Reflecting on Outdoor Ministry

As a member of the Outdoor Ministry Association of the UCC’s board of directors, I had an opportunity to travel to Tower Hill Camp and Retreat Center last week for our annual board meeting. As a person responsible for creating inclusive camp communities, sometimes, I forget how transformational it is to be a part of such a community. Often, those of us who have gone into this work in a year-round or full time capacity don’t get to experience the magical moments that camp creates. As we reflected together on what makes camping ministry transformational and relevant, I got to experience many moments that reminded me of the sacredness of this work and the importance of belonging. And, I was reminded once more how the people of Illinois South Conference have taken part in many big ways in preserving and extending this vital ministry. To name a few:

  1. After COVID-19 shut down camp for more than a year, the people of Illinois South and our Outdoor Ministry Team worked tirelessly with me last year to get to a place where we could reopen for our summer camping season.
  2. We have raised more than $165,000 toward our $225,000 goal for DuBois 6.0. At a time when many churches are choosing not to invest in their camps, we are fixing deferred maintenance, adding capacity, and increasing programming offerings.
  3. Our teams have worked tirelessly to write new health center policies to ensure full compliance with camp standards and best practices.
  4. Each day, we work collectively to build more inclusive practices. We are actively living into our commitments of hospitality, welcome, and inclusion as UCCers.

It is a gift to be a part of a team that sees the value in camping ministry. Thank you for all of the ways you stay involved with DuBois Center and the work of the wider church.

Hayley Elliott, Acting Director of Outdoor Ministry

Rafiki

Rafiki: to agree (or promise) to one another to work together in oneness and unity. This concept, shared by a seminary student from Kenya a couple summers ago, is one that we continue to focus on at DuBois Center. We strive to provide a place to laugh, play, pray and break bread together, a place where faith grows. As a significant piece of the ministry and mission of Illinois South Conference, we work to build up God’s kingdom on earth… as it is in heaven. With the financial support of scores of individuals, churches and church groups, this work continues. Hopefully, you received a letter that highlights in words and pictures some joys from 2019. If not, or if it’s lost in a pile somewhere, click here for a digital copy or contact our office to have a letter mailed to you.

If you have not already done so, we hope you will consider a year-end gift in support of our shared ministry at DuBois Center. You may donate safely online, or if you prefer to mail your donation, use this form. With so many demands on your resources, we are truly honored by your prayerful gifts of financial support as well as offerings of prayer, time and talent. Thank you.

We Give Thanks to Our Staff!

This week we give thanks for our staff team! Almost all are part-time and most work limited schedules, only as needed. Despite this, they are the lifeblood of DuBois Center. They can be seen in the office and the kitchen, on the tractor and in a lifeguard chair. They care for our campers, guests, critters, facilities and grounds. Some tend to the horses in the bitter cold; others serve in the summer heat. Some clean dirty buildings; others bake up delicious meals. They are often found trekking through the woods with eager students, leading team-building activities, laying campfires for guest groups and plunging toilets. They work collaboratively with scores of volunteers to provide a ministry of hospitality and nurture, and to maintain and improve our facilities. Thanks to the staff team that keeps DuBois Center on a steady course day in and day out, throughout the year.

Save the Date for Father-Son Retreat 2020!

Fathers, Grandfathers and Uncles – SAVE THE DATE and plan now to bring your sons, grandsons, nephews or another young man in your life to DuBois Center for a weekend of quality guy time! Our 2020 Father-Son Retreat will take place April 24 – 26.

Fish, hike, canoe or just hang out together. Make cool crafts, share in vespers and work on your archery skills. Horseback riding is available for an additional fee. Lodging is in heated cottages and Hickory Lodge.

The weekend is geared for those age 5 and older, and families participate together. Rev. RJ Morgan will be returning as our chaplain for the weekend.

Registration opens January 15. Watch for details. Questions? Contact us at 618-787-2202 or dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org.

Send Us Your Sweet Treats!

Cookies! Cakes! Pies! Breads! Snack Mixes! The Sweet Shoppe at Fall Festival is still in need of donations. Each dollar raised in this area goes directly to scholarships – helping children and youth from families struggling financially to attend camp. This team is doing a great job, but they need YOUR help! So apron up and bake on!

For more information, check out and share this flyer. Items may be brought directly to DuBois Center on Saturday, Oct 5 or by 10 am on Oct 6. Need more info or assistance with delivery? Text/call Kristen at 618-567-6863 or Melissa at 314-440-6646, or connect with Angie at angiezapp1@gmail.com or 618-599-9277.

Thank You to our Volunteer Chaplains!

In June and July, we served over 400 young people in camps sponsored by the Illinois South Conference. It was an amazing summer and we are especially thankful for all the volunteer chaplains that helped make the PEACE WORKS theme come alive for our campers.
It was especially fun to see “Messy Church” techniques at play at camp this summer. Chaplains led BLAST (Bible Learning and Spirit Time), prepared vespers and provided an amazing ministry of presence – walking with our campers and staff throughout each week.
Our team was quite an eclectic bunch. Some are ordained ministers, one an in-care student. Some are school teachers, some are former campers and summer staff members. Some are retired, and some took time off work to serve with us.
Thanks so much to all the 2019 volunteer summer camp chaplains and the churches that supported their efforts. They truly had a significant impact on the faith lives of our campers and staff!:
Nicole Avise-Rouse – Epiphany UCC, St. Louis & St. Paul UCC, Waterloo
Craig Bielke – St. Paul UCC, Belleville
Rev. Katie Jo Bielke – St. John UCC, Collinsville
Joan Daab – St. Paul UCC, Columbia
Rev. Christy Eckert – St. John UCC, Trenton      
Audrey Hicks – St. Paul UCC, Waterloo
Rev. John Holst – Zion UCC, Marion
Rev. Todd Mushaney – Christ UCC, Dupo
Rev. Patrick Poole – St. John UCC, Maeystown & Zion UCC, St. Joe, Waterloo
Alaina Scherle – St. Paul UCC, Waterloo

Transforming Deer Run

Yes, lots of deer do run at DuBois Center! In fact, this summer we have been blessed with frequent sightings of kids with their mothers… often running. But did you know that one of the most beautiful areas of camp is named Deer Run?
First established in 1975 as an area for tent and RV camping, Deer Run never quite reached its full potential. Currently, summer campers use it for evening games and camp outs. During Nature’s Classroom, a variety of activities are based there. Our horses appreciate the pasture and more advanced riders enjoy “Canter Alley.” The occasional scout troop camps there, but the area has so much more potential!
In terms of structures, there are three small cabins, a lodge that is frequented by more wildlife than human life, and a very rustic shower house. The centerpiece is a small three-acre lake that boasts giant lily pads in the summer.
Earlier this year, a team from Green DuBois was inspired by the possibility of transforming Deer Run into the intentional nature study and earth care hub of DuBois Center. Energy for this vision is catching! In early spring, two hives of bees were introduced and blessed by our conference minister. In May, a work crew from Christ UCC in Dupo and St. Paul UCC in Belleville removed the old, decrepit dock from the lake. Hoyleton Buddies from Region 2 re-established the boat landing – wading in hip deep to pull lily pads. Summer staff members recycled cardboard from the kitchen and moldy hay bales – making a “layer cake” out of them in the new composting area. And now, St. Paul’s UCC in Freeburg is breathing new life into the three cabins (article posted tomorrow).
The transformation won’t happen overnight, but it has begun!
   

Prayers for our Camp Staff

On Wednesday, May 29, our summer camp program staff officially arrived for nine days of intensive training covering topics such as health and safety, faith formation, activity leadership, behavior management and so much more! They came from local Illinois South Conference churches and from communities of faith around the world.

Please keep the leadership team, program staff and site staff in your thoughts and prayers. They have an awesome task in front of them! We also ask that you keep our international staff and their families close to your heart. These staff members have traveled from Finland, New Zealand, Peru, Poland and Tanzania, and will be far from their homes for three months and even longer for some. Thank you!

Meet Our Summer Staff – Ryan and Jack!

Welcome back to Ryan Goetter from Collinsville and Jack Lockhart from Motueka, New Zealand!
Ryan – AKA Shark Bait – is returning for this fifth summer on staff. We celebrate his recent graduation from Missouri State University with his bachelors degree in music education and his new teaching position at DuQuoin Middle School. Another highlight – the designation of Ryan’s chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha as “Chapter of the Year.” An honor in itself, but even more so because Ryan was a founding brother early in his college career. Ryan is an active member of St. John UCC in Collinsville and long-term DuBois Center camper. His favorite childhood memories are from his adventures at camp. When asked why he has such a passion for working at DuBois Center, Ryan wrote, “I grew up at camp! It’s such an amazing and magical place and I want an opportunity to give the kids a great experience like I had!”
Jack – AKA Chip – is returning for his second summer on staff. He had such an incredible time last year, he couldn’t wait to return! Jack is a certified lifeguard, and volunteers with the rural fire department back home. Serving others is in his DNA. Jack is excited to be back at DuBois Center because he loves the “family atmosphere” and wants to gain more experience working with young people and families. His goal after completing university is to work with youth in the criminal justice system to make a difference while there is still an opportunity for significant life changes. Jack enjoys all camp activities – especially those involving water or horses. He was a rookie last summer, but quickly grew his grooming, tacking and riding skills.
5_31 Staff 2

We Still Need Volunteers!

Volunteers are the heart of strong and healthy outdoor ministry programs. At DuBois Center, volunteers serve throughout the year on committees and teams, at the barn, in the office, on work projects, as retreat leaders and fund raisers. During the summer, there are a variety of ways to be involved and make a difference in the lives of the young people we serve. Join us for a few hours on a Sunday afternoon, a couple days during the week, or a full session of camp. Volunteers work hand-in-hand with paid summer staff to provide our fun, engaging and faith-filled program.
Summer 2019 opportunities include:
● Cabin Counselor
● Chaplain
● Nurse
● Barn Helper
● Sunday Welcome Team
● Activity Specialist
● Photographer

Contact DuBois Center at dcinfo@DuBoisCenter.org or 618-787-2202 with questions. More information and volunteer applications can be found here. We hope to see you at DuBois this summer!