Read about camp milestones since our founding in 1978.
1976
Kojis & Tisi Families attend a Christian Family Camp in San Bernardino and wanted to establish one for Catholics
1978
Began payments of $9000 a month for 2 parcels of land, 161 & 207 acres = 368 acres total; San Diego Family Camps founded by Don Kojis and Dr. Jerry Tisi
1981
Renamed Whispering Winds for the “tiny whispering” of God’s voice heard by Elijah (1 Kings 19:12) at the suggestion of Sr. Caroline Bachmann
1982
Mass of thanksgiving and Adoration celebrated by Most Rev. Leo T. Maher, Bishop of San Diego
1984
Adjusted property purchase from 368 acres to 161 acres; two water wells dug, 600 feet apart, both rated at 60 gallons per minute
1985
Water, electrical and telephone lines hooked up; first conference with Fr. John Powell, SJ (before any buildings were on site)
1986
Original Meeting and Dining Hall pole buildings completed (burned in 2003); Brodings Family donated two trailers for our first kitchen building
1988
Untimely death of Dr. Jerry Tisi, co-founder; completion of the “Quad” Quadruplex Cabin (burned in 2003) ; Bernice Mascari and Kathy Brown found the Whispering Winds Women’s Auxiliary (WWWA)
1989
Mary’s Grotto and original statue of Mary (by Mary Crosby) installed
1990
53,000 gallon water tank erected along with 6″ & 8″ looped water system installed including seven hydrants; road system was created
1991
Mobile home donated by Jim Adamo is brought on site and converted into a bunkhouse (formerly called Conference Room B)
1992
Bank Building donated and installed (now called Meadow View Hall); Cursillo Movement comes to Whispering Winds
1993
36’X60′ Modular Dining Hall and a 8′ X 42′ trailer is attached and converted into a kitchen; Summer Family Camp launched
1995
Burn-The-Mortgage Mass and party held upon final payment and full ownership of the land
1998
Completion of the Milner Lodge 12-plex; installation of the tennis and basketball courts by a local Eagle Scout
2001
Building of second 12-plex begins; installation of the treehouse and slide
2002
Completion of Juanico Lodge 12-plex; close call with Pine Fire
2003
Cedar Fire damages or destroys 80% of Whispering Winds, numerous miracles follow
2004
Whispering Winds reopens to all guests
2005
Whispering Winds opens year-round Food Service & Programs Departments; launches Summer Kids Camps, Young Adult Retreat, 6th Grade Camps, and Confirmation Retreats
2008
Celebration of Whispering Winds’ 30th Anniversary; new statue of Mary (by Beverly Paddleford) installed in Mary’s Grotto
2009
Swimming Pool completed
2010
Launched first Senior Retreat program
2011
Grand Opening of Founders Hall and Prayer Chapel
2012
Grand Opening of Kitchen and Dining Hall
2013
Launched first Special Needs Family Camp; Grand Opening of Dormitory Village
2015
Launched first Military Family Camp
2016
Created Endowment Fund and Launched Holy Ground Society
2017
Grand Opening of Welcome Center and Shepherds Hall
2019
Grand Opening of Disciples Lodge
