Summer Family Camp

Family Camp Mission Statement
“The purpose of Family Camp is to welcome families of all ages and stages to a peaceful place where they can enjoy quality time together while having fun growing in their faith. Whispering Winds offers families the chance to meet God in a comfortable environment, helping build strong marriages, gain purposeful parenting skills and develop a spiritual legacy which will last.”

Summer Family Camp offers families the rare opportunity to spend quality time together on the mountain celebrating our faith as we grow closer to the Lord and each other. Removed from the distractions of the world, moms and dads are able to focus on their relationships as they hear outstanding speakers and are given free child care assistants (CCAs) to help watch the kids. Children and Teen programs offer each age group a powerful, relate-able program in the setting of God’s beautiful nature. Along with tons of fun activities — like the zipline and mud bowl — families learn more about God’s love, returning home with some of God’s richest blessings.

If a family registering for Family Camp has a child that will be a Child Care Assistant, please just register him/her with your family as a regular family member. There will be no additional charge for being a CCA. CCA/parent meeting attendance and documents are still required.

Child Care Assistant information

Features

• Mass & dynamic speakers
• Swimming pool, zipline, and more fun activities
• Programs for children, teens and adults
• 3 days + 2 nights (Friday evening – after lunch Sunday) plus 6 delicious meals
• Free child care, plus kids 3 and under are free

Family Camp 1 closes at 3 PM on June 19 due to Father’s Day. All other weekends Family Camp closes at 4 PM.

Host parishes for 2020:

Family Camp #1 – June 19-21

• Sacred Heart Coronado
• St. Therese
• Immaculata
• St. Gregory the Great

Family Camp #2 — July 10-12

• St. Charles Borromeo
• St. Michael’s Poway
• St. Columba

Family Camp #3 – July 17-19

• Santa Sophia
• Holy Name of Jesus, Redlands, CA
• St. Rita of Cascia

*Family Camp July 10-12 & July 17-19 2020 – Four day option. For these weekends guests have the option to arrive Thursday evening for an additional fee. On Friday guests will receive breakfast and lunch and recreational opportunities.

**Special Needs Family Camp – July 24-26, 2020 information here.

Our spacious lodge rooms include bunks that sleep up to six, air-conditioning and your own private bathroom. The dorms feature two bunkbeds and a shared bathroom in each of the three buildings plus a bathroom outside the buildings. Our NEW Disciples Lodge features separate bedrooms in each with bunk beds for six to eight and a shared bathroom in the building. You may also choose to experience camping by bringing your own tent or RV and “roughing it!”

Tent Nation! This summer we will be offering tent camping on the basketball court. Each guest needs to provide their own tent, however, Whispering Winds will provide sand bags to secure the corners of the tent. It is recommended that guests bring some padding for sleeping purposes. Some shade will be offered and common restrooms, sinks and showers will be available.

Please note:  RVs and tents are not provided.

See more lodging details

2019 Rates

$60 per person, ages 4 and up

PLUS:

Milner & Juanico Lodges: $670

Dorm & **NEW** Disciples Lodge: $460

Your Tent/Your RV: $295

Additional day for 4-day camps: $30 per person

Financial assistance is available on an as-needed basis.

Whispering Winds Scholarships
The Whispering Winds scholarships help families, with financial need, to off-set the cost of lodging during their Family Camp weekend. To apply, please FIRST register online at the Family Camp webpage and pay your $100 deposit. Please then complete the below application and submit. If the scholarship you are applying for is not available, your deposit is refundable. Scholarship applications MUST be received within 7 days of online registration to be considered.

Whispering Winds 2019 Scholarship Application

Military Families
Due to a generous donation, active military families may attend Family Camp for only $200! Please fill out and submit the Military Scholarship Qualification form.

Boys & Girls Foundation Scholarships
Supporting underserved and at-risk youth and their families by providing financial support to those in need. Applications must be received no later than May 15, 2019.

Boys & Girls Foundation 2019 Scholarship Application

Kapral Family
Family Camp 1

Vince and Anne Kapral met in High School in Corning, New York and were married at St Mary’s Parish. They have a daughter Maria and this year they will celebrate 30 years of marriage. They currently reside in La Mesa and attend Santa Sophia parish where Vince serves as a Permanent Deacon and Anne sings in the choir. Vince graduated from American University, Old Dominion University and St Leo’s University and holds Masters Degrees in History and Theology. He retired after a successful Navy career in 2009, and currently works as a senior government civilian. Anne holds degrees from State University of New York at Binghamton and The George Washington University and holds a Masters in Education. Anne currently teaches Chemistry and Anatomy at Cathedral Catholic High School. Maria has graduated from the College of William and Mary, received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Creighton University, and has been selected for post-Doctoral residency at the Ohio State University.

Buckley Family
Family Camp 1 – Military Roundtable Discussion Facilitators

It was the US Navy that brought the Buckleys to San Diego nine years ago, but it is Sacred Heart Catholic Church Coronado and programs like Whispering Winds Family Camp that have kept them here. Jason is a retired Navy Commander, now flying for Delta Air Lines. He enjoyed flying the Greyhound C2 (COD) for most of his career. Abby is the Middle School Youth Coordinator and Vacation Bible School Co-Coordinator at Sacred Heart. Jason and Abby have two high school sons, Tyler (Junior) and Connor (Freshman) who are actively involved in their Parish youth group, school sports, and Coronado Troop 801 Boy Scouts of America Program. 

The Buckleys have attended WW Family Camp as a family and/or through the CCA Program for the last seven years. Although Jason was deployed for two of those weekends, Abby, Tyler, and Connor always found a way to include him at camp.

Bradel Family
Family Camp 2

John and Debbie Bradel said “I love you” to each other nine days after meeting! In nine months from that day, they were married and still are, 40 years later. They met when Debbie was a registered nurse and John was completing his second bachelor’s degree at the University of Arizona. They have seven living children and five in heaven ranging in age from 38-18. They have two married children and one 22-month-old granddaughter. Debbie provides ultrasounds for crisis pregnancy centers helping women in unplanned pregnancies choose life and John has been a builder in San Diego since 1981. Much of his work can be noticed in the downtown San Diego skyline. Their passion is making a difference in people’s lives such as being marriage prep mentors, writing a book about finding God in the ordinary, leading a group of Catholics to fast and pray for the restoration of the Catholic Church and praying to end abortion at the abortion facilities. John is on the Board of Whispering Winds and as a family they have enjoyed many family and couple weekends there since 1989. They are excited to share family camp with you this summer.

Villalobos Family
Family Camp 3

Great things happened 41 years ago!  Whispering Winds camp was “born.”  Although not quite as momentous, but none-the-less providential, a young couple of unassuming college kids who met while working at the local K-Mart were married!  Against all odds, Jimmy and Chris are still married and learning each day to live in joy and surrender to the great plan God has in store for them. Their journey has taken many twists and turns as they raised three kids (with three grandbabies to love), navigated career adjustments in the financial and education sectors. They are now in their “elderhood” and excited to see what’s next! Jimmy and Chris will share the moments that made a difference for them and their family and how God has never failed to show up.

Kuebler Family
Special Needs Family Camp

Married for 40 years, Peter and Kathy Kuebler met in college. Peter earned a Master’s in Business Administration and has his CPA license. Kathy earned a Master’s in Educational Psychology, as well as two teaching credentials, Learning Handicapped and Multiple Subjects. They homeschooled their ten children who range in age from 38 to 17 years old. Seven have graduated from college, two of whom earned their doctorate degrees. They have identical twins who both have Down syndrome and are in ATP (Adult Transition Program) while working at CVS Pharmacy. Their youngest is a junior in high school. Peter and Kathy are also blessed with twelve grandchildren. From their professional and personal experience, the couple would like to share the joys, the trials and the incredible rewards of raising children with love and faith.

All families benefit from time spent together, especially MILITARY FAMILIES! Whispering Winds Catholic Camp is offering a prime opportunity for active military families to enjoy special time away in the beautiful Julian mountains. All active military families are invited, especially those going through challenging times, having a spouse deployed or heading to deployment, and those with financial or emotional needs or desiring spiritual nourishment.

Cost for military families is just $200 due to a generous donation (scholarships are limited and based on a first-come, first-serve basis).

A family military devotional packet and goodies will be given out upon arrival. For the June 14-16, 2019 camp, a special military couple will offer an hour roundtable discussion.

Complete this form before registering.

FEATURES

• Mass & dynamic speakers
• Swimming pool, zipline, and more fun activities
• Programs for children, teens and adults
• 3 days + 2 nights (Friday evening – after lunch Sunday) plus 6 delicious meals
• Free child care, plus kids 3 and under are free

Family Camp 1 closes at 3 PM on June 16 due to Father’s Day. All other weekends Family Camp closes at 4 PM.

NEW THIS SUMMER…Disciples Lodge! See lodging tab for more information.

Host parishes:

June 14-16, 2019
Sacred Heart Coronado – Snow family
St. James – Kotnik family

July 11 or 12-14, 2019*
Immaculata – Becerra family
Santa Sophia – Braden family
St. Columba – Villa family
Holy Name of Jesus (Redlands) – Bonadiman family

July 18 or 19-21, 2019* 
St. Michael’s Poway – Headley family
St. Therese – Baldeaux family
St. Rita of Cascia – Cullen family
Cursillo Movement

July 26-28, 2019**
Special Needs Family Camp

*Family Camp July 11-14 & July 18-21 2019 – Four day option. For these weekends guests have the option to arrive Thursday evening for an additional fee of $30. On Friday guests will receive breakfast and lunch and recreational opportunities.

**Special Needs Family Camp – July 26-28, 2019 information here.

Testimonies:

“I was deployed right after camp – the last chance for us to be together was at your camp. Well I am out here fighting the good fight, benefits of being an infantryman. My wife is at home with kids, soccer, school, her parents, her school, and her work, as well as worried about me. The strength and hope as well as joy you gave us has made us a strong team. Your theme was about water and now I cross the sea and keep referencing everything you guys put out and it is comforting — I cannot say thank you enough.”

“My husband is currently deployed in Kandahar, Afghanistan so this camp was especially meaningful to me and the kids. From the moment we arrived I was instantly at ease. The staff was so friendly and I had no idea about the CCA program, so that was an especially helpful surprise this year. We all had a blast and it was so nice to have such a relaxing and fun weekend.”

CCAs (Child Care Assistants) are teens who are in high school (from entering ninth grade through just completed 12th grade).  CCAs take care of children 5 years of age and younger, including infants and toddlers. They assist in the children’s programs, camp activities and care for guests’ children at designated times throughout the weekend. Our goal is to make each family feel special and for young ones to enjoy a familiar face while parents go to sessions. 

More information on the CCA Program >

If I need to cancel, may I receive my deposit back or apply it to next year?
Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable, and cannot be applied to next year’s Family Camp. A great deal is involved in registering/unregistering a family. The deadline to cancel and receive a refund (minus the deposit) is the Friday the week before camp starts. Any cancellations after that will not receive a refund.

When is my balance due?
Full payment needs to be received 14 days before the start of camp.

What size are the beds so I can know what size linens to bring?
The deluxe lodge rooms provide two twin-size bunk beds. The bottom beds can be pulled out into double beds. The economy lodging provides twin size bunk beds.

If my child wants to bring a friend with him to family camp is that OK?
Your child may bring a friend to camp, just register the child with your family and add him/her in the individual food fee.

Can my child be in the same age group as their sibling close in age?
Siblings and friends can be in the same age group for programming, however, the older kids need to come down and be in the younger age group. There will be an opportunity to do this at check-in time.

Do I need to register my infant during the registration process even though he/she is free?
Yes, we need to have an accurate count for all age groups for proper staffing, etc.

Can the weather affect the challenge course?
Due to safety reasons, if lightning or other dangerous weather conditions occur, we must close down the zip line, climbing wall and low elements course.

Are pets allowed at camp?
For the comfort of all, no pets are allowed at family camp.

What if I arrive late to camp on Friday night? How late is dinner served?
Dinner on Friday night is from 5:30-7:00 p.m. If you will be arriving after dinnertime, please eat on the way to the mountain.

How’s the weather at camp?
Please visit our Weather page for current weather conditions and average monthly temperature information.

What is the altitude at Whispering Winds?
Our site averages about 4500 feet.

What should I pack?
You can find a packing list for camp in the list of Family Camp documents. Please keep in mind that weather shifts can happen quite suddenly, so always come prepared for hot/cold or wet/dry weather.

Is there a dress code for camp? What about bathing suits?
You do not want to bring “dressy” clothes to family camp. All of our paths at camp are dirt roads and you will likely get dirty one way or another. In general, our expectations for camp attire are driven by modesty, showing sensitivity to the concerns of others at camp. In our swimming areas, we ask that gals wear one-piece bathing suits or a bikini with a t-shirt over it. We will also limit swimwear to appropriate areas only.

What is the maximum number of guests per lodge room?
8

For Grandparents’ Day on Saturday and Sunday, may parents and children who wish to come up just for the day participate in the activities and pay the Grandparents’ Day fee?
No. This option is only for grandparents coming to visit their families already at camp. Please arrive after breakfast on Saturday or Sunday, at 9 a.m.

What are the program particulars? For instance: What is the theme? Are there related scripture verses? How can I find out these kinds of details?
The main Family Camp page contains this information. If that is not sufficient enough, please contact our office and we will provide you with further information.

Is there a minimum age requirement for the zipline?
No. There is no age or height requirement, however, the participant must fit into the challenge course harness or saddle and follow the safety standards. It is up to the discretion of the challenge course leader to decide if a participant is safe and if the participant is making the choice to participate on their own.

Where can I get copies of camp forms? How do I notify camp staff about special needs? I lost my waiver, how do I get another one?
All of our forms are available to download and print from the list of Family Camp documents. The waiver is online and accessible from here and the Family Camp page.

Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Our Food Service team greatly appreciates the opportunity to serve you. We do recognize that there may be dietary needs such as allergies and our desire is to make sure your needs are met. Please make note when you register of your dietary requirements. Our Food Service team will need to know this information one week prior to your stay. Thank you for helping our team partner with you in meeting these needs.

Are your facilities accessible for persons with disabilities?
Our facilities are rugged and inherently connected to nature; with rocks, tree debris, unpaved walkways, and steep vertical grades. That said, we do have some ability to accommodate persons with disabilities, and have many guests with disabilities each year. Please call one of our offices for further information.

Do you offer tent and tipi camping? Do you have RV hookups?
We can no longer provide tipi accommodations. We will have a Tent Village on the basketball courts. Guest will need to bring their own tents. Due to the firm nature of the foundation, we encourage campers to bring pads for sleeping. Sand bags will be provided to help secure your tents. Some shade will be offered and community restrooms and showers will be provided. We also have limited temporary RV spots that do have hookups available.

Is the Whispering Winds Staff able to accommodate medications that need to be refrigerated?
Yes, however, most campers find it much easier to bring their own coolers to store their medications. The Food Service team will gladly provide ice for your cooler if necessary.

How do I get to Whispering Winds?
Please see our Directions page

Still have questions?
Give us a call at 619-464-1479 or e-mail us at office@whisperingwinds.org; we will be glad to answer any questions you may have.

T-shirts will be sold online during registration and a limited supply will be available for purchase at camp.