Director Jud's Blog

How Two Weeks at Camp Can Shape Your Child’s Future

Summer—once a time of long, unstructured days filled with adventure, boredom, and new discoveries—is now a busy, packed schedule for many families. Kids are involved in a multitude of activities, sports, camps, and travel. Parents, especially working moms and dads, are juggling everything from work commitments to trying to find the right balance of enriching experiences for their children. It’s a different world than it was just a few decades ago, and with so many options, one question has emerged: is it enough to send your child to a two-week overnight camp?

The answer? Absolutely.

In today’s fast-paced world, we’ve become conditioned to the idea that more is better—longer camp sessions, bigger itineraries, more options—but when it comes to overnight camp, the magic doesn’t need to take a full month. In fact, two weeks is just the right amount of time to provide your child with an authentic, life-changing camp experience that will stay with them for years to come. Let’s break down why and how a two-week session is more than enough for your child to grow, make lasting memories, and return home as a stronger, more confident individual.

SMA Assistant Camp Director Job Description

Are you ready to make a lasting impact and be a part of a supportive and dynamic leadership team? Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA) is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Assistant Camp Director to join us for an unforgettable summer camp experience! We are an overnight camp for teens, ages 12 to 16, offering water sports, adventure activities, traditional sports, creative arts and community service activities designed to foster personal growth, teamwork, and fun. As a key member of our leadership team, you will be instrumental in creating a positive, rewarding, and enriching experience for our campers and staff alike.

A New Year Message from Jud Millar, Camp Director of SMA Teen Camp

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I want to take a moment to express how truly grateful we are for each and every one of you. Whether you’ve been with us for years or are joining us for the first time this summer, we are so excited to have you as part of the SMA family. Your trust, enthusiasm, and support fuel everything we do, and we can’t wait to share another incredible summer with you and your teens.

This year, we’re gearing up for the SMA Summer of 2025, and let me tell you, it’s going to be one for the books! We’re already counting down the days to welcome your teens back to camp—to reconnect, explore, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

In the spirit of kicking off the year with excitement, I’m thrilled to share a special treat: the premiere of our video, “The Great Canoe Rescue of 2024.” This 11-minute masterpiece is packed with adventure, teamwork, and a good dose of SMA spirit. Whether you’re a long-time camper family or new to our community, this video captures the heart and humor that make camp so special.

A Thanksgiving Message from Jud Millar, Camp Director of Stone Mountain Adventures

As we approach Thanksgiving, we are filled with gratitude for the abundance of gifts we have been given—each one more meaningful than the last. This week, and always, we are reminded of the incredible moments, memories, and people who make life so rich and beautiful.

For all of us at Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA), this season is a time to reflect on how blessed we are to be part of something so special. We are deeply thankful for the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of our campers and staff—young hearts who trust us to guide them, and a team of dedicated camp counselors who pour their energy into making this place a safe, nurturing, and transformative experience for all who walk through our gates.

An Unforgettable Experience at the 2024 NICA Eastern Regional Festival & Championships

As the Camp Director and Owner of Stone Mountain Adventures Teen Summer Camp, I had the incredible opportunity to attend and sponsor a booth at the 2024 NICA Eastern Regional Festival & Championships. And let me tell you, this was an event that I will not soon forget!

Held from November 9-11, 2024, in Elkton, Maryland, the 2024 NICA Eastern Regional Festival & Championships brought together NICA programs and leagues from across the eastern seaboard for an epic celebration of youth mountain biking. As soon as I arrived, I could feel the palpable energy and excitement from the riders, coaches, families, and spectators. This was no ordinary weekend—it was a gathering of passionate, supportive, and determined athletes ready to push their limits and celebrate their shared love for the sport.

A Gathering of Riders from Across the East Coast

The 2024 NICA Eastern Regional Festival & Championships was an invitation-only event that brought together the best riders from the East Coast. Teams from Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia all came together to compete, connect, and grow as athletes.

The weekend wasn’t just about competition, though—it was a celebration of everything that makes youth mountain biking so special. The NICA community is built on inclusion, positivity, and a shared love for the outdoors. Riders, coaches, and families gathered to celebrate the spirit of the sport in a welcoming and supportive environment.

The Stone Mountain Adventures Summer of 2024 was an awesome experience. It was our 41st summer and certainly one of our best!

On the last full day of each session we carved out some time for reflection. During this time we asked every camper and camp counselor to take 15 minutes to write down their memories from the session (We call them "Reflections"). Enclosed in this email are links to each session's Memory Book / Reflection Packet with Session Photos.

Please download them and share them with your camper. We hope you enjoy reading them as much as we have!

Every summer at Stone Mountain Adventures promises something extraordinary, and Session 4 of 2024 was no different! With campers and staff bursting with energy and excitement, we kicked off the season in spectacular fashion. Now that summer has wrapped up, we’re over the moon to share the fantastic highlights from Session 4, 2024 in our slideshow!

Every summer at Stone Mountain Adventures brings the excitement of something amazing, and Session 3 of 2024 was no exception! With every camper and staff member arriving with boundless energy and enthusiasm, it was an incredible start to the season. Now that summer has officially come to a close, we’re absolutely thrilled to share the highlights from Session 3, 2024 with you in our slideshow!

We had an incredible summer at Stone Mountain Adventures Summer Camp.  Third Session was so awesome.  Here is the 2nd Session Slideshow from SMA, Enjoy!

Each summer at Stone Mountain Adventures holds the promise of something incredible, and Session 1 of 2024 certainly lived up to that. Every camper and staff member arrived eager to give their all. With summer now officially wrapped up, we’re thrilled to share the highlights from Session 1, 2024 through our slideshow!

At Stone Mountain Adventures, team-building games are a cornerstone of our summer camp experience, and today’s activity was a shining example of their value. The game "Polebarn" brought our campers together in an exhilarating challenge that tested their collaboration, communication, and creativity. As they navigated through the twists and turns of this engaging game, they not only honed their teamwork skills but also forged deeper connections with each other. The joy and enthusiasm in the air were palpable, showcasing how these interactive activities foster a sense of unity and camaraderie. At Stone Mountain Adventures, we believe that such memorable experiences are key to creating lasting friendships and personal growth. 

SMA Session 3 Camp Update

Adventure Awaits: Highlights from Stone Mountain Adventures Session 2!

Stone Mountain Adventures is excited to be welcoming VIC Vietnam to SMA Session 2!!

All Camp Day has arrived! We cannot believe how fast this session is flying by- but you know what they say… when you’re having fun. Campers and counselors alike have been having lots of fun with our awesome activities. Whether it’s sending it on the wakeboard, ripping through the SMA bike trails, rocking out on our climbing rocks, or making friendship bracelets during power hour, this group has spent the past week making memories and bonding. We are half-way through this session and are so excited for all the fun coming in week 2. For now, let’s reflect on the first half of this first session.

Dear SMA Session 1 Parents,

Each morning at Stone Mountain Adventures begins with a burst of energy and camaraderie that sets the tone for the day ahead. Here’s a glimpse into our morning routine:

Our enthusiastic staff wake campers with the lively tune of "The Birdie Song," signaling the start of another exciting day. After a refreshing toothbrushing and breakfast session at the Rhino Dining Hall, campers gather with their designated "Crew."

At SMA Teen Camp, every camper belongs to a Crew—a group responsible for daily chores that play a fundamental role in our camp community. These chores, which only take about 15 minutes each morning, embody our belief that everyone contributes to the smooth functioning of our summer home.

During the initial mornings of each session, Crew time isn't just about tasks; it's about building connections. We kick off with name games and team-building activities, including today’s spirited favorite, "Pole Barn."

Following these engaging activities and before diving into the day’s adventures, we captured a snapshot of each Crew. The resulting photos capture genuine smiles and the bonds forming among our campers.

Here they are:

All of us at Stone Mountain Adventures are thrilled to introduce the SMA Staff Team of Summer 2024:

Assistant Camp Director Chase!!

Chase is from Provo, Utah and is friendly with the Mormons. He is a veteran staff member returning for his ninth summer and has the honor of leading us as Co-Director at SMA. His specialty is rock climbing and trying to beat Diego, Matt, and Yely at any sport. His superpower is having Popeye’s forearms. He is known across the globe for starting veganism and continuing to the push forward. Chase says a fun fact about himself is that he can touch is nose with his tongue, but you are going to have to ask him to prove it.

As the soft whispers of winter and cool march evening fade, the world awakens with a flourish of life we call spring. We have had an incredible spring here in central Pennsylvania full of moments big and small... we have had momentous events and special times together.

Attention campers and families! Camp Director Chase Cloward has an incredibly exciting and important announcement about the upcoming summer that you do not want to miss. Make sure to watch the video to hear all about the thrilling plans and updates for the upcoming season. Get ready for an unforgettable summer filled with adventure, fun, and new experiences. Stay tuned for more details and get ready to be a part of something truly special. Let's make this summer the best one yet!