season.
For more information contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Ready for a FULL WEEK at DuBois Center?

If your child will complete grades 3-5 this spring or summer, then it’s time to step up to Settler! 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. Three days just isn’t enough time to explore all that DuBois Center has to offer, so consider these sessions for the next step: June 9-14, June 23-28 and July 7-12.

Check out the camp brochure and register online. For more information or to receive materials by mail, contact the DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

2019 Summer Camp Registration is Open!

We’re ready for summer! Are you? Register now to join us for a few days, a week, or more during Summer Camp 2019!

Campers have a blast making new friends and having new adventures. From swimming and canoeing in the lake to horseback riding to making crafts and so much more, there’s something for everyone at DuBois Center’s Summer Camp! We also play games, go hiking, have music time, fish, learn more about our faith and enjoy God’s creation together.

For more details, check out this summer’s brochure and schedule online here. You can also learn more about our camp, staff, this year’s theme and more here. Click here to register now! See you this summer!