Director Jud's Blog

We’re writing with heartfelt news regarding one of the most beloved traditions at Stone Mountain Adventures—our overnight camping trips to Raystown Lake for mountain biking and wakeboarding. These overnights are more than just trips—they're memory-making adventures that our campers look forward to year after year. Watching teens bond around campfires, ride world-class trails, and wakeboard into sunset is the kind of magic that defines summer at SMA.

If you’ve been to camp in central Pennsylvania during certain summers, you may have heard a sound so intense, so otherworldly, that you rolled up your windows, cranked the AC, and still couldn’t escape it. That’s not your ears ringing after cheering too hard at the dance—those are cicadas, and this summer, they’ve made a grand entrance at Stone Mountain Adventures.

It’s official—the SMA summer season has begun! We are thrilled to announce that the Stone Mountain Adventures 2025 Staff Team has arrived, and we’ve kicked off our 10-day pre-camp staff training with energy, enthusiasm, and a whole lot of sunscreen.

There’s something magical about this time of year in central Pennsylvania. The quiet browns and grays of winter have finally given way to the vibrant greens of spring. Every day, it feels like something new is blooming—flowers, trees, ideas, excitement. Here at Stone Mountain Adventures, we are fully springing into summer, and I couldn’t be more excited about everything coming to life around us.

One of the projects that has me particularly fired up is our new vegetable garden! We’ve broken ground, planted early crops, and are already dreaming about the meals we’ll make with fresh, local ingredients this summer. Gardening has so many benefits—not just for our bodies, but for our minds and hearts as well. It teaches patience, responsibility, and appreciation for where our food comes from. It connects us to the land and gives campers a hands-on way to learn about sustainability and healthy living. Plus, nothing beats the taste of a tomato picked straight off the vine!

We were thrilled and honored to host the inaugural Pennsylvania Climbing Advocacy Summit here at Stone Mountain Adventures from May 2–4, 2025. This exciting weekend brought together passionate climbing advocates, stewards, and stakeholders from across the state, united by a shared goal: to protect and shape the future of rock climbing in Pennsylvania.

From Friday’s welcome gathering and fireside hangout to Sunday’s engaging World Café discussions and crag site visits, our property buzzed with energy, collaboration, and a deep love for the outdoors. Speakers like Nathan Reigner, Diane Kripas, Daniel Dunn, Keith Christenson, and many more inspired us with stories, data, and dreams for the future of climbing access and stewardship.

After a five-year hiatus, Dirt Fest returned to Raystown Lake on May 9–11, 2025—and let me tell you, it felt like coming home.

This is Jud Millar, and I’m the Camp Director at Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA), a teen summer camp nestled right here in Central PA. From 2010 to 2020, SMA had the incredible opportunity to host a booth at the Dirt Fest Expo each spring. Over the years, we built lasting connections, met countless amazing families, and even created traditions that still live in SMA legend today. We hosted the annual Kids and Teen Ride, giving young riders a fun and confidence-building intro to the Allegrippis Trails. One year, we even set up a youth bike track with features right next to the Visitor Center—parents could drop their kids off while they hit the trails, knowing their kids were having just as much fun.

From Rothrock to Bald Eagle, SMA Mountain Biking Summer Camp gives teens access to some of the best trails in the country. Adventure awaits!

At Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA), we’re proud to call central Pennsylvania home—a region renowned for its world-class mountain biking trails. While the Allegrippis Trail System at Raystown Lake is a crown jewel, it’s just the beginning of the adventure at our Mountain Biking Summer Camp. From the rugged singletrack of Rothrock State Forest to the scenic routes of Bald Eagle and beyond, SMA campers have access to some of the best riding in the country.

Discover how rock climbing at our camp helps teens develop physical strength, problem-solving skills, and confidence.

At Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA), we believe rock climbing is more than just a sport—it’s a transformative experience. Our Rock Climbing Summer Camp is designed to challenge teens physically, mentally, and emotionally, helping them grow in ways they never imagined. Whether your teen is an experienced climber or a beginner eager to learn, our program offers the perfect blend of adventure, skill-building, and fun.

When people are just getting into crack climbing, there’s often a tendency to rely on brute strength instead of technique. At Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA), a top-tier rock climbing summer camp, we help campers develop skills like the layback move—an essential technique for tackling corner cracks and overlapping sections. While this move can be strenuous, using it strategically can help climbers navigate tough sections with efficiency and control.

What is the Layback Move?

The layback move works by creating opposition between your hands and feet, leveraging your body to move up the rock face with minimal effort. Here’s how it works:

• Your fingers grip the crack, pulling with your arms.

• Simultaneously, you press your feet against the opposing wall to create a counterforce.

• By keeping your feet high and maintaining tension between your hands and feet, you can make small controlled movements up the rock.

One key mistake beginners make is rushing the movement and standing up too far, causing their feet to slip and losing their position of strength. Instead, keeping heels dropped and feet high ensures a stable stance, allowing for steady, controlled progression.

Are you ready to take your mountain biking skills to the next level? Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA) offers an exclusive Mountain Bikers Masters Program, designed for riders who want to improve their technique, build endurance, and ride epic trails every day. Nestled in the stunning landscapes of Pennsylvania, SMA provides the perfect environment for an unforgettable biking experience.

Daily Schedule: A Balance of Biking & Camp Fun

At SMA, we believe in balancing specialized training with the joy of summer camp. Here’s what a typical day looks like for Mountain Bike Masters:

☀️ Morning: Choose Your Own Adventure
Before hitting the trails, campers pick from a variety of exciting activities, including:

• Wakeboarding & Waterskiing – Glide across Raystown Lake’s sparkling waters.

• Hiking & Trail Exploration – Discover breathtaking Pennsylvania landscapes.

• Fishing & Canoeing – Enjoy peaceful moments on the water.

• Archery & Slingshot – Test your precision and focus.

• Art & Music – Get creative before an afternoon of biking.

From Balanced Rock to Rainbow Falls, this park is a hiker’s paradise. Let’s climb!

At Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA), we believe that summer camp is all about adventure, exploration, and connecting with nature. That’s why we’re thrilled to take our campers to Great Trough Creek State Park, a hidden gem in central Pennsylvania that offers some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the region. From cascading waterfalls to unique rock formations, this 541-acre park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts—and the perfect backdrop for unforgettable adventures at our Teen Summer Camp.

Why Great Trough Creek State Park is a Hiker’s Dream

Nestled in a scenic gorge carved by Great Trough Creek, this park is a haven for hikers of all skill levels. The rugged trails wind through lush forests, past sparkling streams, and up to jaw-dropping overlooks. Here are just a few of the highlights that make hiking here so awesome:

1. Balanced Rock: A Natural Wonder

One of the park’s most iconic features is Balanced Rock, a massive boulder perched precariously on the edge of a cliff. The hike to this geological marvel is short but steep, offering stunning views of the gorge below. It’s a must-see for any visitor and a favorite photo spot for SMA campers.

2. Rainbow Falls: A Hidden Gem

The trail to Rainbow Falls is a true adventure. This picturesque waterfall cascades into a crystal-clear pool, creating a serene and magical atmosphere. The sound of rushing water and the cool mist in the air make it the perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of nature.

3. Copperas Rock: A Window to the Past

For history buffs, the hike to Copperas Rock is a fascinating journey. This massive rock formation was once a source of iron ore, and remnants of the area’s industrial past can still be seen along the trail. It’s a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

4. Scenic Overlooks: Views for Days

The park’s trails offer plenty of opportunities to stop and soak in the views. From the Trough Creek Vista to the overlooks along the Terrace Mountain Trail, campers are treated to panoramic vistas of the gorge, Raystown Lake, and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.

Bike, Camp, Repeat: Overnight Adventures at SMA Mountain Biking Summer Camp
Ride all day, camp under the stars, and repeat! SMA Mountain Biking Summer Camp offers the ultimate summer combo for teen riders.

At Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA), we believe the best summers are spent outdoors, pushing limits, and making memories. That’s why our Mountain Biking Summer Camp isn’t just about riding trails—it’s about embracing the full adventure. And nothing captures that spirit better than our overnight biking adventures, where teens ride, camp, and repeat under the stars.

At SMA Teen Camp, we are always looking for ways to innovate and meet the unique needs of our camper families. That’s why we are thrilled to announce our brand-new Sleepaway Day Camp—the perfect solution for parents who want their teens to experience all the joys of overnight camp, without the actual overnight part!

Starting this summer, parents will have the option to drop their campers off each morning and pick them up at night—ensuring they get all the adventure of camp while still sleeping in their own beds. We understand that sending your child away for an extended period can be tough, and we are committed to helping parents slowly adjust to camp life…even if it means driving a few hundred miles every day.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Schedule:

• Morning Drop-Off: 6:00 AM sharp!
• Evening Pick-Up: 11:00 PM (right after campfire songs and s’mores)

If you're looking for an unforgettable rock climbing summer camp experience that combines adventure, skill-building, and traditional summer camp fun, look no further than the Rock Climbing Masters Program at Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA). This unique program is designed for teens who want to climb every day while still enjoying the variety of activities that make summer camp special.

A Day in the Life of a Rock Climbing Master

At SMA’s Rock Climbing Masters Program, each day is carefully structured to provide a perfect balance of climbing and traditional camp activities. Here’s what a typical day looks like:

☀️ Morning Activities (Choose Your Adventure!):
Campers start the day with their choice of exciting SMA activities, allowing them to explore other passions before hitting the crags. Options include:
✔ Wakeboarding & Waterskiing – Glide across the lake and feel the thrill of the water.
✔ Mountain Biking – Ride epic trails through scenic Pennsylvania wilderness.
✔ Hiking & Trail Exploration – Trek through stunning landscapes and discover hidden waterfalls.
✔ Fishing & Canoeing – Enjoy peaceful moments on the water.
✔ Ultimate Frisbee, Soccer, & Sports – Join in on friendly competition and team fun.
✔ Art & Music – Get creative and express yourself before an afternoon of adventure.

Looking for a more relaxed ride? Our rail trail system offers scenic, family-friendly biking perfect for all skill levels at SMA Mountain Biking Summer Camp!

At Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA), we know that mountain biking isn’t just about adrenaline-pumping singletrack and technical climbs. Sometimes, the best rides are the ones where you can relax, take in the scenery, and enjoy the journey. That’s why our Mountain Biking Summer Camp offers a more laid-back option: exploring the region’s incredible rail trail system. Perfect for riders of all levels, these trails provide a chance to pedal through history, nature, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in central Pennsylvania.

Why Rail Trails?

Rail trails are the ultimate chill biking experience. These trails are built on former railroad corridors, offering smooth, flat surfaces that are perfect for beginners, families, or anyone looking for a more relaxed ride. At SMA, we’re lucky to have access to some of the best rail trails in the region, including the Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail and the Lower Trail. These trails are packed with history, stunning views, and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature—all at a pace that lets you soak it all in.

Teens + Nature + Adventure + Camping Overnights = Memories That Last a Lifetime at SMA Teen Summer Camp!

At Stone Mountain Adventures Teen Summer Camp (SMA), we believe that some of the most unforgettable memories are made under the stars. That’s why our overnight camping trips are a cornerstone of the SMA experience. These adventures are more than just a night away from camp—they’re an opportunity for campers to bond, challenge themselves, and immerse in the beauty of Central Pennsylvania’s wilderness. Let’s dive into what makes SMA’s camping overnights so special!

Are you looking for a summer job that’s more than just a paycheck? Imagine spending your days outdoors, leading exciting activities, and making a real impact on young people’s lives. At Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA), being a camp counselor is not just a job—it’s an adventure, a responsibility, and an experience that will prepare you for the “real world” in ways you never imagined.

Turning homesickness into heart longing—helping campers grow, connect, and thrive at Stone Mountain Adventure

At Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA), we know that summer camp has the potential to be a transformative experience for teenagers. It’s a place where they can challenge themselves, build confidence, and form lifelong friendships. But for some campers—especially those new to the overnight camp experience—one common challenge can arise: homesickness.

Let’s explore what homesickness really means, why it happens, and how we help campers not just cope, but thrive.

What Is Homesickness? More Than Just Missing Home

The word "homesickness" combines "home" and "sickness," suggesting that being away from home causes an illness. But campers aren’t actually "sick"—they’re experiencing a longing for the familiar. They miss the comfort of family, the structure of home, and the security of the known.

But homesickness isn’t just about missing home—it’s about adjusting to a new environment, stepping outside of comfort zones, and learning resilience.

Discover how rock climbing at our camp helps teens develop physical strength, problem-solving skills, and confidence.

At our overnight  summer camp, we believe in creating experiences that challenge, inspire, and transform. And when it comes to the ultimate blend of physical exertion, mental grit, and emotional growth, nothing quite compares to rock climbing. For teens especially, this exhilarating activity is more than just a sport—it’s a life lesson in disguise.

The Perfect Balance: Physical Challenge Meets Mental Acuity

Rock climbing is the ultimate test of balance—not just on the wall, but in life. It demands both physical strength and mental toughness, creating a unique synergy that pushes teens to grow in ways they never imagined. As they grip the holds, plan their next move, and push through fatigue, they’re not just climbing a wall—they’re learning how to tackle obstacles with focus, determination, and resilience.

The physical benefits are undeniable. Climbing builds core strength, improves flexibility, and enhances coordination. But what truly sets rock climbing apart is the mental challenge it presents. Every route is a puzzle waiting to be solved. Teens must assess their options, make quick decisions, and adapt to unexpected challenges. These problem-solving skills are not just useful on the wall—they’re transferable to academics, relationships, and future careers.