Welcome Team – Join Us in July

We have had great turnouts for the Sunday Welcome Team in June. Now we are gearing up for July! In addition to our summer staff, 12 to 15 volunteers are needed each Sunday to ensure the process runs smoothly!

Volunteers assist with greetings, 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. You are invited to wear a church or camp t-shirt and show your spirit. Even consider bringing a team from your church! RSVP by Wednesday to 618-787-2202 or dcinfo@duboiscenter.org.

Volunteers Needed: July 7, July 14 and July 21. The spots for July 7 & 21 are nearly full, but there are lots of opening for July 14.

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!”

Behind the camera

DuBois Center has hundreds of avid Facebook followers – especially during the summer. Family members love seeing photos of their child riding a horse, playing on the water mat or hanging out with new friends! This special treat is made possible primarily by one volunteer – Scott Kuether. Over 90% of the photos on our Facebook page were taken by “Flash” – his camp name. Scott works full-time in Glen Carbon, but still makes time for DuBois Center twice a week during the summer camp season. He helps with check-in on most Sundays and then heads off with his camera to capture first day shenanigans. Mid-week he sets up shop in our office and works remotely while taking “breaks” throughout the day to snap photos of campers.

Scott is also the chair of our equestrian committee and a regular ride volunteer. He serves on our marketing committee and the ISC finance ministry team. Scott’s active involvement with DuBois Center began about 12 years ago. He wanted to spend more time with Sandy, his wife and our equestrian director, and his two daughters who love to ride and spent many of their weekends at camp. Little did he know…

THANKS SCOTT for everything you do!

OUTBACK Camp – July 7-12

Ever wonder what it’s like to build your own shelter, cook dinner over a campfire or stay out late listening for owls and watching for bats? While all DuBois Center campers spend lots of time out in nature, Outback takes it a step further. A night or two camping under the stars – or a bug net, foil stew or pie-iron pizza for dinner, nocturnal exploits and a lazy sleep-in morning are all put of the fun. Campers experience God’s creation firsthand while exploring parts of camp that others may never see. In addition, other classic DuBois activities – canoeing, horseback riding, water mat and archery – are also options for this adventure.

To learn more, download our brochure or contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618.787.2202 to receive one by mail. Ready to register? Click here.

Thanks for the memories…

and all the digital cameras you donated! Over the past 18 months, we have been collecting small, point and shoot cameras – the ones pushed to the back of the closet when phones were upgraded. These gifts are now being used by our camp “family groups.” Each has a camera and is encouraged to take pictures of their adventures. This past week, one group did an especially good job of capturing camp life on their digital. Here are some of our favorites shots. It’s obvious they loved their time with the horses and in the creek.

Donations of digital cameras – in good condition – are still being accepted. For more information contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

ThunderSelfieCreekWalk

HORSE CAMPS – Ready to Ride?

Believe it or not, there are still a couple openings! Horse Campers spend more time with the ponies, but still have time for other camp favorites like the water mat, 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, horse campers take turns mucking out the stalls and actually have fun while learning about the responsibilities of caring for horses.

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.

SADDLE ‘EM UP: July 7-12 (completed grades 7-9)
PONY EXPRESS: July 21-24 (completed grades 4-6)

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!

Family Camp – July 21-24

Don’t let the kids have all the fun this summer! For this camp, the whole gang’s invited! The relaxed atmosphere and flexible activity sign-ups allow you to set your own pace – from the waterfront to the barn, from the Craft Grotto to the creek. Take time for an afternoon nap or wake up early for a hike to your favorite fishing spot. Family members participate in most activities together. DuBois Center provides activity leadership, families provide supervision of family members.

Pricing varies depending on the age of the family members, your choice of lodging (Hickory Lodge, Main Camp Cottages or even Rustic Cabins), and the number of people in the living unit. There are different flat rates for each type of living unit. Whether you have 3 or 8 in a Rustic Cabin – the lodging price is the same. Whether you have 3 or 8 on a side of a main camp cottage – the lodging price is the same. Add the per person charge for meals and program fees and you’ve got the total. Check out the Reservation Form for specifics. Reservation and registration is by MAIL and EMAIL ONLY this year. Lodging will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

WELCOME TEAM — Join Us! This Sunday, June 9

It’s time! Our summer camp season kicks off this Sunday and over 70 eager, excited and perhaps nervous campers and their families will make the trek to DuBois Center. In addition to our summer staff, 12-15 volunteers are needed to ensure the process runs smoothly! Volunteers assist with greetings, 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 Opening Day. You are invited to wear a church or camp t-shirt and show your spirit. Even consider bringing a team from your church! RSVP by Wednesday to 618-787-2202 or dcinfo@duboiscenter.org. If this date doesn’t work for you, consider June 16, July 7 or July 14.

Eagle Project

At DuBois Center during May, guest groups are in and out nearly every week and weekend, and work crews tackle final projects before our busy summer season. On Memorial Day weekend, scouts from Troop 9, Ship 9 and Crew 9 took on a number of projects at the waterfront. They worked on erosion issues, cleared the trail between the swim beach and boating dock, and constructed a “landing” for benches and shoes. Campers now have a great place to stow their shoes before jumping in and heading for the water mat or loading into canoes.

Eagle Project2The estimated cost of the project was $841. Christ UCC, Belleville – home base for these scout groups – donated $180; pavers, blocks, food for the hungry workers and tools were also donated. The project was designed and the work coordinated by James Taylor as his Eagle Project. He enlisted the assistance of the St. Louis Job Corps cement pre-apprentice program, which provided the custom pavers. Making the pavers provided practice in forms, mixing concrete and finishing work for Jobs Corps members. A total of 26 people, including a number of troop members, assisted with the project. Together they logged 259 hours of service. THANKS to James, his crew and supporters! Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Know someone who might be interested in an Eagle Project at DuBois Center? The best time to contact us and begin the process is from Aug 15 – Sept 15.