Doggie Day Care for Horses?!

Doggie Day Care is a familiar concept for many. Thanks to volunteer Sharon Schafer, we have a similar but enhanced version for our horses. During a typical season, summer staff work with our herd six days a week. The horses come into the barn daily and are assessed and fed. During a COVID year with limited staff, this amount of attention is just not possible. A couple of our horses were looking too skinny. They were tested for worms, medication was prescribed, and their diets enhanced. To be most effective, treatment and extra feed was needed daily, sometimes twice a day. Sharon and her husband volunteered to care for the horses at their home and provide the extra TLC needed.

Classy and Thunder returned to camp last week – healthy and happy. In their place Apache and Sunny headed to “the spa” for their tune-up. Thanks so much to all our equestrian volunteers for the hard work, and especially to Sharon for this extra TLC!

Thunder

Sixty Seconds of Solitude

Today we share another edition of 60 Seconds of Solitude from DuBois Center. It’s often difficult to take time to breathe deeply, relax ones’ shoulders and back, and remember that God is always with us. We hope these short videos of sacred scenes from around camp will help.

Today we are joining the herd for some rest and relaxation. Since there are no rides scheduled at this time, our horses are spending some of their days soaking up the sun and enjoying fresh grass in the Deer Run pasture. Watch for our weekly solitude postings on our website and Facebook page. We hope you enjoy this and future mini relaxation reminders.

Horse Camps – Ready to Ride?

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 actually 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. Ready to register online? Click here. For more information, check out the brochure online. Contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202 to have one mailed to you.

 

PONY EXPRESS (completed grades 4-6)
            July 19-22
HORSIN’ AROUND (completed grades 5-7)
            June 7-12*, July 12-17
SADDLE ‘EM UP (completed grades 7-9)
            July 5-10, July 12-17
WRANGLERS (completed grades 8-12)
            June 21-26

 

* This session, June 7-12, is nearly full.

Wrangle & Ride — Saturday, April 4

Spring is a great time to be outside at DuBois Center… even more so when horses are involved! Join our equestrian team on Saturday, April 4 from 9 am – 5 pm for a full day of fun with the DuBois Center herd! Designed for both beginners and more experienced riders, this is a horse-intensive day of grooming, tacking, riding, instruction and other horse-related activities. Beginners will be introduced to basic skills, while experienced riders work on more advanced options.

The cost for this event is $65 with lunch included. Online registration is NOW OPEN. Click here for more information or to register by mail. Questions? Contact us at dcinfo@duboiscenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Summer Jobs — DuBois Center Equestrian Program

Looking for a rewarding summer job working with children and horses? How about hands-on experience managing a trail ride program? Spending time with the horses is a highlight for many of our campers and great barn staff make all the difference! In addition to caring for our 20-horse herd, staff utilizes basic riding instruction and time “getting to know the ponies” to help campers build self-confidence and learn to respect and care for God’s amazing creation.

We are hiring a Barn Coordinator and one or two Barn Assistant / Counselors. The salaries range from $280 – $360 per week, depending on the position, and the skills and experience of the applicant. In addition, meals and lodging are provided. These are great jobs for individuals considering a career related to education, equine, recreation or social services.

For more information, check out the attached flyer or contact Shirley at 618-787-2202 or shirley.director@DuBoisCenter.org.

SUMMER JOBS – DuBois Center Equestrian Program

Looking for a rewarding summer job working with children and horses? How about hands-on experience managing a trail ride program? Spending time with the horses is a highlight for many of our campers. In addition to caring for our 20-horse herd, our summer barn team utilizes basic riding instruction and time “getting to know the ponies” to help campers build self-confidence and learn to respect and appreciate God’s amazing creation. For those who have never experienced a horse up close, the first moments can be overwhelming. However, with nurturing guidance, campers quickly learn that they can overcome their fears and experience something wonderful. Tears often transform into giant smiles. The joy campers show is reward enough, but serving on the summer barn team also provides hands-on work experience for individuals considering a career in equine or social service related fields.

For more information, check out the attached flyer or contact Shirley at shirley.director@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Register for our Fall 2019 Wrangle & Ride

Love horses? If you are age 12 or older, you’re invited to join us on Saturday, Oct 12 from 9 am – 5 pm for a day of fun with the DuBois Center herd!

Designed for both beginner and intermediate riders, this is a horse-intensive day of instruction, grooming, tacking, riding and other horse-related activities. Beginners are introduced to basic skills, while riders with more experience work on refining their talents.

The cost for this event is $65, with lunch included. Adults and families are welcome! Register by September 21 and save $5 – the final registration deadline is Sept 28. Space is limited!

Register online or click here for a flyer and reservation form. Questions? Contact DuBois Center at 618-787-2202 or dcinfo@duboiscenter.org.

WRANGLE & RIDE – Saturday, Oct 12

Love horses? If you are age 12 or older, join us on Saturday, Oct 12 from 9 am – 5 pm for a day of fun with the DuBois Center herd! Designed for both beginner and intermediate riders, this is a horse-intensive day of instruction – tackle grooming, tacking, riding, and other horse-related activities. Beginners are introduced to basic skills, while riders with more experience work to refine their skills. The cost for this event is $65 with lunch included. Families are welcome.

Register by September 21 and save $5. Final registration deadline is Sept 28 – if space is still available. Online registration is now open. Questions? Contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@duboiscenter.org or 618-787-2202.

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.

WRANGLE & RIDE — Final Deadline: March 30 for April 13 Event

The first Wrangle & Ride of the season is history, and everyone had a great time! The deadline for the second one is THIS SATURDAY, March 30. There are still a couple of openings, but don’t delay. Clover, Thunder and Zephyr are calling your name! This event is limited to the first 12 who register.

Register online or by mail. For more details check out this flyer or contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.