Director Jud's Blog

Stone Mountain Adventures

Session 2, 2026

Memory Book

Emily Hughes Reflection SMA 2:

Since this was my first time going to a sleepaway camp, I wasn’t quite sure what I expected it to be like. It ended up being really fun. The people here are great and the memories made are ones I will always remember as fun and happy. I went on overnights for both canoeing and rock climbing which both ended with vans getting stuck. I learned how to play new card games and spent time in mattawana chatting before bed. I tried a bunch of things that I normally wouldn’t do. There was a bright side to everything that happened. I hope to come back next year but for now I will just enjoy the time I spent here with these amazing people.

Spenser Reflection SMA 2

This has been another great session throughout my years here and one to be added to the books. Another totally new and different yet familiar session. Truly special connections with a quirky uniqueness to everyone. And although this isn’t my last session here, I can’t express how much I will miss it. The small things like missing saying, “so cute 🙂❤️” or doing our special hand shakes with Paige and Natalie. Or even fiddling with an old cassette player from goodwill trying to play some Elvis. So I guess you could say it’s the lifestyle and the people. Being further away from the world is the best way to get closer to people. Time and time again I feel pretty dang similar each session I return. Every year I look forward to the summer just for this opportunity. Over the years I’ve forged so many relationships that in my eyes are perfect and wouldn’t want any other way. Seriously. I now know that no relationship lasts forever and even though I fight it time and time again I can see myself getting better at it. But honestly, at being a better person. I can see myself growing not just physically over the years but socially. After all this is over I just wanna say that my big takeaway is to “live life with no regrets but with all of the intentions.” And life only guarantees three things. Death, taxes, and SMA ✌️ #spenser v

Session 2, 2026

Until next session…

Paige Emmanuel Reflection SMA 2

This session was amazing! I had so much fun and I loved being back with my friends. It was so amazing being in Mattawana and I loved the traditions. Another highlight for me was going on the wake overnight. Wakeboarding is a ton of fun and at nighttime, the stars were the prettiest I’ve ever seen. I also really enjoyed evening activities this session, and all my friends made everything even more fun. The counselors this summer are so kind and funny, and my whole camp experience this year was really wholesome. I am going to miss my friends so so much and ai can’t wait to see them again!

Michaela “Mich” Reflection SMA 2

My camp experience was sad, interesting, and amazing all at the same time. This session has been probably the thing I e been most excited for all YEAR! This is the place where I’m able to reunite with all my really close friends. I honestly feel like I can be myself at camp and not really care about what other people think. Camp has changed me in so many ways. It has given me so many opportunities as a person. I am very grateful to have this many amazing friends at camp. Including Lily, Paige, Natalie D, Natalie K, Olivia, Emily, “Sin John”, Caroline, Spenser, and so many other people. There were so many hard times but there were so many exciting, happy times also. I’m so grateful to be able to explore so many different people over all different parts of the world. Thank you so much JUD!! I LOVE SMA❤️

Mich/Michaela Park

Natalie Dahl Reflection SMA 2

This is my 4th year at SMA and it’s still an amazing place where I can be myself, see my friends, try new activities, and have fun. After coming here for a few years, I have made friends that I have a great connection with at camp. I’ve met new people from all over the country and new counselors from all over the world. When I come to SMA, I feel like I’m in a bubble. I’m always outside, no phones, a lot of social interaction, and just in a place that feels incredibly special. This year I was in mattawana so it was so much fun to do the traditions and be part of an amazing group of girls who have changed my life. The activities offered here are the best. I’m allowed/capable to try something new without judgement, I create new memories and experiences with new friends and existing friends. From seeing the bunnies to belly womping, I always have an amazing time. This was a pretty small session, but it was really nice to build a deeper connection with people. I’m going to miss all of my friends and I’m going to miss all the people who have had this last year. Stone Mountain adventures is truly the highlight of my year.

Natalie Kastner Reflection SMA 2

This session was so good :) one of my highlights is definitely my friends from my first year being here this year. Also I did really enjoy the camping overnights I went on, such as the wake and canoeing overnight. I really enjoyed overnights here even though I’m not outside a lot at home so doing overnights definitely helped me be more close to nature. Also I believe that the people you meet at camp will always be your truest friends you meet in your whole life. For example, this session I had like a main friend group such as Mich, Paige, and Natalie DX I absolutely love these people so much and made this camp so much better than it already Is. Some of the funny highlights are definitely some of the drama that was going around like “the 10 inch python” and mooning Mich. I also made friends with first years and talked to people I usually would not talk to. I also especially enjoyed the canoeing event though we got capsized and I had to sit in a rock before someone rescued me. And also some of the interesting driving done by the Europeans. Even though there were some downsides throughout this session I absolutely loved and enjoyed this camp to the fullest and will definitely become back next year for my third year.

Elijah

I would say wakeboarding is the best because it’s a water sport and I hit my first jump last week. The overnights are peak, and the mountain pies are so delicious. Art studio is chill, and they do tie-dye at the end. The hikes here are really beautiful. I’m from Indiana, and the first hike I did was so pretty. I keep seeing this moss that looks like carpet. It’s so cool. The foosball table is one of the best things, personally, and climbing with Tanny is super fun and chill.

Bradley Lynn 🏕️🪩⛰️

This session will be my last, unfortunately. But I think I really made it count. I accomplished many things. After three years here, I have become the people I looked up to. The memories I have made here are many and incredible. The only regret I have is that I can’t come back until I’m an AOP. I’m probably still going to have the heart of a camper. I even wrote (and played) a song. One day, I’ll be back, but only on the 2029 staff team. If only I didn’t have to wait so long. I thank everyone who is and was here for making, sharing, laughing, loving, caring, playing, talking, creating, doing, and returning here for the three years I’ve been here and making this camp what it is. And to those of you who will be back, keep on coming, and don’t let the fires of those who left extinguish yours. Use their embers to keep you alive.

Jake

One of my favorite parts of SMA Session 2 was the French Revolution. The French Revolution was a challenge in the woods where we had to try to steal a French flag hidden in the woods while the counselors were searching for us. We had three rounds. Another really fun activity was white water rafting. Going down all the rapids was so fun. I also loved swimming in the river. I fell out one time, but it was on purpose. But in general, all of SMA has been fun. From overnights to barn activities, everything was fun. I also loved SUP N Sail. Going out onto Raystown Lake and paddle boarding and swimming was amazing. All in all, SMA has been great this session, and I have made so many friends.

Arie

My time at camp had many enjoyable experiences that I wouldn’t get anywhere else. I made new friends both in my cabin and others. I enjoyed several activities and learned many new skills. One in particular was learning how to wakeboard. It took many tries, but the counselors were very supportive and helped me until I eventually could get up on the wake. The atmosphere at camp is always very fun and active, and I never find myself truly bored, despite not being on my phone.

Ryan

I think this camp was very unexpected to me at first, being with a very small group of people and it all being new, but as time passed, I think it got much better. I think the traditions like French Revolution, made my experience here a hundred times better. The people in my cabin were also pretty great. I think missing my friends at home made me a little pessimistic about meeting new people, but as time went on and with plenty of activities, I began to bond with the camp itself. Personally, I think just having a group of boys who are my age makes me feel more welcome in a way because I can connect more easily and try new things. Overall, I personally think this camp manages to be great at welcoming new campers and always having a good time.

Benji

Camp was really fun! I got to go bowling, rafting, and meet new people! I got to join the 4th-year traditions and wakeboard. This year was really fun, but it went by so fast. I can’t wait for my 5th year and joining the Furnace Cabin! While the heat was a lot this year, being in nice cold water made up for it. Meeting the new puppy was really nice too. I can’t wait to come back for my 5th year!

Bill

White water rafting was really fun. When we jumped off the rock was fun too. When we were driving to the white water rafting it took three hours, but it was worth it. When we all stopped at the gift shop, I found Muc-Off, and it is supposed to clean my bike. After that, we went to Sheetz, and it was nice because I was able to get something for my secret friend. Also, beating Seth at pool felt really good.

Sufjan

This is my second session of the summer, and it is for sure the better one. All of the best people from last year came back this session, and it was so amazing to see all of them again. It was great getting to have some of the same experiences as last year, but even better having new ones. Being in Furnace has been especially great because I was able to bunk with Spenser and Zeke and do all the traditions. The best part of my time at camp has been either wakeboarding or the rock climbing overnight. Wakeboarding was fun because I was able to go belly womping with Zeke and just be out on the boat. Rock climbing overnight was fun because I was able to go bouldering and night climbing. The night climbing was super pretty, and I got really far on a pretty hard climb. We were also able to watch the sunset from the top of Rocky Ridge, which was gorgeous. The group for rock climbing was also amazing. Obviously Zeke and Spenser were there, and they were lots of fun, but I mostly enjoyed spending more time with both Emily and Noelle. I’m both happy and sad to be going home because, on one hand, I won’t be able to spend more time with the amazing people here, but on the other hand, I have spent a month here and have definitely had my share of fun.

Zeke

Overall, this was a very good last session at SMA. One of my highlights was definitely wake masters because of the people on it and because of the fact that I love being out on the water. Another highlight for me was both of the overnights. I did the wake and rock climbing overnights, and both were super fun, especially watching the sunset from the ridge on the rock climbing overnight. Being in the Furnace cabin definitely improved my experience because the people in it were great, and all of the traditions are very fun. I probably won’t be able to come back next year, and if I don’t, this was a great session to end on, and I will remember this camp for a very long time.

Tyler

This has been one of my most memorable summers ever. From the amazing activities to the even more amazing campers I got to share this experience with. My favorite activity was all of the rock climbing I was able to do. This is because of how fun climbing on real rocks is. I was able to see old friends from last year like Eric. I also made many new friends as well. It was really fun to be in the Crows Nest cabin this year because of the friends that I made while in it. My favorite memory was when I first got here because I saw many people I knew and knew that I was back for two weeks this summer. I will miss not being here till next year, but I will never forget this summer.

Eric

Camp this year was about the same as last year, but it seemed to be more welcoming and friendly. Last year, I was counting down the days until camp ended, but this year, I was not waiting for the plane ride home. Some of the most memorable moments include wakeboarding, which was very fun, especially when we went on the overnight. Staff

Olivia Tucci

Session two was immediately different from past years but in a good way. Staff was changed in a refreshed way, they all worked together in their own flow. Even the later addition to the staff found their own spot in the team before the end of the day. Many arguments were had but everyone came out friends again afterwards. Spending days watching the World Cup was a time of friendly competition and hope that was so special. Spending time with old friends and creating new friends once again was a blast! I will miss this camp and the people so much just as I do at the end of every summer when we separate. Session two 2026 will join the part of my heart dedicated to SMA.

Caroline Benshoof

• Canoeing overnight was super fun. I got to hang out with all of my friends. The night was interesting, Mitch and friends would not stop laughing.
• I met my new bestie Emily. <3
• All of the activities I got to spend laughing with my friends.
• At Sheetz (after white water rafting) Tan the Man talked about food (while eating a bucket of chicken from KFC) with me and a group of others.

Arthur Stewart

This summer has been a monumental change for me. I have never been to a summer camp and SMA was a smart choice for a first. When I arrived everyone was welcoming. I enjoyed adjusting to a new sleeping condition. I am very glad that I got to be in Crows Nest. The evening meetings were always a great way to settle down for the night. I’ve got to try many new things and one of the most exciting things was wakeboarding. Luckily I was able to get on two overnights. Both of them were extraordinary. Jud has taught me a lot about how to actively listen and be a leader. For the most part, all of the counselors were very supporting. In the evening after all of the awesome activities, winding down with pickup football was especially pleasing. Furthermore, this camp has brought me new friends, experiences, and wisdom. I appreciate everyone for making this experience the best!

Gavin Porsche

After my 3 and 4rd session here, it has been a great learning experience. I have had an amazing time, but some low points were white water rafting. After my 3rd time doing it it has become pretty boring and annoying. Some of my biggest highlights of camp was meeting so many new people. Coming for session 2 has been my favorite memory ever from SMA. This has been the most memorable session ever. The dance was probably my biggest highlight of this session. Since I set up for the dance I got to meet and connect with a bunch of people. I can’t wait for session 3 but session 2 will forever hold a memorable place in my heart and I can’t thank Jud and all of the counselors and the campers enough. I have learned so many valuable lessons. Thank you SMA for session 2 and I can’t wait for session 3.

Thank you.

Dana Greene

My favorite parts of my first year at Stone Mountain Adventures session 1 were: ice cream night, Jud games, invention convention, art studio, tie-dye, and rock climbing. I liked making friends with people and counselors. I also enjoyed playing with the dogs and bunnies and cover my legs and arms in henna. Playing with the puppy, Ruby, and training her was really fun. Playing with the old dogs, Jack was also really fun.

Waylon Mitchell

Honestly I was a shitty kid and I was disrespectful and ungrateful and I realized that camp was really fun and I made it bad for myself. I had a lot of fun here and made a lot of friends. I would love to come back. The most fun I had here was hanging out with my friends in the car rides and jamming to music at full volume. Playing football is one of my peak moments, because its the only thing I’m half decent at. Another peak moment was the skit where I was taking a crap which was really funny. Overall I think coming to camp was definitely worth it I’m truly grateful.

Mackie V

SMA was a great experience because the wakeboarding was fun and I can stand up. Canoeing was fun, art studio was fun, all camp day was fun, tennis was fun, disc golf was fun, white water rafting was super fun. Talent show was fun. Dance parties were stinky.

Lily Osuch

First day of camp I was scared and excited. I liked eating McDonalds and candle light. I tend to enjoy all paper plates and what they say vs what they mean. This years Mattawanna traditions was also fun and I’m happy all furnace boys are my friends. Sean was also a fun counselor but I don’t have too much to write yet because I’m here for Session 3 so I will have more to say later.

Alana Chan

I’m so happy I came back to SMA. I know last year I was a lot less open to meeting new people and opening up, but now I feel so much more confident with everyone. At first, I was scared to get to know people, but now I’ve made so many memories with all of my friends. And I’m so grateful for that. I know I’m going to iss these moments so much, especially since its my last year here, but that the fact that I got to be here with everyone makes me so lucky.

SMA Session 2 Camp Counselor Reflections

Val Reflection SMA 2

During this session, I truly valued building close building close connections with the campers especially with my cabin. I established a nightly routine that helped us bond: every evening, we would share one song and learn one French phrase. This simple ritual not only brought us closer together but also allowed me to share a piece of my French culture with them.

As for the activities, the overnight were a massive success, despite a few minor hiccups on the return trips. During the rock climbing overnight, we witnessed a truly breathtaking sunset: I shared a beautiful, memorable moment with Spenser, sitting together and listening to emotional music as the sun went down: the canoe overnight was another highlight: I was with an amazing group of campers who never complained and eagerly helped us with all the camp chores, which made our job as counselors so much easier and more rewarding. My absolute favorite activity this session was the rafting day, where I had the chance to be the raft captain. It was a bit intimidating at first, since it was only my second time on a raft; but the day turned out to be absolutely perfect thanks to the incredible teamwork on board the “French boat”.

I also really learnt how to navigate the ups and down of things outside the camp. After a few challenging moments during this session I realized how important it is to fully embrace the beautiful moments here to help forget the tough ones it taught me to focus on the positive and appreciate the incredible community we have built.

Ffion Reflection SMA 2

Session 2 has been absolutely amazing, it has been super fun to complete all the fun activities from session one with a new group of kids! One of my favorite days this session was definitely the white water rafting, I had a great group of children and it was super cool to have opportunities to captain the raft through some of the rapids (even if Spenser did throw me out multiple times!). It has been amazing to watch many of the new campers this year really come out of their shell and take on all of the activities like pros! It has also been a blast being a bunk captain in mattawanna with the oldest girls the past 2 weeks, they have been a delight and I think I laughed more than we slept, but I wouldn’t have changed it! During this session, I spent a lot more time out on the lake on the boat which has been super fun, it was really lovely to see Benji giving his pro tips to us all and I’m hoping that during the final two sessions I will be able to stand for more than 1 second! I am really going to miss these campers, it has been great to have such a variety of personalities and skills in all the cabins and be a part of team mattawanna!

Will Reflection SMA 2

So I haven’t really been here long enough to have formed many meaningful bonds yet. That being said, I can definitely say that I’ve enjoyed the 6 days I’ve been at SMA. Learning names was a challenge at first, but as of last night I think I’ve officially met all the campers and staff. Watching the new wakeboarders pick up a new skill was really cool and being a part of teaching someone something challenging is always super rewarding. Learning the SMA “style” of camp has been interesting to say the least. It’s so different than the boy scout camps that I am used to, but I wouldn’t say it’s better or worse in any way. Can’t wait for a fresh session. Should be fun.

Summer Jones

This session has been very eye-opening in every way, but I still enjoyed every moment. There are a lot of kids with big personalities, which made this session very spectacular. Personally, my favorite activities were white water rafting and tie-dye in art studio. It was my first time doing tie-dye, so it made my day go by really fast. Watching the majority of the campers come out of their shells was beautiful to watch, seeing them make friends with kids they’ve never met before. I am so happy I got to experience everything this session. It is a summer I will never forget!

Charo’s Reflection

Session 2 flew by compared to Session 1, maybe because I already knew the drill. I feel like I achieved m goal of getting to know the campers better and building stronger connections with many of them. Some of my favorite moments from this session were Invention Convention, the French Revolution, and the Sheetz dinner stop on the way back from white water rafting. I also loved playing volleyball on the front lawn and teaching them how to play Burro, a Spanish card game. I also loved the emotional activities such as candle lights and the Talent Show. A good thing too was to be Little J bunk captain. They were such a great group and actually went to sleep when lights out was called.

A special mention goes to my coworkers because they truly make this experience worth it. Like any group, we’ve had our ups and downs and with so many big personalities we don’t always see eye to eye. But at the end of the day, we are always there for each other and that’s what matters. I can’t wait for session 3 to meet a whole new group of campers, make more memories and keep having fun with this amazing team!

Cillian O

Session 2 was an amazing adventure, I enjoyed the overnights and Sup n Sail, along with going to Sheetz with all the campers after our day of Whitewater rafting. The talent show was also really fun, and full of amazingly talented campers. I’m going to miss all the campers.

Noelle Plasse

This session was good! A highlight was definitely the rock climbing overnight. Watching the sunset from the top of Rocky Ridge was beautiful, and night climbing was so much fun, with a cool system using 1 rope for 2 climbs. It was a bit sketchy avoiding a wasps nest on one climb, but luckily they didn’t attack! Bouldering the next morning was also super fun, and it was memorable getting trapped by a tree on the way back, but luckily Jud came like a guardian angel and saved us with a chainsaw. Jud also saved us while canoeing, which was eventful because Bradley and I’s canoe flipped because a tree had drooped down right in front at the end of a rapid. From this session I will always remember the song Outro by M83 because of saving Tyler to it (who I did save in time!) and watching the sunset on Rocky Ridge. Another thing I loved was being a captain for rafting. I loved the passion campers had for climbing this session and was very impressed by their bracelet making skills. Crazy we are already halfway through the summer!!

Seth Priestman

Often when you teach, you find yourself becoming the student. My favorite moments this session were when I had the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with campers. I loved when I could help campers with my talents, teach them something new, or give them advice that would have helped me in life. Many times, while giving this advice, I became the student. I would often get insight into my own childhood experiences. I tried so many new things that I learned through teaching. Some of my favorite experiences were camping overnight after canoeing, flips off the rope swing, and playing pool with the boys. I enjoyed all the new people I met as well as a new sense of connection with nature. The peace I got from being here is beautiful to me.

“There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy, its charm.” -Theadore Roosevelt

Sean

From helping with arrivals and settling into camp life, to spending time on the lake, hanging out with campers, and leading the Furnace bunk, I have loved every moment of SMA Session 2. I didn't realize just how busy and fast-paced everything would be, but I'm grateful for it. Every day brought something different, new challenges, and opportunities to learn and grow. Having previous experience working with kids helped me feel comfortable stepping into the role, and I hope I have made a positive and lasting impact on the campers.

One of my favorite parts of the session was getting out on the water and watching the campers challenge themselves, whether it was wakeboarding, trying something new, or building confidence in their abilities. The talent and enthusiasm these kids bring, whether in sports, music, academics, or everyday camp activities, is incredible to witness.

Being a bunk captain for Furnace was especially meaningful. I enjoyed building relationships with the campers, creating memories together, and being part of a group that always brought energy, fun, and plenty of laughs. Watching the campers grow closer as a bunk and seeing friendships develop throughout the session was incredibly rewarding.

My favorite memory from Session 2 was seeing how excited the campers were to be together and the strong sense of community that developed over the course of camp. The friendships, laughs, and moments shared with both campers and staff are something I will always remember. SMA Session 2 has been an unforgettable experience, and I am grateful for every moment of it.

Alex

From spending time on the boat with Wake Masters to leading Furnace as a bunk captain, Session 2 has been an incredible experience. As a fourth-year counselor, it's been really rewarding to see camp from a different perspective and reflect on how much I've grown since my first summer. Every year brings new campers, new challenges, and new memories, but this session felt especially meaningful.

One of my favorite parts of camp has been working on the boat. Whether it was helping campers improve their wakeboarding skills, build confidence on the water, or celebrating their successes after landing a new trick, it was awesome to be part of those moments. Watching campers push themselves and seeing their excitement when they accomplished something they didn't think they could do was one of the highlights of the session.

Being a bunk captain for Furnace was equally rewarding. I loved spending every day with the guys in the bunk, getting to know them, supporting them through challenges, and creating memories that I know we'll all remember long after camp ends. Furnace brought great energy every day, and it was amazing to watch the friendships within the bunk grow stronger throughout the session.

As a returning counselor, one thing that continues to impress me is the talent, character, and enthusiasm of the campers. Whether it was on the athletic fields, on the lake, in activities, or just around camp, there was always something exciting happening and always a reason to smile.

My favorite part of Session 2 was the sense of community. The laughs, the traditions, the time spent with campers and fellow staff, and the relationships built throughout the summer are what make this place so special. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of another unforgettable summer, and I will always look back on Session 2 and my time with Furnace and Wake Masters with pride and appreciation.