It is our entire staff’s mission to provide fun and unique experiences, but it is truly the camaraderie and bonds between all of you, our members, that form strong relationships and create amazing experiences. The Walker family has certainly experienced this and built everlasting memories together at our resorts.
The Walker Family
Kelly and Christopher Walker are a family from Brown City, a small city in Lapeer and Sanilac Counties, known today as “Home of the Motor Home.” In 1967, Ray Frank, farmer and engineer from Brown City, wanted to provide a better way for his family to travel so he engineered a “House Car” on a large truck chassis in his barn. This eventually ended up being the world’s first motor home called “the Dodge Motor Home” and later became the “Travco Motorhome.”
Even though their hometown is a natural fit for RV owners, the Walkers started camping in a tent with their 3 small children, Jaden (7), Mason (5) and Mia (2). “We have learned that we LOVE tent camping! Our daughter was only 4 months old the first time we went,” said Kelly. Her best friend invited the family to come camp with them for Halloween in 2019, and that’s the first time the Walkers ever heard of Outdoor Adventures.
Their Story
The family decided to purchase a membership just a year later in July 2020 because of the support and encouragement they experienced from other members during one of their visits. Their middle child, Mason, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy as a baby and uses a walker.
“We had taken Mason for a walk in his walker, and every single person who passed us stopped to encourage him and cheer him on! Even other kids stopped what they were doing and joined him for his walk,” said mother, Kelly. “I knew right then that we were going to be regulars.”
Mason was born 10 weeks premature and spent 7 weeks at the NICU at Troy Beaumont. The use of his arms, hands and legs is affected, but according to his mom, that doesn’t stop him.
“Mason has been a fighter since day 1! Doctors told us he would be sickly and cognitively impaired, but Mason has proved them wrong so many times. He’s bright and inquisitive, and he has quite the sarcastic sense of humor too. He is a complete joy, and brightens the day of everyone when he turns on his Million Dollar Smile!”
Belonging to Outdoor Adventures
The Walker family enjoys swimming, eating ice cream, playing on the new playground equipment at Lake Shore, roasting hot dogs over the campfire, the beautiful firework displays and Halloween camping. Mason also recently discovered a cool new contraption, called a HoverCart, at Lake Shore Resort last year. Kelly recalls that she “chased down” a man with his grandson who was using a HoverCart.
“I asked them a million questions about it, and they were so polite and happy to talk to me more. We’ve since purchased one for Mason and he now enjoys more freedom and independence because these wonderful people took the time to stop and talk to us.”
Outdoor Adventures exists to bring people together and connect with one another. We’re so thankful to the Walker family for sharing their heart-warming story. We hope many of you are able to connect with new friends, take the time to slow down, and have conversations and experiences to make memories that will last a lifetime. If you see Mason and the Walker family at one of our resorts, be sure to give them a wave!
Thank you so very much for sharing this wonderful story. See because Chris, Kelly or my nephew and niece. Jaden a wonderful big brother, Mason (our Hero) and little princess Mia.
The joy of our hearts ♥️ here in Texas.