Patrons advance our mission of benefiting veterans and youth and welcoming families into nature — and in return can reserve up to nine months ahead, across all 147 acres.
Whispering Pines is a 147-acre, volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nature retreat. Patrons keep the gates open.
Whispering Pines is private property, not a public park. Becoming a Patron opens it to you: come out for day use, and reserve campsites, cabins, and group areas at our posted rates.
Patrons can reserve up to 9 months in advance, so you get first choice of peak weekends.
Your dues directly fund a property serving veterans, youth groups, scouts, first responders, and families.
Annual dues, except Lifetime. Every named adult must be 21 or older.
One adult, 21 or older.
Two adults plus dependents, up to 6 people in the household.
A family-level Patron tier for veterans and service members: two adults plus dependents, up to 6 people in the household. Proof of service required with your application.
Family level · Proof of serviceFor volunteers contributing 40 or more hours a year.
40+ hrs/yrA supporting Patron tier for those able to give more. Comes with additional recognition and benefits.
Board reviewMajor annual support for the property and its programs. Comes with additional recognition and benefits.
Board reviewPatron for life, and a lasting investment in Whispering Pines.
Board reviewDues are collected with your application and refunded in full if the application is denied. The screening fee covers the cost of the background check and is not refunded. The check is a one-time Standard Criminal check only; it is not repeated, and the fee is not charged again, when you renew.
Six steps from application to welcome packet.
Pick the tier that fits your household from the list above. Every named adult must be 21 or older.
Fill out the application, then sign the Liability Waiver and the Code of Conduct. All three are in the PDF below.
Return the packet with your annual dues and the one-time $30-per-named-adult screening fee — by email to reservations@wpofcc.org, by mail, or in person.
We order a one-time, confidential background check for each named adult. It is a Standard Criminal check only, run once when you first apply and not repeated at renewal. The pass/fail results are only provided to the Committee, used solely for eligibility, securely stored and never shared.
The Patron Program Committee — made up of WPofCC board members — meets remotely each month and reviews every pending application. Higher tiers, and anything flagged, go to the full Board.
You'll receive a written decision within 10 business days of the vote. Approved Patrons get a welcome packet, Patron ID, orientation, and booking instructions. A 90-day provisional period applies.
Applications missing any of these are held until they're complete.
Applications received after the monthly cut-off are held to the next month's meeting — submitting early in the month is fastest.
We confirm receipt and flag anything missing — forms, fees, or proof of service.
A one-time, confidential Standard Criminal check is ordered for each named adult; results return to the Committee only.
The Committee reviews every complete application. Routine Individual and Family applications are decided here.
Written decision by email or mail. Approvals include your welcome packet, Patron ID, and term dates.
A provisional period with full privileges while you complete a brief orientation on safety, check-in, and booking.
Every Patron signs this as part of the application.
Leave no trace, protect wildlife and habitat, keep the property beautiful.
Follow all rules, supervise children, and never use the ranges or waterfront without required supervision.
Uphold youth-protection standards whenever minors are present. No alcohol at youth events — or anywhere on the property on a day a youth group is booked.
Check in with the rangers, honor quiet hours (10 p.m.–7 a.m.), and be responsible for your guests' conduct.
Represent our spirit of refreshing the soul through nature and conservation — benefiting veterans, youth, and families.
By applying, you affirm that you and each named adult are at least 21, are not required to register as a sex offender, have no conviction for a crime against a child or a violent felony, and consent to the one-time, confidential Standard Criminal background check WPofCC runs on each named adult.
The application packet includes the form, the Liability Waiver, the Code of Conduct, and a full explanation of the review process. Print it, sign it, and send it in with your dues.
Download Application Packet (PDF)5 pages · Program v1.4 · Return to reservations@wpofcc.org, by mail, or in person
Once approved, immediately — your first 90 days are a provisional period with full privileges while you complete a brief orientation covering safety, gate and ranger check-in, conservation expectations, and how to book.
Your dues are refunded in full. You may request reconsideration in writing within 30 days; the Board's decision on reconsideration is final.
A Standard Criminal check only, nothing more. It is a one-time check for each named adult, run when they first apply. It is not repeated when you renew, and the $30 screening fee is charged only once.
Only the Patron Program Committee members reviewing your application. Results are used solely for eligibility, stored securely, retained only as long as needed, and never shared outside the review. You may request the basis of an adverse decision.
You'll receive a renewal notice about 45 days before your term expires, and there's a 30-day grace period after the term ends. Renewals in good standing are handled by the Committee without a full re-review.
No. Church, school, Scouting, veterans, and other approved groups can book without being Patrons, and everyone pays the same posted rates, Patrons included. Day Use is waived only for our sponsored Veterans and Scouting America groups. Becoming a Patron supports the camp and lets you book up to 9 months ahead. See the Reservations page.
Yes — up to two additional named adults at $40 each, plus the one-time $30 screening fee for each. Every named adult must be 21 or older and receives the same one-time Standard Criminal check.
Questions about the Patron Program? Write to reservations@wpofcc.org or call 618-604-2484.