Spring Thank You Party a Success

Despite weeks of rain and a questionable forecast, the skies cleared for DuBois Center’s annual “Thank You” Party. On Sunday, April 28, pproximately 65 volunteers, donors and staff – all who are essential to the success of DuBois Center – enjoyed a taste of DuBois.

As usual, there was a wonderful catered meal. But, this year, camp tours and activities were added to agenda. One of the goals of the event was to get folks out and about to see camp. During tram and pontoon boat rides, volunteers pointed out the new bee hives and docks, as well as the broken spillway. Guest visited the horses at the barn, checked out some spring wildflowers and “toured” camp from the porch of Oak Lodge using mega-binoculars. Photos and s’mores were part of the fun – of course. Believe it or not, for some it was their very first s’more!

Pictured here are centerpiece winners Micah Palmer, son of Pastor Brett and Carolyn Palmer, and Connie Freels. They won for being the youngest and oldest (90+) in attendance!

THANKS to the Outdoor Ministries Team, Green DuBois and the Marketing Committee for making this event possible!

Save the Date – Fall Festival 2019

It’s never too early, to start planning for DuBois Center’s annual Fall Festival! Save the date for Sunday, October 6, 2019 and consider how you and your church might be involved.

Sharing this logo is a great way to start. Save it now and use it on your website, in PowerPoints, newsletters and bulletins.

If you or your church is interested in volunteering at the event, please contact the office at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

New Rain Barrels

Education and sustainability are two of the priorities of Green DuBois.
Just in time for summer camp, rain barrels were installed behind the Nature’s Classroom shed near the camp entrance. Instead of dragging full buckets from spigots at the office or elsewhere, campers and leaders will use rain barrel water for campfires, candle-making, science projects and other activities in that area. Convenient, educational and a great way to conserve tap water, the four-barrel system will hold more than 200 gallons when full. Each barrel has a spigot, and the last one allows for excess water to run down the hill away from the buildings. Blue barrels were used to reduce algae growth in the water. The shed was selected for the gutter, despite the pavilion roof having more surface area, because the shed has a metal roof and will provide cleaner water.
These food-grade barrels were graciously donated, and Green DuBois team members installed them. Next time you’re at camp, take a look!

Welcome Work Campers!

A team from Christ UCC in Dupo, with a neighbor from St. Paul in Belleville, rolled into camp yesterday morning and got straight to work. Here for most of the week, they have a full slate of projects including safety enhancements in the cottages, screen and door repairs in the rustic cabins, new brighter lights for the rustic shower house and elsewhere, an extended deck for the chapel in main camp, as well as a number of other smaller, less glamorous projects.

Pictured are Larry Godare (above) and Marvin Doerr (right) building openings to make the Ga-ga pit more accessible.

THANKS to this crew and all volunteers that make a difference throughout the year! Watch for updates on Facebook.

Volunteer at Camp

Wanted: fun, engaging and caring volunteers to serve as nurses, cabin counselors, activity specialists and barn helpers. Consider a week (or even a few days) at DuBois Center and join our Summer Camp 2019 team! 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… and even perhaps a bit of joy! For more information, go to the volunteer page of our web site or contact Shirley at 618-787-2202 or shirley.director@DuBoisCenter.org.

Are You Ready for a Full Week of Camp?

If your child will complete grades 3-5 this spring or summer, then it may be time to step up to Settler camp – which includes a full week of fun!
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.
There are three dates from which to choose: June 9-14, June 23-28 and July 7-12. Sessions are filling quickly – so don’t delay. Pick up a camp brochure at your UCC church or download one here. To receive a brochure by mail, contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202. If you are ready to register, click here.

Peace Works – This Year’s Camp Theme

Merriam-Webster defines peace this way: “a state of tranquility or quiet: as a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom keeping the peace.” In the Bible, the word takes on a different tone. The Hebrew word for peace – shalom – relates to concepts of totality or completeness, success, fulfillment, wholeness, harmony, security and well-being. Every culture has its own ways of describing peace and the work it requires.

Throughout camp sessions this summer, Bible verses will be paired with words and stories from around the world to explore how “Peace Works” and how each of us can live more peace-filled lives. For more information view our brochure online.

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.

Rustic Block Party – Rain or Shine

Rain or shine, we’re having a Block Party and middle & high school youth groups are invited!

Join DuBois Center staff and volunteers for an afternoon of fun, food, games, contests and music. One of the best parts – IT’S FREE.

We’ll roast hot dogs and make s’mores for our late afternoon snack, meet some of the horses, and explore the Rustic Village. If it rains, we’ve got great back-up plans that may involve some mud – so dress for the weather and bring extra clothes and shoes… just in case.

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. Youth must be accompanied by adult chaperones or parents.

RSVP by Wednesday, May 1 – we need to stock the coolers and send you final details. For more information check out this flyer. To RSVP, contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618.787.2202. Click here for a permission form to print and distribute.

Why International Staff?

Why do we bring in international staff members for our summer camp program? Because they’re great!
Each summer, DuBois Center recruits 4-5 international staff members through agencies like Camp America and from Eden Theological Seminary. With accents that draw you in and stories about life in their home countries, it’s easy to see why our international staffers are much beloved by campers and local staff alike.
We appreciate the perspectives they bring, the games and songs they teach, and the unique opportunities they provide just by spending the summer at DuBois Center. The cultural exchange they facilitate is not just educational – it can also be very entertaining: a favorite game is to check for reactions to breakfast staples like coffee cake or biscuits and gravy! It’s also fun to try eating like a Brit for a meal.
This summer, we will welcome Aleksandra from Poland, Elina from Finland, Jayde from New Zealand and Mtipe from Tanzania. We will also welcome back Jack AKA Chip from New Zealand.
Do you know, or can you guess which flag represents which country?