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.

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?
             

RSVP for the Thank You Party by Friday!

The annual DuBois Center ‘Thank You’ Party is scheduled for Sunday, April 28. Previously held during the Christmas holidays, this event is our opportunity to share our appreciation for your prayers and support, your gifts of time, talent and treasure, and your partnership in our shared mission and ministry at DuBois Center.

Together, we have touched countless lives over the past five decades through ministry in God’s great outdoors. Volunteers, staff, supporters and friends make it all happen. If you fit into any of these categories – then YOU are invited. Churches are encouraged to send representatives.

Enjoy a yummy meal, tour the grounds by tram or pontoon boat, take a nature hike, or just sit on a dock or porch and enjoy the day. DuBois Center is beautiful in the spring, so don’t miss this opportunity! Remember to dress casually and for the weather. Activities will begin at 2 pm, with dinner at 4:30 pm. We’ll conclude by 6 pm.

Click here for your invitation. Please RSVP to DuBois Center at dcinfo@duboiscenter.org or 618-787-2202 by Friday, April 19.

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

Father-Son Retreat 2019

The rains poured down and the winds blew! You’re together at camp, so whatcha gonna do? Jump in puddles, slide in the mud, play in the rain and just have fun! Watch for more photos and a recap next week here and on Facebook.

LEAD – June 23 – 28

Leadership Experience and Development – LEAD – is a great Camp session for young people who are interested in developing their leadership skills, working with younger children, and having a great time at DuBois Center!
LEAD functions much like a “lab school” with discussion, instruction, practice and evaluation sessions. Skills gained will help participants grow as positive Christian leaders, manage camp situations and camper behavior, create a safe, fun environment, and teach basic camp skills. LEAD is designed for youth who have completed grades 10-12. Check out this flyer for more details.
Previous camp experience is not required, but we do require a special application in addition to the Camp Registration Form. The LEAD application packet is available online or by contacting DuBois Center at email or 618-787-2202.

Lenten Work Day – April 13

Stretch your muscles, get a little dirty and make a difference on Saturday, April 13! Help spruce up the grounds for our busy spring and summer seasons. It’s a great Lenten discipline for you and a wonderful way to get involved and help at DuBois Center. Projects vary depending on the weather and the skills of the workers – carpentry, cleaning, painting, raking and more. A hearty lunch is provided. Check out and share this flyer.

RSVP by Monday, April 8 to 618-787-2202 or email. If this date doesn’t work for you, there will be a Green DuBois Stewardship Day on Saturday, April 27 – or call to set up a different day for your family, church or friend group!

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.

Camp Nurses – Servants with Sunscreen

Band-Aids – YES, but so much more!
One setting for ministry at DuBois Center is our health center. Volunteer nurses, most of whom are RNs, are a vital piece of our summer camp program. Serving as a camp nurse can be a very rewarding mission experience, one that is similar yet very different than most traditional nursing positions.
As expected, responsibilities include reviewing camper medical forms, conducting health screenings, receiving & administering medications, providing first aid & basic medical treatment, and documentation. But when you really get down to it, camp nurses spend most of their time removing ticks, soothing rashes, distributing medications and providing extra TLC for homesick and nervous campers.
If you are an RN, please consider serving with us for a full or partial week. The living quarters have AC and there is often time to join us for worship, explore the woods or just sit back and read a book. Contact Shirley at DuBois Center at 618-787-2202 or email if you are interested.

Job Opening – Summer Barn Coordinator

Looking for a rewarding summer job working with children and horses? How about hands-on experience managing a trail ride program? DuBois Center has an opening for a dedicated summer barn coordinator.

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.

For more information, check out the attached flyer and contact Shirley via email or 618-787-2202.