See ya, Leah!

Our sixth Outdoor Ministry Intern, Leah Juenger, has come to the end of her internship. Leah Juenger fell in love with DuBois Center as a part-week camper when she was very young. She attended summer camp each year growing up, graduated from our CIT program, worked as a camp counselor in 2013 and 2014, took on more responsibility as a village coordinator after graduating from college in 2015, and then moved into the internship in September 2015.

All these experiences have left Leah with what she knows will be a life-long passion for DuBois Center and the ministry it provides. Over the past 18 months, Leah has gained skills in program development, staff supervision, and administrative duties such as writing and proofing promotional materials and using Excel. Throughout the internship, she also integrated her love of yoga into DuBois Center programming – which she assures us she will continue for retreats whenever she’s available. On the last day of her internship, Leah packed up and headed to Chicago for a yoga conference, where she will complete her journey to become a 200-hour certified yoga instructor.

In the coming months, Leah will be leading yoga classes, serving a few hours a week at DuBois Center and training for her summer assistantship with a company called Bricks 4 Kidz. She admits that spending the summer months somewhere other than DuBois Center is a foreign concept, but she feels prepared for this next adventure. Although, we will miss working with her on a daily basis – especially her welcoming smile, attention to detail, focus on summer staff recruitment and training and willing spirit – we know this isn’t goodbye; it’s “See ya later!”

Staff

Our outstanding staff make all the difference. We strive to provide a “Ministry of Hospitality” in all aspects of our work – whether leading an activity, cleaning a cabin or preparing a meal.

Interested in joining our staff team? We’re recruiting for Nature’s Classroom staff, Summer Camp residential staff as well as filling our support roles.

Core Team

Executive Director 

DuBois Center seeks an Interim Executive Director who is an experienced leader to train, supervise, and empower staff to offer transformative experiences for all ages and work with leadership to prepare the stage for the next chapter. The work will also include leading an intentional review and visioning process for the future of the program. Beginning immediately, this two-year contracted position will be offered with the possibility of the candidate being considered for the permanent role. This beautiful setting in southern Illinois provides overnight summer camps, retreats, and horseback riding events throughout the year for groups from across the region. DuBois Center is a long-standing ministry of the Illinois South Conference of the United Church of Christ. 

To apply for the position, please send your letter of interest and resume to Kaleidoscope Inc. at DuBois@kaleidoscopeinc.com for more information about the Interim Executive Director position.

Program Director – Sarah Harding

Sarah received her B.A. in Biochemistry, M.A.T. for Secondary Science Education, and Social Emotional Learning Leadership Certificate from the University of Iowa in May 2022. Presently, she holds the role of Program Director at DuBois Center, where she oversees the planning, and coordination of volunteers and staff, and the facilitation of retreats, summer camps, and guest events.  Outside of her responsibilities at DuBois Center, Sarah finds every opportunity to immerse herself in nature, dance, or get crafty.

For inquiries regarding events at DuBois Center or to explore opportunities for involvement, please contact Sarah at program@duboiscenter.org

 

DuBois Center/ISC Registrar – Julie Riechmann

Julie started working with ISC and DuBois Center in November 2018 and is always happy to help with any issues you may have registering for camp.  Contact her at jriechmann@iscucc.org.

 

 

 

Facility Caretaker 

Position in transition.

Summer Program Staff

Our summer camp counselors and coordinators are a caring, energetic and dedicated bunch! Each member of our summer program staff has experience working with children and are committed to the personal and spiritual growth of our campers. Most, if not all, are certified in First Aid and CPR. Many are also certified lifeguards. They participate in an intensive 9-day staff training program to ensure they are ready to serve our campers and families.

All staff members meet strict standards related to the application process, and reference and background checks.