Blue River Quarterly

2023 Fall Gathering
2023-09-15 19:00 - 2023-09-17 13:00 (America/Chicago) | DuBois Center, 2651 Quarry Road, DuBois, IL, 62831, United States
The 2023 Fall Gathering of Blue River Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for September 15–17 at the DuBois Center near Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Click here for brochure and registration form
Gratitude

Adult/Intergenerational Program:
Gratitude Revealed, from filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg, provides a cinematic experience of how to live a more meaningful life full of gratitude through conversations with everyday people and thought leaders, revealing gratitude is a proven pathway back from the disconnection we feel in our lives; disconnection from ourselves, our planet, and each other. The film provides an opportunity to open our hearts and see each other with compassion and understanding. Through a variety of activities this program will remind us of gratitude’s vital role in our lives and how we can work towards experiencing more of it daily, as it builds resilience, gives purpose, and provides health benefits. You will go home with new gratitude practices. Middle School and High School Friends will attend adult programming.
Children’s Program:
Wee Friends through middle school ages will attend intergenerational program and will do activities related to the theme at children’s program times.
Volunteers to help with the children’s program will be appreciated. There will be a signup sheet at registration.
BRQ SCHEDULE
Friday, September 15th
5:00 – 7:30 Registration/Brown Bag Supper
7:30 – 9:00 Intergenerational Seeds of Gratitude camp light gathering (bring LED candles or flashlights)
Saturday, September 16th
7:15 – Early Worship 8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 11:00 Adult Program “Gratitude Revealed” film and worship sharing (Oak)
9:00 – 11:45 – Children’s program (Hickory)
11:15 – 11:45 – ILYM Planning (Oak)
Noon – Lunch (Please arrive on time)
1:00 – 3:00 – Free Time
3:00 – 5:00 – Children’s Program (Hickory)
3:15 – 4:45 – BRQ Business (Oak)
5:00 – 5:30 – Young Friends will come to share their experiences (Oak)
5:30 – Dinner (Please arrive on time)
7:00 – 8:00 –Intergenerational Active Gratitude (Oak)
8:00 – Bonfire with singing & S’mores
Sunday, September 18th
8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 10:15 – Adult Program – Carrying Gratitude Forward (Oak)
9 – 11:15 – Children’s Program (Hickory)
10:30 – 11:30 – Meeting for Worship (Oak)
11:15 – Younger Children join Worship
12:00 – Lunch (Please arrive on time)
1:00 – Clean up and goodbyes
Parents are responsible for their children at all times other than during adult programs.
Volunteer Signup: Friends who are able are encouraged to sign up for volunteer activities (assisting children’s program, Sunday cleanup, etc.) at on-site registration.
Possible Things to Bring: Snacks to share, jeans for horseback riding, flashlights, hiking shoes, towel, fishing pole & tackle, organization displays, games and toys, musical instruments, and copies of music (especially Rise Up Singing), a sense of humor, a modicum of patience, and love to share.
Facilities and Housing:
DuBois Center resides on over 300 acres of woods and two lakes. There is horse trail riding, boating, hiking, a labyrinth, and a playground.
Adult programming will take place in Oak Lodge.
Hickory Lodge will be the location for registration, sleeping, fellowship, and most children’s programs.
There are also dormitory-style cottages with bathrooms, and rustic cabins with a showerhouse nearby.
Camping tent sites are available but there is no electricity and no shower access nearby.
Linens are provided for Hickory Lodge. People staying in cottages, cabins, or camping should bring their own linens and pillows. Bathrooms accommodate multiple users. Rooms may be shared depending on attendance.
Please register in a timely manner and indicate any needs you have when sharing spaces.
Meal Costs:
Breakfast-$10, Lunch-$12, and Dinner-$15 each.
BRQ absorbs all costs of participants under age 19. Please donate as you can to cover them. All meals will be in the Oak Lodge.
Alternative Meals: If anyone wishes to prepare their own meals in Hickory Lodge, we have use of the small kitchenette with microwave, fridge, and dishes.
Registration:
Please send by September 1 to Margie Haworth-Davis, margiehd8@hotmail.com, or 43 CR 2150N, Mahomet, IL 61853
Make checks payable to Blue River Quarterly.
Bring or send a medical emergency form for each person under 18!
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*Registration is $15 to 30 per adult on a sliding scale. No one should hesitate to attend because of financial reasons. Please just pay the amount you can afford, and join us.

2024 Spring Gathering
2024-04-12 19:00 - 2024-04-14 14:00 | East Bay Camp and Retreat Center, 24248 Ron Smith Memorial Hwy, Hudson, 61748
The 2024 Spring Gathering of Blue River Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for April 12–14, 2024, at East Bay Camp and Retreat Center, near Bloomington.
Click here for brochure and registration form
George Fox’s 400th Birthday!!

Adult/Intergenerational Program:
The year 2024 marks the 400th birthday of Quaker co-founder George Fox, whose life continues to serve as an inspiration to Friends around the world. Our program will feature activities designed to help us deepen our connections to each other and our spiritual heritage as we learn more about the beginning of Quakerism and Fox’s life, weaving entries from his journal with stories from our own experience. And, of course, no birthday celebration would be complete without an intergenerational bash including cake, games, and singing, so we hope you’ll show up ready to PARTY! High School Friends will attend adult programming.
Children’s Program:
Wee Friends through 7 th grade will attend intergenerational program and will do activities at children’s program times. They will read the story of George Fox and Margaret Fell, make peg doll Fox and Fells, make happy birthday George Fox cards, and plan a “what would Fox say?” skit.
Volunteers to help with the children’s program are needed. There will be a signup sheet at registration, but please let us know asap if you’re willing!
BRQ SCHEDULE
Friday, April 12th
5:00 – 7:00 Registration/Brown Bag Supper
7:30 – 9:00 Social time and Activities
Saturday, April 13th
7:15 – Early Worship
8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 11:00 Adult Program
9:00 – 11:45 – Children’s program
11:15 – 11:45 – ILYM Planning
Noon – Lunch (Please arrive on time)
1:00 – 3:00 – Free Time
3:00 – 5:00 – Children’s Program
3:15 – 4:45 – BRQ Business (Please bring State of Society Reports)
5:00 – Dinner (Please arrive on time)
6:30 – 8:00 – Intergenerational Activity “Birthday Party for George Fox”
Sunday, April 14th
8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 10:15 – Business carryover if needed
9:00 – 11:15 – Children’s Program
10:30 – 11:30 – Meeting for Worship
11:15 – Younger Children join Worship
12:00 – Lunch (Please arrive on time)
1:00 – Clean up and goodbyes
All meals will be in the dining hall. Adult and intergenerational programs/meetings will be in Wesley Cabin. Youth programs will be in the Rec Center during adult program times.
Parents are responsible for their children at all times other than during adult programs.
Volunteer Signup: Friends who are able are encouraged to sign up for volunteer activities (assisting children’s program, Sunday cleanup, etc.) at on-site registration.
Bring or send a medical emergency form for each person under 18! Optional for adults.
Housing:
Please bring your own bedding and towels for all housing options.
All cabins are heated/cooled and have bathrooms. Rooms will be shared.
Wesley cabin is where adult programs will be held. It has 2 sleeping rooms with 4 bunkbeds each. This option is closest to parking area.
Birch and Oak cabins each also have 2 rooms with bunkbeds.
Tent Camping is possible, weather permitting, at $12 per person/night.
Meal Costs:
Breakfast and Lunch: $10.25; and Dinner: $11.25. All meals will be in the Dining Hall.
Children:
BRQ absorbs all costs of participants under age 19. Please donate as you can to cover them.
Free Time Activities:
There may be indoor swimming available if a lifeguard is available. Bring your swim suit! Boating may be available weather permitting.
Registration:
Please send by March 29 to Margie Haworth-Davis,
margiehd8@hotmail.com
OR
43 CR 2150N, Mahomet, IL 61853
Make checks payable to Blue River Quarterly.
Registration is $15 to $30 per adult on a sliding scale. No one should hesitate to attend because of financial reasons. Please just pay the amount you can afford, and join us.
Possible Things to Bring:
Snacks to share, flashlights, hiking shoes, swim suit, towel, fishing pole & tackle, organization displays, games and toys, musical instruments, and copies of music (especially Rise Up Singing), a sense of humor, a modicum of patience, and love to share.

2024 Fall Gathering
2024-09-20 19:00 - 2024-09-22 14:00 | DuBois Center, 2651 Quarry Road, DuBois, IL, 62831, United States
Blue River Quarterly will hold its fall gathering Sept. 20–22, at Camp DuBois near Mt.Vernon, Illinois.
Our adult program, brought to us by Judy Wolicki and Marcia Nelson, will be based on the Pendle Hill Pamphlet #442, “Meeting at the Center: Living Love and Reconciling One with Another” by Bruce Burchard. Steve and Jad Tamari and Dawn Crimson will be working with the children. We will be joined by ILYM High School Friends who will be holding a Quake that weekend. Free time activities will include horseback riding and canoeing, plus the opportunity to hike through the grounds of the camp.
Download the brochure and registration materials here.
All Friends are welcome to attend. Looking forward to seeing you at Camp DuBois!

2025 Spring Gathering
2025-04-11 19:00 - 2025-04-13 13:00 | Camp CILCA, 4124 Camp CILCA Road, Cantrall, IL, 62625, United States
Blue River Quarterly will hold its spring gathering April 11–13, 2025 at Camp CILCA near Springfield, Illinois.
How do we seek to support social responsibility in trying times?

Facilitators: Mike and Jasmine Dennis
Download the Registration Form and Brochure
Adult/Intergenerational Program:
We are currently living in a time when the government and many individuals are seeking to further tax cuts funded by significant reductions in support for social responsibility causes including education, disaster relief, food assistance, medical assistance, refugees, peacemaking, and the environment/global climate instability. This runs counter to the common Quaker testimonies of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship (SPICES). We will work on how we can support those in our communities who still seek to act in socially responsible ways. This includes how we act ourselves to identify, celebrate and support causes, community leaders, and companies. Friday evening we will have a Getting to Know Each Other activity. Saturday morning’s workshop will speak to the theme. Sunday morning’s activity will be “Making Your Own Plans for Social Responsibility”. This intergenerational program will also be attended by the ILYM high school friends (HSF) teens (8th-12th graders).
High School Friends will attend adult programming.
Children’s Program:
Diane Clark Dennis and Choz Howard-McKinney will lead the Wee Friends through 7th grade program. They will attend the Saturday evening intergenerational program and will do activities related to the theme at children’s program times.
BRQ SCHEDULE
Friday, April 11th

5:00 – 7:00 Registration/Brown Bag Supper
7:30 – 9:00 Getting to Know Each Other Activity

Saturday, April 12th

7:15 – Early Worship 8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 11:00 Adult & HSF Program
9:00 – 11:45 – Children’s program
11:15 – 11:45 – ILYM Planning
Noon – Lunch (Please arrive on time)
1:00 – 3:00 – Free Time
3:00 – 5:00 – Children’s Program
3:15 – 4:45 – BRQ Business (Please bring State of Society Reports)
5:00 – 5:30 – Young Friends will come to share their experiences
5:30 – Dinner (Please arrive on time)
7:00 – 8:00 – Intergenerational Activity
8:00 – Bonfire with singing & S’mores

Sunday, April 13th

8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 10:15 – Adult Program
9:00 – 11:15 – Children’s Program
10:30 – 11:30 – Meeting for Worship
11:15 – Younger Children join Worship
12:00 – Lunch (Please arrive on time)
1:00 – Clean up and goodbyes

All meals and adult and intergenerational programs/meetings will be in the Christian Growth Center [CGC]. Youth programs will be in the Retreat Center during adult program times.
Parents are responsible for their children at all times other than during adult programs.
Volunteer Signup: Friends who are able are encouraged to sign up for volunteer activities (assisting children’s program, Sunday cleanup, etc.) at on-site registration.
Bring or send a medical emergency form for each person under 18!
This year only the housing at Camp CILCA will be free!
Housing:

Christian Growth Center (CGC) has 14 bedrooms with 1 double bed & 1 set of bunk beds, with a bathroom. Bedding and towels provided. Depending on registration numbers rooms may be shared. Priority will be given to those with a need. Let us know if you have special needs or roommate preferences.
Retreat Center has Men’s Dorm & Women’s Dorm, and a half-bath on the first floor, and shower/bathrooms in the basement. Bring your own bedding.
There are cabins (sleep 8-12 each) with heat and A/C but no running water. Shared public restrooms are nearby. Please indicate if willing to share. Bring your own bedding.
Tent Camping and RV camping are also available.

Meal Costs: $10 per meal. BRQ absorbs all costs of participants under age 19. Please donate as you can to cover them. All meals will be in the Christian Growth Center.
Alternative Meals: If anyone wishes to prepare their own meals in the Retreat Center, we have use of the small kitchen with stove, fridge, and dishes.
Registration:
Please send by March 27 to Margie Haworth-Davis, margiehd8@hotmail.com, or 43 CR 2150N, Mahomet, IL 61853. Make checks payable to Blue River Quarterly.
Possible Things to Bring: Snacks to share, flashlights, hiking shoes, towel, fishing pole & tackle, organization displays, games and toys, musical instruments, and copies of music (especially Rise Up Singing), a sense of humor, a modicum of patience, and love to share.

2025 Fall Gathering
2025-09-19 19:00 - 2025-09-21 14:00 | DuBois Center, 2651 Quarry Road, DuBois, IL, 62831, United States
The 2025 Fall Gathering of Blue River Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for September 19–21 at DuBois Center, near Mt. Vernon.
Click here for the brochure and registration forms.
Theme: Hope

Adult/Intergenerational Program: The Saturday morning adult program will focus on the theme of Hope and will be facilitated by Mark McGinnis, one of the ILYM Field Secretaries. During the Saturday evening Intergenerational Program Steve Tamari will update us on AFSC programs related to the genocide in Gaza including Apartheid Free Communities that can be taken back to our monthly meetings.
High School Friends will be having a Quake at BRQ and will have their own programming but will attend intergenerational programming. They will bunk together in a cottage.
Children’s Program: Steve Tamari and Charles Howard-McKinney will lead the Children’s Program (for children through Middle School).
Free Time Activities: During free time (Saturday afternoon, 1-3 pm) there is horseback riding and boating available for a fee (see registration form). There is a limit of 20 people for horseback riding. First come first served.
BRQ SCHEDULE
Friday, September 20th
6:00 – 7:30 Registration/Brown Bag Supper
7:30 – 9:00 Informal socializing – Adults please bring a picture of yourself between the ages of 4 and 12, if possible. (Baby pictures only for the children in the Children’s program.)
Saturday, September 21st
7:15 – Early Worship
8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 11:00 Adult Program (Oak)
9:00 – 11:45 – Children’s program (Hickory)
11:15 – 11:45 – ILYM Planning (Oak)
Noon – Lunch (Please arrive on time)
1:00 – 3:30 – Free Time
3:30 – 5:30 – Children’s Program (Hickory)
3:45 – 5:15 – BRQ Business (Oak)
5:30 – 6:00 – Young Friends will come to share their experiences (Oak) 6:00 – Dinner (Please arrive on time)
7:00 – 8:00 – Intergenerational Program for older children and adults (Oak)
7:00 – 8:00 Childcare for younger children
8:00 – Bonfire with singing & S’mores
Sunday, September 22nd
8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 10:15 – Adult Program if needed (Oak)
9 – 11:15 – Children’s Program (Hickory)
10:30 – 11:30 – Meeting for Worship (Oak)
11:15 – Younger Children join Worship
12:00 – Lunch (Please arrive on time)
1:00 – Clean up and goodbyes
Parents are responsible for their children at all times other than during adult programs.
Volunteer Signup: Friends who are able are encouraged to sign up for volunteer activities (assisting children’s program, Sunday cleanup, etc.) at on-site registration.
Possible Things to Bring: Snacks to share, jeans for horseback riding, flashlights, hiking shoes, towel, fishing pole & tackle, organization displays, games and toys, musical instruments, and copies of music (especially Rise Up Singing), a sense of humor, a modicum of patience, and love to share.
Facilities and Housing: DuBois Center resides on over 300 acres of woods and two lakes. There is horse trail riding, boating, hiking, a labyrinth, and a playground. Adult programming will take place in Oak Lodge. Hickory Lodge will be the location for registration, sleeping, fellowship, and most children’s programs.
There are also dormitory-style cottages with bathrooms, and more remote, rustic cabins with showerhouse access. Camping tent sites are available but there is no electricity and no shower access nearby. We need a minimum of 2 adults for 2 nights for us to be able to use the cabins/campsite. Linens are provided for Hickory Lodge. People staying in cottages, cabins, or camping should bring their own linens and pillows. Bathrooms accommodate multiple users. Rooms may be shared depending on attendance. High schoolers will be housed in a cottage.
Please register in a timely manner and indicate any needs you have when sharing spaces.
Meal Costs: Breakfast-$11, Lunch-$13, and Dinner-$16 each. BRQ absorbs all costs of participants under age 19. Please donate as you can to cover them. All meals will be in the Oak Lodge.
Alternative Meals: If anyone wishes to prepare their own meals in Hickory Lodge, we have use of the small kitchenette with microwave, fridge, and dishes.
Registration: Please send by September 8 to Margie Haworth-Davis,
margiehd8@hotmail.com, OR 43 CR 2150N, Mahomet, IL 61853
Make checks payable to Blue River Quarterly.
Bring or send a medical emergency form for each person under 18!
Click here for the brochure and registration forms.
*********************************
*Registration is $15 to 30 per adult on a sliding scale. No one should hesitate to attend because of financial reasons. Please just pay the amount you can afford, and join us.

2026 Spring Gathering
2026-04-17 19:00 - 2026-04-19 13:00 | East Bay Camp and Retreat Center, 24248 Ron Smith Memorial Hwy, Hudson, 61748
The 2026 Spring Gathering of Blue River Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for April 17-19 at East Bay Camp, Bloomington.
CLICK HERE for the brochure and registration form

Illinois Yearly Meeting Ministry & Advancement Committee will facilitate a program on Extended Worship, and all Illinois Yearly Meeting Friends are invited to participate. There will be a Children’s program for youth through middle school.
Friends under 19 participate free.
Schedule and details will be updated early in 2026. Note that the following changes are anticipated for facilitating this topic:

The Saturday morning program will run a little longer than usual (9:00 AM to 11:15 AM) followed by a break and a more-brief ILYM Planning meeting 11:30 AM to 11:45 AM
The Sunday morning “overflow” time period will be scheduled for a small group discussion about the experience of extended meeting for worship

The registration brochure will describe the gathering program more fully:
Hosted by the Illinois Yearly Meeting Ministry and Advancement committee, the adult program will explore extended meeting for worship. Meetings longer than an hour are rare today, but early Quakers often worshipped for hours, fully expectant and deeply patient for the Living Presence to do its work in the gathered body of Friends. These powerful experiences were central to Quaker convincement, personal transformation, and prophetic challenges to cultural behaviors and systems of power. Saturday morning’s adult program is intended to give each the gift of being gathered corporately, holding the communal and individual adventure of being led by the Spirit who beckons us, opening space for us to hear what we are being called to do. On Sunday morning, participants will be invited to share about their experiences with extended worship in small-group discussion. Intergenerational evening activities will include ice breakers on Friday and a game night on Saturday.
Promotional flyers to download, print and share!

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V.1 PDF

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V.2 PDF

2026 Spring flyer with flowers
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V.3 PDF

2026 Fall Gathering
2026-09-18 18:00 - 2026-09-20 13:00 | DuBois Center, 2651 Quarry Road, DuBois, IL, 62831, United States
The 2026 Fall Gathering of Blue River Quarterly Meeting will be held at DuBois Center, DuBois.
Details forthcoming.
