Director Jud's Blog

At Stone Mountain Adventures, we are always looking for thoughtful ways to improve the camper experience while staying true to the spirit of adventure that defines our community.

Over the past several years, one piece of feedback has consistently surfaced—especially from campers heading up to the girls cabins after a long day of activity: “That hill is no joke.”

After careful planning, consultation, and a bit of creative problem-solving, we’re excited to share that SMA will be installing a small-scale chairlift system to service the hillside leading to the girls cabins for the upcoming summer.

Why a Chairlift?

While the uphill hike has long been part of daily life at camp, we’ve been exploring ways to:

• Improve accessibility for all campers
• Reduce end-of-day fatigue
• Increase efficiency during transitions between activities
• Provide a unique (and fun) experience that fits naturally into our mountain environment

As one returning camper shared last summer,

“By the time we got to the top, I felt like I had already done my workout for the day.”

And a parent noted in a post-summer survey,

“She loved everything about camp… except maybe that final climb at night.”

Built with SMA in Mind 

This isn’t a resort-style installation. The system is being designed to blend into the natural
surroundings and maintain the rustic feel of camp. Construction has been made possible in part through the generosity of an SMA alum family with experience in mountain infrastructure projects.

We’ve worked closely with local engineers and land-use consultants to ensure that the installation is both environmentally responsible and aligned with the character of the property.

One of our senior staff members put it this way:

“It’s not about making camp easier—it’s about being intentional with where we put our energy. Campers will still be plenty active… just maybe a little less exhausted at the end of the day.”

A Small Pilot, With Big Potential

As with many new ideas at SMA, we’ll begin with a pilot phase this summer. Camper feedback will help guide how (and if) the system evolves in future seasons.

We’re excited to see how this addition might enhance the daily rhythm of camp—and, of course, give everyone a well-earned lift at the end of a long day.

Looking Ahead

In addition to the chairlift, we’ll also be quietly piloting a small drone-based snack delivery system during select program hours.

One staff member involved in early testing shared,

“Let’s just say… getting a snack delivered mid-activity is a game changer.”

This program is still in its early stages, but we’re excited about the possibilities.

As always, our goal is to create an environment where campers can challenge themselves, connect with others, and enjoy the outdoors in meaningful ways. Sometimes that means trying something new—while keeping a sense of humor along the way.

We’re looking forward to a great summer.

— Jud & the SMA Team