Family Camp Speakers 2024
Family Camp 1 (June 14-16) Speakers: The Blodgetts
Celeste and Robert Blodgett met in college at the University of San Diego. They are approaching their 35th wedding anniversary this August and have four adult sons, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. They are active members of St. Vincent De Paul parish in Mission Hills, where they participate in various ministries including bible study, Cursillo, choir, RCIA, and evangelization programs through both their parish and Encounter School of Ministry.
Celeste and Robert attribute the strength of their marriage to their deep faith, a commitment to creating fun moments together, and prioritizing time for each other. They are excited to share their insights on how they balance faith, work, and fun, and look forward to inspiring the families at Whispering Winds with their journey.
Family Camp 2 (July 5-7) Speakers: The Gabbards
Deacon John & Julie Gabbard met in Junior High School. They are both from large Catholic families (John is 5 of 8, and Julie is 6 of 7). They just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary and have four adult children and three grandchildren. They serve and attend at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Chula Vista. John and Julie are active in RCIA/RCIC, Prison Ministry, Cursillo and several other church ministries and are excited and honored to be able to share some time for faith and fun with the families at Whispering Winds.
Family Camp 3 (July 12-14) Speakers: The McCays
Patrick and Danielle were married at Saint Brigid Church in Pacific Beach in 1994. They have two adult children, and both were CCAs at Whispering Winds camp. Patrick works for the Navy as a Planner for 33 years. Danielle works for a non-public school which provides education to students with behavioral challenges. Patrick was ordained in 2021 as a Permanent Deacon and serves at St. Brigid Church. They are active members in the Cursillo movement. Patrick’s current hobbies include “all things camino” and a soccer fanatic. Danielle’s current obsessions include Mary; de toxifying the home; eating clean and brain health.
Favorite Scripture: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2
Special Needs Family Camp (July 19-21) Speaker: Bethany Britt, M.Ed. (Masters in Education)
Bethany was born and raised in Southern California and graduated from La Costa Canyon High School. She currently serves as Director of Explorer, a vocational training program at Beacons Inc. in Carlsbad. In 2020, Bethany began working at Beacons, a non-profit organization that provides services to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Bethany has endless contacts throughout our community, which helps enrich the activities for the Explorer program. She is also a trained self-determination facilitator and well-versed in the support and options available in the community to help self-advocates learn more about their local area and service options.
Bethany has a BA in Special Education from Arizona State University and a Master’s in Educational Counseling from National University. She holds credentials in Pupil Personnel Services, Educational Specialist of Instruction Level II, and Cross-Cultural Language and Academic Development in the state of California.
Bethany taught special education in a Moderate/Severe program for the Chandler Unified School District. After returning to San Diego, she taught in both Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe programs for the San Dieguito Union High School District for 13 years. During her time at SDUHSD, Bethany helped lead the TAP (Transition Alternative Program) program at Torrey Pines High School and La Costa Canyon High School. In 2015, Bethany won the Collaborative Team Award for the North Coastal Consortium for Special Education.
Bethany has been married to Shannon for 22 years and has two boys, Wyatt, 16, and Brooks, 13.