Why Church Camp?

Because church camp is joyful fun! It is a sacred place. It is intensely relational, and positive role models abound! Though an integral part of many congregations’ year-round faith formation efforts, church camp is different from Vacation Bible School or Sunday School. Campers and leaders live, work, play and worship together from early morning until late into the evening. They grow together through shared experiences in God’s amazing creation and form an intentional community. They hear our faith stories in new places and new ways, and find opportunities to share their own. The activities are fun, challenging and filled with opportunities to grow as part of a Christian community.

Learn more in our Summer Camp brochure.

2018 Beyond Belief

Meet our Summer Staff!

Oftentimes, due to the visa application process, international staff are hired long before our local summer staff. This week, we would like to introduce another of our 2018 team members from overseas… Alice McKinnon from Carlton, Australia. Alice is very excited to be joining us as a Counselor/Activity Specialist and is looking forward to learning more about our country and culture.

She is passionate about being outdoors, staying fit and a variety of land and water sports. Alice camps, plays netball and volleyball, studies dance – ballet, jazz and contemporary, bikes and swims. She has experience working with children and peers in a variety of capacities – babysitter, coach, mentor and teacher assistant. One of her references wrote, “Alice is an enthusiastic dynamic young woman. She lights up a room with her happy disposition.” She attended Catholic schools growing up and embraces and practices the “mercy values” she was taught. She believes that faith helps you to be “the very best version of you.”

Alice considers herself very lucky to have traveled a fair amount with her family. Their adventures include Bali, Thailand, Fiji, Tasmania, the United States and Canada. She has also traveled around coastal and inland Australia. Did you know that Australia is about the same size as the continental USA, but with a population closer to that of Texas? Favorite foods? Fresh fruit “and of course chocolate.” She absolutely adores dogs and loves watching American TV series.

Welcome to the team, Alice!

Alice

Summer Brochures are Coming!

It’s that time of year again – DuBois Center’s summer camp brochures are HOT off the presses and will be finding their way to your mailboxes and churches soon! Inside the brochure, you’ll find details on camp weeks, dates, this year’s theme and much more.

If you don’t receive a brochure and would like one, please contact the office at 618-787-2202 or dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org to be added to the mailing list, or check out the digital version on our website.

Counselors in Training (CIT) — June 24-29

CIT is a great opportunity for young people who are interested in developing their leadership skills, working with younger children, and having a great time at DuBois Center! The program functions much like a “lab school” with discussion, training, practice and evaluation sessions. Skills gained will help participants grow as positive Christian leaders, manage problematic behavior, create a safe, fun environment, and teach basic camp skills.

CIT is designed for youth who have completed grades 10-12. Previous camp experience is NOT required. NOTE: A special application is required – in addition to the Camp Registration Form. The CIT application packet is available online or by contacting DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org. For more information, check out this flier.

Meet our Summer Staff!

Welcome Catie Goetter to our 2018 summer staff team! This will be Catie’s second summer on staff; she will again be serving as a Barn Assistant/Counselor. Catie grew up in Maryville, Illinois and was active in church life and youth groups at St. John Evangelical UCC in Collinsville before heading off to school.

She is a sophomore at Missouri State University where marching band and student ministry programs keep her more than busy. At MSU, Catie is majoring in special education. In addition, she is taking riding classes and volunteers with a therapeutic riding program. One of her goals is to further develop her riding and barn management skills, and then one day serve as the Summer Barn Coordinator.

Catie is passionate about DuBois Center and the experiences it provides for young people. She attended for years as a camper, horse retreatant, and ISCUCC youth event participant and planning team member. She successfully completed our CIT (Counselor in Training) program and volunteered as a counselor and at the barn whenever her schedule allowed.

This summer she really wants to work on “helping others grow in their faith” and play her ukulele more. Catie wrote, “I am looking forward to working with old friends and new people, as well as getting back in the barn with my 4-legged friends.” She also can’t wait to see her campers from last summer!

In a reference Catie’s band director wrote, “Catie is a joy to have around and a very hard worker.” We definitely agree! Welcome back!

Catie

Talent Scouts Needed

We are always on the lookout for caring, fun-loving individuals who enjoy the outdoors and have a heart for ministry to serve with us at DuBois Center. Do you know someone who fits this description?

DuBois Center has paid and volunteer positions available for Summer 2018. We take recommendations from people who know them best – you! If there is someone you feel would be a good fit for one of these positions, either complete the information on this form or contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

DIGITAL CAMERAS – Used Compact Models Needed

Great photos and smart phones go hand in hand nowadays. So what happened to all those small, point and shoot cameras – the Coolpix, PowerShot and FinePix? DuBois Center is in search of 8-10 gently used (or new) cameras. They are great for photo booths, scavenger hunts, photography classes and so much more.

Requirements: good working condition and SD card compatible.

For more information, contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Meet Our Summer Staff: Troy

Summer staff recruitment is in full swing, and we will be introducing members of our 2018 team through Weekly Connection and Facebook. First up is Troy Mcrae.

This will be Troy’s second summer on staff. He will again make the long trek from Western Australia to DuBois, Illinois. Troy grew up in the “Aussie countryside” in the small town of Manjimup. Active in his church youth ministry and camping programs, he grew from youth participant to young adult volunteer leader. Troy loves being outside and spent a year as a trainee and instructor at an outdoor school. Canoeing, lifeguarding, “bush walking expeditions,” food prep and equipment maintenance were all part of his experience there.

Thinking back to 2016 when Troy last served with us, his big smile, gentle nature and amazing height come to mind. Yes, he occasionally had to duck when going through doorways. When asked about his desire to return to DuBois Center, Troy commented, “I just felt drawn back to the overwhelmingly positive atmosphere at camp. It’s impossible to finish each day without a smile on your face.”

Troy brings skills as an effective canoeing instructor, accomplished guitar player and caring camp counselor. His long-term goal is to become a professional outdoor educator. Aussie meat pies are Troy’s favorite food. Two of his favorite hobbies are cycling and larping (think Lord of the Rings meets football, with a bit of theater improv thrown into the mix). He describes himself as a massive “pop culture nerd (in the best of ways).” Welcome back, Troy!

Troy 1

Volunteer NURSES Needed – Spend 3-6 Days at DuBois Center

Share you skills and make a difference! Camp Nurses, most of whom are RNs, play a key role in providing safe and fun experiences during DuBois Center summer camps. Many find it to be a very rewarding opportunity for ministry; one that is quite different than their regular jobs. Camp nurses review camper medical forms, conduct health screenings, administer medications, and provide first aid, basic medical treatment and extra TLC for homesick campers.

The nurses’ living quarters are air-conditioned, and it’s not all work and no play. There is often time to sit back and read a good book, take a hike or dip your toes in the lake. For more information about this ministry opportunity, contact Shirley at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Summer Camp 2018 – Sneak Peek!

The countdown has begun! Here at DuBois Center we are busy planning yet another incredible summer! Registration opens February 28, so watch for the brochure later this month. Use this schedule to begin planning your summer now! Check out our Facebook page to stay up-to-date. Questions? Contact us at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202.

Watermat