Director Jud's Blog

The week of Thanksgiving always reminds us just how much we have to be grateful for. For all of us at Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA), this season is a chance to reflect on the privilege we have—to play a meaningful role in the lives of our campers, families, and staff. It’s a responsibility we cherish.

Here at camp, it’s been a full and lively autumn. We started September catching our breath and reminiscing about an incredible summer. Our son Wyatt—former camper, last summer’s AOP, and now officially a Westerner—transferred from Indiana University of PA to the University of Utah, and this was his first semester there. He’s loving life in the mountains and embracing every part of the adventure. Our daughter Molly—also a former camper and our breakfast cook these past two summers—is now a junior at Huntingdon High School and continuing her impressive run as the starting keeper for the girls’ soccer team. Earlier this fall we also traveled west to celebrate my brother Troy’s wedding to Emma—a beautiful weekend surrounded by family, mountains, and memories.

As we look ahead, we’re thrilled to be welcoming new camp families who recently enrolled, while staying connected with returning campers already counting down the days to Summer 2026. Enrollment is off to a strong start, and we anticipate several sessions filling early this year. We are especially grateful when a former camper or SMA family shares their experience with friends—your trust means everything to us.

As the holiday season arrives, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to every member of the Stone Mountain Adventures Family, past and present. We feel incredibly fortunate to have an “Occupassion” that continues to challenge us, fulfill us, and connect us with so many wonderful people. To all the campers and staff who made Summer 2025 unforgettable—thank you.

We hope this Thanksgiving brings you time to gather with the people who make your life richer, and that the weeks ahead are filled with warmth, good health, and meaningful moments.

             Jud, Anne, Wyatt, Molly, Jack and The SMA Family!