Director Jud's Blog

Stone Mountain Adventures

Session 1, 2026

Memory Book

Hello Stone Mountain Adventures Family!

Wow... where did the summer go?

It feels like just yesterday we were preparing cabins, tuning up bikes, organizing gear, and getting ready to welcome another amazing group of campers. Now, our 43rd summer has come to a close, and we're left with countless memories that will stay with us for years to come.

What an incredible Summer 2026 it was!

• Campers challenged themselves, tried new things, and grew in confidence.

• Friendships were formed that will last long after camp ended.

• Adventures, laughter, campfires, and unforgettable moments filled every session.

• Our campers and staff helped create a community that made this summer truly special.

Even now, conversations around camp seem to start with, "Remember when..." followed by a story that makes everyone smile.

To our campers: we miss you already! Camp just isn't the same without your energy, enthusiasm, and sense of adventure.

To our parents: thank you for trusting us with your children. It is a privilege to be part of their journey, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share in their growth, accomplishments, and unforgettable camp experiences.

On our final full day together, campers reflected on their summer adventures and shared what Stone Mountain Adventures meant to them. Their thoughts, memories, and favorite moments are captured throughout this Memory Book, along with highlights from another unforgettable summer.

We hope these pages bring back great memories and remind you of the friendships, challenges, adventures, and laughter that made Summer 2026 so special.

Thank you for being part of the SMA family. We're already counting down the days until Summer 2027!

With gratitude,

Jud, Anne, Wyatt, Molly, Pam, Biff, Jack and Ruby

Holden

This year was my first year as a Wakemaster. I loved it so much and I will definitely be doing it again next year. The talent show was amazing too. There is nothing better than playing in a band! It was one of my favorite moments ever at SMA. White water rafting was amazing too, even more because of the crazy water level. Overall, for how many people were at the camp, it was as good as it could be.

Jonas

This is my 1st year at SMA, and it was pretty fun. The days go by really slow but usually they’re still fun. I really enjoyed the soccer and swims and the overnights. Power hour was always fun because we could watch the World Cup games and play pool. Making new friends was great. Staying up late and telling stories in the cabin was always super funny, those were some moments of the most I’ve ever laughed. Learning to wakeboard was super fun and definitely something I want to do more of. White water rafting was also really fun. I’ll probably come back next year.

Kern

Camp this year was even better than the previous years due to all of the great activities and the relationships I made along the way. I had lots of fun in every activity, even the ones I was not as excited for like soccer. However, the overnights were the highlight of my time at camp. On the canoe overnight, even though we did not go canoeing in the morning we still had lots of fun messing with each other on the water. On the wake overnight, lots of crazy stuff happened and I experienced it all with a great group of friends.

We scared a bear away from our campsite and I slept on the top of a stack of four hammocks. We had lots of fun wakeboarding but the best part of camp is never the planned activities, it is always the random moments that happened during them.

Kai

I very much enjoyed this camp. I took pretty much any chance I could to go rock climbing and got a lot better. I did a duathlon, swimming across the lake and running back. Jud games were very fun and I did origami in art studio. All camp day was great since I got to stay up until 9:30. The white water rafting and canoeing experienced my communication skills were great. I organized a 16 person foosball tournament and the seth-ulysse match was good. Overall I will definitely return next year! “The only thing you can't get sick of is human connection” - somebody

Lilia

I had a lot of fun at camp this year. Some of my favorite things were sup and sail and the overnights. I made lots of new friendships and they were what made camp as fun as it was. Even activities I wasn't excited for turned out to be so much fun every time. I wasn't sure if whitewater rafting would be something I enjoyed but it was one of the highlights I can't wait to tell people about. Every day at camp was so much fun and it flew by so quickly. I am very sad to be leaving but I can't wait to be back next year.

John

My experience at SMA I think was very fun. This was my 1st time at a camp that had serious activities. And also with counselors that don't baby the campers. Most of the things I did were for the 1st time. Such as wakeboarding, hiking, outdoor rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and overnights and much more. This was very fun and I wish to come again in the future.

Bradley

This was a big session for me. I came to camp and I got a lot of hugs. But people felt missing. Then I learned most of the old staff was gone. I really wanted to see them. But I also met up with many of my old friends. Then, I learned so many are leaving. This is my last year. If this year at SMA symbolized anything, it would be changed. Because everyone here is so different this 43rd summer. Although this is my last year I want more than anything to make it my best. I made a lot of big decisions. I also had a lof of stuff happen to me. Now I am bigender I made so many new bonds and so many new memories and have grown so much. I will miss this place so much. Though I have another session it breaks my heart to be so close to never coming back. But for anyone who reads this, keep coming back. You can only be a kid for so long. Keep coming to SMA as long as you can. I wish I could stay longer. Don't waste your chance.

Blake

When we went to get ice cream, I got a chocolate vanilla swirl with a cone. Although I was one of the last kids to get ice cream, I was the first to finish. We had a lot of fun and Bradley rolled down a big hill for more than a minute! When we went a second time, we all rolled down the hill and we played games like soccer and frisbee and had lots of fun! =)

Alice

This session was fun and it was my first year. Wait, let's start at the beginning. On the first day I stepped out of the car nervous and excited. My bunk had 2 other new kids. I was excited for rock climbing, canoeing and other fun activities. I have learned I am terrible at: disc golf, foosball, mountain biking, canoeing, and sleeping in. I learned to water ski, rock climb outside, play polebarn, and fishing. I am certain I will miss camp!

Matt

This is my second year at SMA, although I enjoyed last year more, I made the most of this year. My highlights this year were the whitewater rafting, the waterfall, and the talent show. Camp is one of my favorite places to be because of the people I meet, the fun activities I do, that get me out of my comfort zone, and the feeling of unity with the camp. I feel no stress here and I feel like a kid. This place means so much to me and has helped me in so many ways.

Griffin

My first year at SMA has been super enjoyable. Constantly playing Coup and getting to know my new friends was very special. The overnights and camping in our hammock stacks was very fun. I tried wakeboarding activities for the first time and had a great time. Mountain biking on the flowy Raystown trails was a fun experience I cant get at home. The brutal 1000 steps hike bonded me closer with my friends. All the experiences I had at camp whether it was the awesome activities or new friends made my first year at camp an awesome experience.

Ian

This was my fifth year here, and although the session was small, it was still SMA, a home away from home. I did feel a little homesick, but this place will always be a part of me.

It was my first year in Furnace, and doing the traditions was great. It was also my second year with Sunburnt Thighs, and we had a great show playing “When I Come Around” and “Brains Stew.” It was a rager.

I didn't do anything now, but I enjoyed every second of Wake Masters and chilling in Art Studio. All the counselors made the experience the best and made my homesickness manageable.

So I'm gonna miss this place, and I will be back next year. Love this place so much.

Charlie

Two years at SMA made me realize how much I love being at camp. It's a place I truly have no stress, and I can let myself decompress fully.

Being one of the older kids, now in Furnace, it has allowed me to help lead the younger kids and help them find their way through camp.

Some of my favorite activities this session were Wake Masters, fishing, and playing music with my friends. Some of the highlights of camp this year were the waterfall after whitewater rafting, tubing, and the talent show. Shout out Sunburned Thighs.

Year two has brought me new friends and strengthened past relationships, including counselors. I'm excited to be back next year, and thank you, SMA.

Dylan

This year at camp had a lot of special moments. I loved playing soccer on the lawn with all of the international counselors and campers. The overnight I went on was very fun and chill with some great views. Candle meetings were great this year, and I actually think I benefited from it. Wakeboarding was so much fun this year, and now I can comfortably stay up. Tubing that one day was the most fun I had all session. “What I Say Versus What I Mean” was really funny, and the talent show was great. It was so hot, and swimming in the lakes was so nice and felt amazing. I made some great new friends, and overall this session was really fun.

Ulysse

This was my third year at camp, so I tried the paper plates, dance prep, the show, and “What They Say, What They Mean.” It was my first talent show.

That's probably why I enjoy this camp, and even if Tussy was really noisy this year and the jet lag was really bad, I enjoyed this session. Rock Masters was really good, too. We learned so many new things with Tanny.

Aaron

Camp was good. Rafting was the highlight. Fishing was enjoyable. Canoeing was also fun. Everyone I liked—all of them. Shawnee Cakes was cool. The weather was bad, but we made the most of it. Foosball was good. Kai made a tournament.

Nate

This was my first of hopefully many years at SMA. From the start, I was really connected with the boys in Tussie. I certainly had some hard moments, and I don't think I really ended up finding my peace.

But here's the thing: with every hard moment I faced, like dumping Coke on Atlas or tackling Liam, there were five more good moments that took their place. Whether it be going down the river at crazy speeds when rafting, jumping up and down till my legs hurt at the dance, or simply spending time in Art Studio writing notes to a story.

I realized, just as I sit here writing, that while I never found a single group of friends, I made connections with so many campers and counselors alike. I realized that I don't care what other people think so long as someone here thinks of me as a friend.

What I was told by a counselor was to keep my unique personality and don't try to change it to fit in with others. I am trying to cherish that advice for as long as I live.

My overall ranking of my first year at SMA: ten out of ten.

Avi

This was my second year at SMA. One of my favorite nights was the Wake overnight. It was really fun, and sleeping on the hammocks was very nice. One activity I felt was very fun was disc golf. I really liked the 18-hole course at Raystown. Another activity I really liked was soccer and swim.

Sufjan

This session at camp was an overall boring session. I did have a good time in the end, but it just felt more empty than usual.

I did lots of rock climbing and made some good progress on Shark's Tooth. I decided to do two sessions this year, but I already started regretting it when I chose two sessions. I didn't have anything at home, but now I have color guard and a boyfriend.

The people at this session are great, especially Kern, Lilia, Griffin, and Atlas—all of Furnace Cabin. I miss some of the counselors from last year, but the ones this year were also plenty of fun.

One thing this year that was better than last was how I went kneeboarding and was a natural, and how I got loads of work done in Art Studio. I finished two friendship bracelets.

Also, I finished reading Sunrise on the Reaping, which was an amazing book and will be raving about when I get back.

Atlas

I overall feel this was a pretty good session. I didn't think this was better than last year, but still good. One reason I don't think it was as good was because I did not make any close friends this year.

I did make more friends, like Griffin, Kern, Avi, Dylan, Holden, and Jonas. There were also some friends from last year, like Liam, Ulysses, and Boomer.

I had a great time in Crow's Nest, and Avi's stories and Bradley's laugh were unmatched.

The activities, I feel, were not as good as last year. Maybe it's because I'm older, but it did not feel as fun. I loved all the new counselors, but kind of miss the old ones.

But in the end, it was a good time.

Elijah

I'm a Wake Master, and it was one of the best things I've done. One of the days we brought the tube was definitely my best day.

The barn parties were okay, but I'm not much of a party person anyways. Canoeing was really fun, but the bugs were so bad, and the rope swing was fire.

Rock climbing was tough. I actually made it to the top of one of the routes, which was super cool.

Fishing was chill. I actually caught a fish—a smallmouth bass. And Kevin was so chill, even with the language barrier.

Kiara

I like to call this place my second home. I've spent three summers here now, and every time I leave, it's like I'm saying goodbye to my family, just hoping I'll see them again next year.

Whenever I go back home, I talk non-stop about SMA to my friends and family, and while they always listen, I know they'll never truly understand the magic of this place.

The friendships that are made here are ones that you keep with you until the next summer and keep you excited throughout the year. While I have extremely good friends back at home, I know these are the ones you keep because they were there for you when you couldn't call your mom or dad, and they were there for your low days and your high days.

SMA is a free space you can be comfortable in without worrying if someone's going to judge you because you know they are doing the same thing.

At the end of the day, this is the place where you learned to jump on the wakeboard, rock climb for the first time, or even got a henna tattoo.

I will forever love this place and thank everyone for giving me three unforgettable summers.

Lilah

Where do I begin? SMA has been a huge part of my life. I've been coming here since I was 11 years old, and since then, I've known this place is special.

This is my fourth summer and could very well be my last. While it will be sad to leave, I will never forget the memories I made while I was here. From canoeing adventures to dance party car rides, SMA is truly a place to have fun.

I've made some of the best friendships while I was here, ones I know will last a lifetime, and that is hard to find. SMA has given me a place where I can be totally myself. There's no one stopping me from trying new things, and instead they're pushing me to try them.

SMA gives you something you'll find nowhere else: a community that supports you through everything. Maybe spending two weeks with a bunch of kids your age isn't what you want to do, but it will give you so much of a sense of belonging that you won't want to leave. I know I didn't.

I can't picture what my life would have looked like without SMA. I will never forget my time spent here, and I will cherish it for the rest of my life.

Thank you, SMA, for these amazing four summers. There wasn't any other way I would have liked to spend them. I love this place and the people in it so much.

Adelaide

Ce camp était super. Les activités étaient super cool et vraiment sympa à faire. Les animateurs ont vraiment été gentils avec moi malgré le fait que je ne parle pas très bien anglais. Les autres jeunes ont été plutôt gentils aussi avec moi mais surtout de manière générale la patience des gens avec moi était vraiment chouette.

Fin bref c'était vraiment bien et j'ai passé deux super semaines.

English Translation:

This camp was great. The activities were super cool and really fun to do. The camp counselors were really kind to me despite the fact that I don't speak English very well. The other kids were pretty nice to me too, but above all, overall, people's patience with me was really wonderful.

In short, it was really great and I spent two awesome weeks.

SMA Session 1 Camp Counselor Reflections:

Charo, Spain!

These past 2 weeks have been my first experience working at a summer camp for teenagers. It was challenging at first due to lot of things to learn and English not being my firt language . However, thanks to the campers and staff being so patient and understanding I quickly adapted and ended up enjoying the activities more than I expected. My fellow staff members have been incredibly helpful and kind as well as all the returning campers

Althought the days are long and tiring and I’m short on sleep all he activities are so fun and everybody is so nice it makes it all worth it. My favoriate times ar ethe evening activities and team sports where everyone gets involved and it’s a great time for us all to have fun.

All in all I’ve learned a lot and I’m so grateful to be here. I can’t wait for next session to get started and I promise to give it my all! I will keep pushing myself and be the best counselor I can be for the campers!

One of my goals is to build stronger relationships with the campers so that we can have a deep connection! I love SMA!!

Noelle, Utah –

The 1st session flew by!! I’m proud of how we were able to pull it all together despite bumps and last minute changes. I loved getting to know all the campers. I feel a deep connection with many of you, it’s amazing how that can happen in just 2 short weeks!

A few highlights were mountain biking on the Allegrippis Trails, playing soccer, playing gaga ball and the power hour of freedom. Another highlight was the canoeing overnight that included spashing wars and our hammock city! Although at first I was worried with having a smaller group this session I feel like we got much closer as a group because of it! I feel like everyone brought so much positive energy and there was never a dull moment! I loved seeing how campers campe out of their shells as the session went on. It feels crazy to already be saying goodbye to this group of campers. I’m looking forward to ore climbing biking and days on the waterin the upcoming sessions and I know they will fly by as well. After the talent show and seeing how much this camp means to people was so wholesome and shows how summer is such a time of change between life and how days may feel hot qand tedious but in the end it flys by. The hours seem long but the days are short. Wishing all the campers I met this session luck and good times in the next year and ONWARD!!

Cillian, NJ

Session 1 of SMA 2026 was SO MUCH FUN and I believe many memories were made. Once of my favorite parts was the talent show along with Sheetz stops with everyone after white water rafting. I can’t wait for the rest of the summer!

Alex –

As a fourth-year counselor, it has been amazing to kick off another summer at SMA and be part of Session 1. Every year camp feels a little different, but what always stays the same is the excitement of reconnecting with campers, welcoming new faces, and creating memories that will last long after the summer ends. This session was especially rewarding because I had the opportunity to serve as bunk captain for Tussey, the youngest boys' cabin, and help make their first experiences at camp fun, memorable, and full of adventure.

One of the highlights of my summer was spending time with the boys in Tussey. Being a bunk captain for the youngest campers comes with its own challenges, but it is incredibly rewarding to watch them grow more confident and comfortable every day. From helping them settle into camp life to sharing laughs, stories, and special moments together, I loved being part of their experience and watching friendships develop throughout the session.

Working with Wake Masters was another highlight of Session 1. Spending time on the boat, helping campers improve their wakeboarding skills, and celebrating their successes on the water was something I truly enjoyed. Seeing campers challenge themselves, overcome fears, and accomplish goals they didn't think were possible was one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

My favorite memory of the session was the white-water rafting trip at the beginning of the summer. It was the perfect way to kick off camp and set the tone for the weeks ahead. The energy, excitement, and teamwork throughout the trip made it an unforgettable experience, and it was a great opportunity to connect with both campers and staff outside of camp.

After four summers as a counselor, I continue to be impressed by the sense of community that makes SMA so special. The relationships built with campers and fellow staff, the traditions, and the countless moments of fun and laughter are what keep me coming back year after year. I am grateful for another incredible Session 1 and proud of the memories made with Tussey and Wake Masters. I can't wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store.

Summer.

Hi SMA,

My experience at SMA Session One was tough at the start — I had to adjust to so many new activities all at once! I tried so many new things in such a short amount of time, like rock climbing, which was probably my first and last time volunteering for it. However, I still enjoyed it and found it fun.

The heat really cranked up in the second week, making it brutal for some activities. White water rafting, dance prep, and archery were some of my favourite activities, and it was amazing to see the campers come out of their shells during the time they were here.

The talent show was lovely, and it was heart-warming (and a little heart-breaking!) to see how much SMA means to them. The 3rd/4th years especially took it to heart, knowing that for some, it was their last year and they may not be returning next year.

It's been amazing to work with such wonderful teenagers, and it's been lovely to watch relationships and bonds grow between everyone — campers and counsellors have made this session perfect, and I can't wait for round 2!

Ffion's Reflection

This first session at SMA has been one of my favourite experiences so far! This was a huge new jump for me, as it was my first time working at a summer camp and also my first time in the USA. Meeting all the campers and getting to be a part of their amazing experiences has been a blessing and something I will never forget.

There were so many enthusiastic returners, but also so many new faces at SMA who really came out of their shell, which has been so lovely to be a part of. The adventure overnight was a big highlight for me — I don't think I have ever laughed so much!

SMA is a place where I feel like everyone has endless opportunities to express themselves, from dance parties during van trips to performing on stage at talent shows, to wakeboarding across the lake and climbing up the rocks. The first session has definitely been a strong start with children I am so upset to say goodbye to. SMA is truly a home away from home for a lot of children here, and after being here for nearly a month now, I can fully understand why.

Seth

I joined the session late, but I still had an amazing time getting to know everyone and having fun at camp. Some of my favorite memories are soccer on the lawn, dancing at the talent shows, playing French Revolution, and meeting all the unique and diverse people at camp. I wish we had another week together, but I am looking forward to next session and will miss all the incredible people I met at SMA.

Sean

From driving to the airport with Val, to wakeboarding on the boat, to chilling and having fun with the campers — I have loved every moment of session 1. I wasn't aware just how hectic everything was going to be, but I'm glad it was; every day felt like a new adventure and presented its own challenges. Having done summer camps before, it felt like I had the experience working with kids and knew how to have fun. I hope I've made a positive and lasting impression.

I loved the wakeboarding, and seeing the kids do tricks and jumps was crazy. The talent these kids have in sport, music, and education is amazing to see. I have enjoyed the fun with the furnace and crew's rest, and especially with Avi, Jonas, and Dylan. My favourite moment was returning from Ireland and seeing all the kids come up and give me a hug and welcome me back. It warmed my heart and I will never forget it.

Val

From the moment I arrived at camp, Session 1 has been an unforgettable experience. Coming from France as a first-year counselor, I was excited but also a little nervous about what to expect. One of my biggest challenges was speaking English every day and communicating in a language that is not my native one. At first, this pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but as the session went on, I became more confident and improved so much. Looking back, I am proud of the progress I made and grateful to everyone who was patient, supportive, and encouraging along the way.

One of the most rewarding parts of the session was building relationships with the campers. Spending time with them every day, sharing laughs, and watching them grow more confident and independent made me feel truly connected to camp. I also loved sharing parts of my French culture with the campers and staff, while learning about theirs in return. Those connections made camp feel like a second home.

Working in mountain biking was another highlight of my summer. I enjoyed helping campers improve their skills, challenge themselves on the trails, and celebrate their achievements. Whether it was a camper conquering a difficult section of trail, building confidence on their bike, or simply enjoying a ride with friends, it was rewarding to be part of those moments.

As a first-year counselor, I learned a lot about leadership, responsibility, and adapting to new situations. There were challenges throughout the session, but each one helped me grow both personally and professionally. The experience taught me the importance of staying positive, being flexible, and appreciating the small moments that make camp so special.

My favorite part of Session 1 was the sense of community. The friendships I built with campers and fellow staff members, the memories we created together, and the support everyone showed each other are things I will never forget. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for everything I learned during my first summer at SMA. This experience has made me even more excited for the future, and I am already looking forward to creating more memories and continuing to grow in the sessions ahead.

Tanny

Hi SMA,

It was a great first 2 weeks. I'm glad about how you accommodated me. I enjoyed being with the kids — however, it's been too hot lately, haha!

I loved being a Bunk Captain and sleeping in the crow's nest. During my cabin stay, I built a great camaraderie with the students; especially Abi and Jonnan became very close to me. But I will also mention Dillon, Atlan, Elisah, and Holden.

I enjoyed being a soccer referee where I got to see Val and Kevin playing.

And on the rock — that's my home ground, so many memories over there — but 2 exceptional memories are seeing Jud climbing and rappelling, and doing a simul rappel with Yulin.

Also enjoyed watching World Cup matches.

ZOE:

Writing my SMA reflection for session one 2026 is extremely bittersweet. This most definitely has been my favourite session i’ve had at SMA. Seeing the kids from last year and being able to build on those connections but also to create new connections with the new kids of this session was my biggest warm fuzzy. I feel as though i created deep connections with the kids and was able to be the counsellor that I wanted to be. Someone that the kids could come to no matter what they needed, a friend, someone to listen, they were feeling sick or homesick, someone that the kids but also the staff could rely on. Not only this but sharing so many incredible memories and laughs and seeing how much the returners grew up in only a year. Despite having to leave early due to family illness, I feel proud of how I represented myself during SMA session 1, I am grateful I had the opportunity to be a returning counsellor and a returning counsellor that the new counsellors could look to for guidance. I think some of my most favourite memories from this session are the wake overnights, despite challenges with weather, the boat ect, I never felt the energy and happiness dim. Although I loved this session so much, I also really enjoyed spending quality time with Jeff prior to camp starting as well as us having this beautiful strong friendship blossom throughout this session. It really reminds me that best friends can be hiding all over the globe. I’m so grateful to the opportunities Jud gave me this year as well as the entire Millar family’s understanding and overwhelming support during tough times. I know this isn’t the end for me and SMA and I am disappointed to be leaving early but I am so excited for the rest of the staff for the reminder of the summer and i’m sure as always, it will be an awesome rest of SMA 2026!!!