Director Jud's Blog

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.

This fall has been a season of both reflection and growth. After the summer’s vibrant energy, we took some time in September to rest and reminisce about the joy and connection that fills the camp. Our own family has seen its own milestones—our son Wyatt embarked on his college journey at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) to study music education.   We also cheered on our daughter Molly as she played goalie for the Huntingdon Area High School Bearcats Soccer Team, proud are so of her accomplishments. We also welcomed teens from the NCCL School in Delaware and had the joy of working alongside our wonderful camp counselor, Alex from Mexico.

As we look ahead, we are thrilled to welcome new families to the SMA community while continuing to stay connected to our returning campers, who are eagerly counting down the days until the Summer of 2025. Enrollment numbers are growing, and we are humbled to see so many new faces joining our family. When former campers recommend SMA to their friends and family, it is a gift beyond words, and we are filled with gratitude for the trust you place in us.

With the holiday season upon us, we want to take a moment to express our deepest thanks to every member of the extended Stone Mountain Adventures family—new and old. We feel incredibly blessed to have found an "occupassion" that allows us to touch lives, create lasting memories, and build connections that will last a lifetime.

We are so thankful for all the campers and staff who made the summer of 2024 unforgettable. Your spirit, energy, and passion are what make SMA a place unlike any other, and we are privileged to be a part of your journey.

As you gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, we hope you find time to reflect on all the good in your life and experience the warmth of connection, just as we do here at camp. Thank you for being part of this beautiful adventure. We are deeply grateful for each of you.

Wishing you a cozy, joyful, and love-filled Thanksgiving.

With heartfelt thanks,
Jud & Anne Millar