Testimonials

Congratulations to us as this spring marks the 25th anniversary of becoming members at Waldenwoods.

In March of 1984 we visited the camper show looking for information on recreation resorts. We were tired of pulling our trailer in traffic to various campgrounds and were looking for a resort that offered both
storage and camping. We picked up literature at a Waldenwoods booth and decided to check it out.

We were greeted at Cromaine by Bob McBride who was the only one around and told us that the the resort had not officially started to do tours, but he would be more than happy to show us around. The upstairs (now the bar and rec room) still had stacks of old bunk beds from the days when businessmen and their families would be there for conventions. He described how Cromaine would eventually shape up. He said the A-frame was going to be the membership office and tours would be conducted from there. There would eventually be a paved road only for walking surrounding the lake. Sunshine and Friendship buildings would become lodging rentals. We liked what we saw and made an appointment to receive the details of purchasing a membership.

On the day of our appointment we were promised that various amenities were in the future besides fishing, ice skating, snowmobiling, tobogganing and x-country skiing. An Olympic size pool and hot tub would be added as well as a park store and dinners at Cromaine. There would be boat rentals from a building called,"the Black Cat" and members would be given an additional option to "winter camp." We decided the beauty of the lake and the surrounding property alone were well worth the price of the membership. We were sold. We signed up following two other families. They were members # 1 and #2 and we became #3.

One of my most memorable experiences was the first morning of camping when I went to put on the coffee in our trailer and staring me in the face in the window was a runaway cow who had escaped from the farm which is now the golf course.

During our 25 years with Waldenwoods we have witnessed many more improvements and additions. The number of campsites more than doubled and the new ones became full hook-ups. A bathhouse, laundry and pavillion were constructed and small trees were planted in the new portion of the campground. David and Lisa Greutman were employed as park manager and social activities director. They became married and a baby shower was held at the resort when they were expecting their daughter. Brian Crouse, then a teenager, did boat rentals and assisted with teen activities.

Our children are now grown with children of their own and always enjoy coming to visit. Members #1 and #2 have come and gone, so for a very many years we are proud to claim original membership with many others who, like us still belong to and enjoy the resort. We've had a great 25 years at Waldenwoods and hope to have many more.

From Tom & Charlene Brender
Macomb Township, Membership #E0003

Dear Terri,
We are writing to say thank you for a great stay this summer at Friendship Lodge.  Waldenwoods was a great place for our team to prepare for the upcoming season.  The accommodations were excellent and the staff should be commended on the upkeep during our stay.  It goes without saying that the team really enjoyed the beautiful grounds and they ran the mileage they needed to run each day.
We appreciate your support for the Hartland Boys Cross Country Team and look forward to working with you in the future.  The team had a great experience while training and relaxing at Waldenwoods and it made a big difference for the team.
With Appreciation,
Coach Matthew Gutteridge

Dear Terri and Staff,
The Hartland Equestrian Team would like to thank you for a very special team banquet at Waldenwoods.  You and your staff, bent over backwards to accommodate us event though we only gave you 3 days to prepare.  Your staff continued to come up with additional ways to make the night magical and most importantly, affordable.
Your wait staff was gracious to everyone, kids and adults, alike.  The team felt comfortable and was made to feel special.  It will be a night they will always remember.
We will certainly recommend Waldenwoods to any team who needs a banquet center.  This facility is a hidden treasure for Hartland.  We, as a community, need to take advantage of such a treasure.
With kind regards,
Lynn Rossetto, Head Coach
Kerby Surhe, Asst. Coach
Liggie Perkins, Asst. Coach

When we held our first son’s wedding reception for 200+, we never expected what was to be….  Right from the first conversation I had with Terri Bendes, the Director the planning of the event was made simple and stress free.  The professional staff at Waldenwoods takes care of almost every detail!  Their suggestions were so helpful along the way and they were always willing to share photos from other events to visualize just what Waldenwoods looks like at its finest! 
The exceptional and courteous wait staff was noted by all our guests.  They were more than willing to do anything and everything to make the day special for all in attendance.
The chef and his staff far exceeded our expectations with their presentation of the delicious food!!
We are now planning our daughter’s wedding and we are so happy and once again stress free to say that Waldenwoods will be a part of this very important and special day in our daughter’s life.  Thanks to Terri and staff for giving brides peace of mind, guidance and truly memorable weddings!  I just wish every bride could be a Waldenwoods’ bride!
Sincerely,
Mike and Jackie Cummings

When I was looking for a place to have my wedding, my mom and I looked at several different venues.  After a day of fruitless searching, we decided on a whim to stop by Waldenwoods and see what it was like.  We pulled up to the Cromaine Lodge, and we started crying.  The beauty of the lodge and the surrounding areas were stunning and we were able to walk right in and the staff made time to talk with us, even though we didn’t have an appointment.  They gave us a full tour.  The whole time, I was tense because I was afraid that this gorgeous location would be way out of our price range.  When we sat down to talk pricing I was so grateful to find reasonable pricing that was right in our budget area.
The process of planning my wedding really began with that first visit.  From then on, just thinking about the beauty of the lake, the gorgeous historical lodge, the shimmering windows lining the reception hall would make my heart soar.  I was able to fulfill my vision for a beautiful wedding with the help of the exceptional Waldenwoods staff.  Every detail fell into place.  Every frantic call I made was met with calm and helpful answers.  Every meeting with the staff renewed my excitement to be married in such a perfectly balanced venue; stunning nature and elegant party arrangement.
My wedding day was perfect!  I was relaxed, and fully nourished thanks to the delicious lunch provided in the Bridal Room.  Terri and Miranda were on hand to make sure that everything was seen to and all I had to do was keep my eyes open wide and drink in each beautiful moment.  I am very grateful to the whole Waldenwoods staff for making my wedding day the best day of my life.  Thank you!

Sincerely,
Nicole Guinot Varty