Director Jud's Blog

Click Here to Check Out the SMA Session 4 Memory Book!

Our summer wrapped up with a bang during Session 4! From August 4 to 16, SMA was buzzing with energy as campers made the most of every single day. Even though it was the final session of the summer, the excitement never faded—every mountain bike ride, climbing trip, and campfire brought fresh joy and connection. This group showed us the magic that happens when teens embrace adventure and friendship with open hearts.

Campers, you gave us the perfect ending to an incredible summer. We loved watching the way you supported each other, shared laughter, and pushed yourselves to make the most of every moment. Even in just two weeks, you showed us that camp magic is alive and well—thank you for reminding us why we do what we do. We hope those memories keep you smiling as you step into the year ahead.

Parents, we are so grateful you entrusted us with your teens during this final session of SMA 2025. Session 4 was full of strong personalities, incredible kindness, and a sense of adventure that made our community so vibrant. We saw campers step into leadership, build meaningful friendships, and gain independence—all of which reflect the values and encouragement they’ve received at home. Thank you for making it possible for them to be here.

On the final day of the session, we asked each camper to take a moment to reflect on their experience at SMA. Enclosed in this Memory Book you’ll find those reflections, along with highlights of the activities we shared, written by our incredible staff team. These words and stories capture the magic of the summer and remind us why camp is such a powerful experience for young people.

                 - Jud, Anne, Wyatt, Molly and Jack!

SMA Reflection S4 ’25 BEN T

This is my last session this year and also is for everyone. Overall, this session had lots of ups and downs. The rain put a damper on the first couple of days, but after it cleared up the session got really good. My favorite day was the first day getting to meet all the new people. My favorite night was last night, which was the dance party. I’m in the activity wakeboarding, and I’m glad I got to do it a lot. The counselors were super fun and made me enjoy it even more. Out of all my new and old friendships, I loved getting to know Melissa way more this year. We didn’t get to know each other much last year, but this year we bonded really fast. It feels like we’ve known each other for years, and our chemistry seems perfect. I remember last session, Friendship Night, when I was sitting after watching in the grass. She came up to me and we just started talking for the whole night. We really connected, and ever since then our friendship has only gotten stronger.

We talked for hours about so many different topics. This past day we were already talking about how we wanted to be with each other every day. By the way, this will almost only be about her. Sorry. Over time, she has taught me many things and made me realize even more. She is the main reason I loved this place so much and I thank her kindly for that. It showed me how camp can bring people together so close that when you leave it seems like the world has ended. We had spent so much time and activities together that even when I don’t see her for hours I already miss her and feel way different.

Sometimes I can enjoy time without her, but most of the time I can’t. Before camp, life used to be very different. I didn’t feel like myself at all and didn’t have motivation to even get out of bed. I was just awaiting to get to camp to see my friends and meet more. But when I got here it wasn’t about seeing my friends, it was just being in this atmosphere. Honestly, being with my most special person I had made so much memories. It reached the breaking point when they left, I almost cried when I got here.

When I go home, I know I will not see every single person and many because I know I will have to wait another year to see them. Camp has shown hundreds of great things have to come to an end, and you believe the surface around it that in the end you will enjoy it. Because it’s not forever.

This was only my second year and this place already feels like a second home. At the overnight I was so stuck on the idea that camp will end soon that I just wanted to be with everyone. I’m sorry for whoever has to hear this, but I could write a whole book on how this place has made me change.

I have cared for small things and gained more awareness for everyone. I would just lay in my hammock and would sit trying to take a picture in my mind of what I was seeing. I just wanted to lock it in my mind forever. As long as I could, cherish the memories and people in my head forever. That’s all I needed.

SMA was all I needed. It changed my life. Thank you everyone and thank you Jud.

Love,

Ben Truman

Gabe

I’ve had lots of fun session 4 of SMA. I have become more of a role model for the younger campers this session. I really enjoyed my time here at SMA.

Talia Smerecki – Reflection

SMA S3–S4 ’25 was the time of my life.

In most aspects of my life, I feel like I’m wasting it—I have so much to offer and so many missed opportunities. SMA is the only place I have ever felt free to express who I actually am.

During 3rd session small candlelight, I said: “I think if I spent a whole day by myself not speaking at SMA, I might die.” I hate that this is something I do so much at home, because that is not who I am.

In 4th session, I got to see my best friends in the whole world—even though we hadn’t spoken all year and live in different states. I really think these two things go together, because my best friends should get to know who I really am.

I’ve got to give a shoutout to the counselors who really made sure we had the time of our lives. From raving on the basketball court, joining in on late-night cabin conversations, picking me up from the train station, and hugging me when I sobbed during the talent show—in my four years here, I have never felt more connected to a group of people who are paid to be around us.

Mike – 8/10/2025

This session has been great. Although it was sad to see everyone go, I’m glad for all the new friends and memories I made.

There were so many fun activities, and I am sad to be leaving. Hopefully I am able to come back as an AOP. Thank you everyone for all the memories—I will forever remember this place.

Bennett – SMA Session 4 Reflection

This camp changed how I picture other camps. Nothing compares to great SMA, from counselors to kids, activities to games. This experience was life-changing.

I will start with my favorite things that I have done:

• White water rafting
• Water sports / belly womping
• Mountain biking
• And so on…

But just having freedom felt good to have. Overall, this camp is so much and I can’t wait to come back. :)

Martin Pasquemard (French)

This was my first time in SMA and it was one of the best summer camps I ever did. I had the chance to meet amazing people and do awesome activities. Everyone here was so kind and funny!

My favorite activity is without a doubt wakeboarding, but the other activities were also great and I had a lot of fun, especially in water sports.

The evening activities were also cool.

I hope I can come back one day!

Martin Pasquemard (French :))