Director Jud's Blog

Special Announcement: Stone Mountain Adventures Will Go Into Silent Retreat Mode During The Power Hour of Freedom in 2024!

Dear Stone Mountain Adventures Families,

I hope this message finds you well and filled with anticipation for the upcoming summer at our beloved camp. As we gear up for another season of adventure, growth, and unforgettable memories, on the 1st day of April I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you all.

Starting this summer of 2024, Stone Mountain Adventures will be introducing a unique addition to our daily schedule: Silent Retreat Mode during the Power Hour of Freedom! This decision comes from our commitment to providing campers with diverse experiences that foster personal growth and reflection.

Hello Campers, Parents, and Friends,

I hope this message finds you all well and eagerly anticipating the start of another fantastic summer adventure. I'm thrilled to announce that we are officially 75 days away from the grand opening of Stone Mountain Adventures Summer Camp for the summer of 2024! Can you believe it?

As we gear up for our 41st summer, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. Each year, we strive to make Stone Mountain Adventures better than ever, and this summer will be no exception. Whether you're a returning veteran or a brand new camper, get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, friendship, and outdoor exploration.

For over four decades, Stone Mountain Adventures has been a place where campers can discover new passions, challenge themselves, and forge lifelong memories. From thrilling outdoor adventures to creative arts and team-building activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And this summer, we're pulling out all the stops to ensure that it's our best one yet.

As you consider summer activities for your teenage campers, outdoor rock climbing stands out as an exceptional choice for numerous reasons. Not only does it offer physical challenges and rewards, but it also fosters emotional growth, builds self-confidence, and provides a host of other benefits that contribute to your teen's overall development. Here are the top 10 reasons why outdoor rock climbing is a fantastic choice for your teenager:

Dear Parents of Future SMA Campers - 

As we approach another summer season here at Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA), I want to take a moment to share with you why sending your teenager to a camp like SMA might just be the best decision you ever make. In a world dominated by technology and constant connectivity, our camp offers a unique opportunity for young people to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with the simple joys of nature and community.

Now, I know what you might be thinking—"How can I convince my teenagers to go device free while at camp?" After all, people who are teens today have had devises in their hands all their lives.   In today's digital age, the idea of going two or four weeks without a phone or tablet can feel downright scary, if not impossible to them. But trust me when I say that as someone who has witnessed it firsthand, the transformation that occurs when teens disconnect from their screens and immerse themselves in the camp experience is nothing short of remarkable.

A Note from Camp Director Jud Millar.

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Can you feel it? That electrifying buzz in the air, the unmistakable signs that summer is just around the corner? Well, here at Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA), we're positively bursting with excitement as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of our favorite season.

As your Camp Director, let me tell you, I am beyond thrilled for what promises to be an epic 41st summer at SMA. With each passing day, as the last of the snow melts away and the vibrant hues of new flowers paint the landscape, I can't help but feel a surge of anticipation for all the adventures that lie ahead.

There's something truly magical about the changing of the seasons, isn't there? It's as if nature itself is giving us a playful nudge, whispering in our ears that it's time to shake off the winter chill and embrace the warmth and sunshine of summer. And boy, oh boy, do we have some incredible plans in store for our campers this year!

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Jud Millar here, the pumped-up director of Stone Mountain Adventures Teen Camp (SMA), and boy, do I have a tale to tell you about our whirlwind weekend at the Philly Bike Expo! Buckle up, because this recap is about to take you on a wild ride full of excitement, gratitude, and plenty of laughs.

OvernightSummer camps provide an invaluable opportunity for teenagers to explore their interests, develop new skills, and forge lasting friendships. At Stone Mountain Adventures Teen Camp (SMA), located amidst the stunning landscape of central Pennsylvania, teens discover a passion for outdoor adventure and water sports under the guidance of dedicated leaders like camp director Jud Millar and his awesome staff team. This weekend, Jud is gearing up to attend the Philly Bike Expo, an event that not only celebrates all things mountain biking and cycling but also serves as a platform for connecting with families who share a love for mountain biking and adventure.

 Is your child looking to combine the thrill of outdoor adventure with the joy of mountain biking? Look no further than the top 10 mountain biking summer camps in America! These camps offer an exhilarating opportunity for riders of all ages and skill levels to explore scenic trails, learn new techniques, and forge lasting friendships. From the rugged terrain of Colorado's Rocky Mountains to the lush forests of Pennsylvania's Allegrippis Trails, each camp boasts its own unique setting and challenges. Whether you're a beginner looking to develop your skills or an experienced rider seeking new trails to conquer, these camps promise an unforgettable summer filled with adrenaline-pumping rides and unforgettable experiences. So dust off your bike, pack your gear, and get ready to embark on the ultimate mountain biking adventure!

Are you ready for an unforgettable summer filled with adventure, friendship, and lifelong memories? Look no further than these top ten overnight camps. From traditional outdoor experiences to specialized programs focusing on arts, sports, adventure and more, there's something for every camper to enjoy. Let's dive into the details of each camp to help you find the perfect summer getaway for your child.

We are all super excited to announce the brand new Rock Climbing Masters Program!

Campers enrolled in the Rock Climbing Masters Program will:

• Learn Advanced Rock Climbing Skills
• Gain Endurance and Strength While Building Confidence
• Safety Training and Rope Handling Skills
• Learn From Experienced Climbing Instructors who are Passionate About Rock Climbing!

Campers will rock climb every day (AM or PM) and choose from other awesome SMA activities when not at the rocks climbing. This program is open to climbers of all skill levels!

Ah, Valentine’s Day, the perfect time to wax poetic about love! Love is in the air, and it's not just for sweethearts to share! Campers, gather 'round, for I've got a tale to regale, about an adventure that's sure to prevail. It's the overnight summer camp experience, a journey so divine, where every moment sparkles and every memory will shine!

Camp Director Jud Millar will be at the Tower Hill HS Camp Fair Tonight!

In an era dominated by screens and digital devices, the challenge of getting kids to put down their phones and embrace real-world experiences has become increasingly complex for parents. One avenue that promises to help your child break free from the clutches of technology while fostering personal growth and independence is overnight summer camp. In this blog post, we will explore strategies to encourage your child to unplug, connect with nature, and eagerly anticipate the enriching experiences awaiting them at summer camp.

The leaves are fall off the trees and the nights are getting colder... fall is finally here in earnest!  As the seasons change families start looking ahead to the upcoming wither, spring and even summer.  In the weeks and months to come summer plans will start to come into focus and as they do some families and teenagers will start searching for a teen summer camp. Teen summer camps have the potential to provide an amazing, memorable experience in the great outdoors for your child. As a parent, safety is likely your number one concern. You’ll be relieved to know most camps require staff to have first aid training and some camps even require staff to have wilderness first aid training. Here are the top reasons why this matters for your child:

The Access Fund is a non-profit organization based in the United States that is dedicated to protecting and preserving America's climbing areas. Founded in 1991, the Access Fund works to keep climbing areas open and conserve the climbing environment. Climbing areas can face various threats, including access issues, environmental degradation, and land use policies that might restrict or prevent climbing activities. The Access Fund engages in advocacy efforts, conservation initiatives, and education programs to ensure that climbers have access to the outdoor spaces they love while promoting responsible climbing practices and environmental stewardship.

The American Camp Association (ACA) is a national organization in the United States that focuses on the support of summer camps and youth development programs. Founded in 1910, the ACA works to ensure that summer camps meet specific standards related to health, safety, and program quality. Camps that are associated with the ACA work to ensure they provide a safe and enriching environment for children and teenagers. Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA) as been a member of the ACA since the 1980's.

Every year the ACA host Camp Conference's around the country to serve as professional development opportunities for summer camp professionals.  Within the ACA there are geographical regional and SMA is located in the Keystone Region which encumbrances Delaware and Pennsylvania.  According to the Keystone ACA summer camps in Delaware and Pennsylvania served over 1,500,00 kids in the summer of 2023.

As we close the book on the Stone Mountain Adventures Summer of 2023 we are fill with gratitude to all the humans who made this past summer such a success.  

• To the families who put there faith in me and my out standing 2023 staff team and who were patient with us we say: "Thank You"!
• The the All Star Stone Mountain Adventures Staff team of 2023 who persevered, who stayed up late and got up early with campers and went the extra mile to make everyday of this summer special.  To each of you and to you as a team I, Camp Director Jud Millar say "THANK YOU"!
•  To you outstanding campers of the summer of 2023 you were literally the best.  We challenged you on activities and you pushed your comfort zone.  You raised the bar during "Jud Games" and "Pole Barn" during crew.  I am grateful to each of you for your enthusiasm and willingness to be silly.  You helped make the SMA Summer of 2023 very special! 

And now it's time to look ahead to the SMA Summer of 2024!