From a splash of water on the lake to the rustling of leaves overhead, nature whispers its healing effects. Those who seek peace in nature don’t have to travel hundreds of miles to achieve serenity. It can be found in the heart of Clinton County at Whispering Pines, a 147-acre campground designed to refresh the souls of individuals in various groups through the embrace of nature.
“It certainly has done that for a lot of people,” says Whispering Pines of Clinton County owner Taylor Becker. “A lot of people need to unwind away from the electronics and stresses of the world and come to camp and be at peace with themselves.”
Originally known as Camp Joy, a Boy Scout camp located just outside of Carlyle, the property came up for sale in 2021. Taylor and her husband Carl purchased the property in a trust, seeing it as “a God-given piece of land.”
Carl fondly remembered the camp from his own Boy Scout days and knew he had to provide that opportunity for others. “It’s just unique. It’s beautiful, and we wanted to save it,” Taylor says.
Established in 2022, Whispering Pines of Clinton County, which is on Clinton County Electric Cooperative lines, offers a serene escape with its forest of trees, Eagle Lake, numerous trails and open activity fields. However, a lot of time and hard work was invested into the property.
In the beginning, a board was formed, and renovations began with the help of 150 eager volunteers who came in to help clean up and run the facility. The property requires significant upkeep and there is no paid staff, so the camp cannot run without the strong support of volunteers.
“Between services and organizations that donate money or time, it truly has brought everyone together,” says Whispering Pines board member and Army veteran Rachele Smith. “It is an honor for me to have found this way to give back to my community and to our veterans who have given so much.”
Although not open for public camping, Whispering Pines welcomes veterans, military, first responders, special needs, seniors, conservation groups, youths and religious organizations to host events or outings on the grounds. Each group has private access to the property, ensuring a safe and fun time.
In its first year, Whispering Pines hosted 30 events. The number of events increased to 45 in 2023, and in 2024, it has more than doubled, with 94 events scheduled. Activities range from Wounded Warrior Project gatherings to fishing derbies, school field days and first responder fun days.
Whispering Pines offers more than just a quiet retreat. Guests can also enjoy activities like archery, shooting, canoeing, swimming, and even playing in a life-size human foosball arena. Sporting equipment is available, but groups can also bring their own to use. In addition, the property features numerous trails to explore.
For those looking for an extended stay, Whispering Pines offers 16 tent camping sites and a few cabins with beds. Meetings and gatherings can be held at the outdoor council ring, Woltering Chapel or one of the site’s pavilions. In the case of inclement weather, groups can meet in the conference building. And, while the property is quite primitive, there is electricity at the campsites, outdoor meeting areas and pavilions, allowing groups to bring in speakers, bands and more.
Renovations and updates have been ongoing since the campground’s purchase. Whispering Pines relies heavily on donations for these efforts. “We don’t get any financial income other than [fundraising] to improve and maintain the property,” Taylor says. “No one gets paid. It’s all 100% volunteer.”
In addition to sponsorship-level donations, there are several fundraising programs. There are two memorial brick programs — bricks commemorating veterans are placed beneath the campground’s flag, and special recognition memorial bricks (called WP Bricks) are placed near the council ring. Benches, which can also be commemorative, are placed along the water.
According to board member Sally Norrenberns, “Twice a year, we invite [those who have purchased a brick] to come out and witness the reading of the names.” Additional fundraising occurs at an annual benefit event, which will be held this year on Aug. 17 at Hondo’s Sports Bar and Grill in Bartelso. The event will include a bags tournament, food, and silent and live auctions. There will also be tours of the campground, which is located 6 miles away.
The biggest challenge for the board has been getting the word out. After decades as Camp Joy, rebranding Whispering Pines for broader use has required significant effort. Hosting open houses and service days has helped, as they bring people to the grounds to learn about its new focus. Taylor says, “It’s just a great joy to teach people [about] the camp.”
The Beckers, along with the board and volunteers, have worked hard to set up Whispering Pines as a place for those wanting to reconnect with nature. Their hope is to preserve the property for this and future generations.
“We want to keep that nostalgia of what Camp Joy meant to people,” Taylor says. “We want to keep it going and see how we can help people use this camp.”
To learn more about Whispering Pines of Clinton County or to support its mission to refresh the soul through nature and conservation, go to wpofcc.org or facebook.com/whisperingpinescc.
