Director Jud's Blog

Special Announcement: Stone Mountain Adventures Will Go Into Silent Retreat Mode During The Power Hour of Freedom in 2024!

Dear Stone Mountain Adventures Families,

I hope this message finds you well and filled with anticipation for the upcoming summer at our beloved camp. As we gear up for another season of adventure, growth, and unforgettable memories, on the 1st day of April I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you all.

Starting this summer of 2024, Stone Mountain Adventures will be introducing a unique addition to our daily schedule: Silent Retreat Mode during the Power Hour of Freedom! This decision comes from our commitment to providing campers with diverse experiences that foster personal growth and reflection.

For those who might be new to our camp, let me briefly explain what the Power Hour of Freedom entails. It's a sacred hour of free time each evening from 5:30 to 6:30, allowing campers to unwind, connect with friends, and pursue individual interests after a day filled with exciting activities.

Our daily schedule for new families typically looks like this:

• • 7:45 – 8:30am: Wake up, Eat Breakfast, Tidy your Cabin
• 8:30 – 9:00am: Morning Chores with your “Crew”
• 9:00 – 12:00pm: Morning Activity
• 12:30 – 1:30pm: Lunch!
• 1:30 – 5:30pm: Afternoon Activity
• 5:30 – 6:30pm: Free Time aka ”The Power Hour of Freedom”
• 6:30 – 7:30pm: Dinner
• 7:30 – 8:00pm: Evening Meeting, Choose the Next Day’s Activities
• 8:00 – 9.45pm: Evening Activity
• 9:45 – 10:00pm: Evening Snack
• 10:00 – 10:15pm: Brush Your Teeth and Join Your Cabin
• 10:15 – 10:30pm: Quiet time in your cabin
• 10:30pm: Lights Out

During the Power Hour of Freedom, campers have traditionally engaged in various activities including basketball knock-out, 4 Square, Spik Ball, Throwing the Frisbee, Hanging int he Games room or Chill'n in a Hammock. However, this summer, we're introducing a twist. Campers will be invited to embrace silence and introspection during this hour. Yes, you read that correctly!

From 5:30 to 6:30 each evening, Stone Mountain Adventures will transition into Silent Retreat Mode. Campers will be encouraged to communicate solely through written notes, allowing for a unique and profound experience of connection and self-discovery.

We understand that this might come as a surprise, and you might be wondering how your talkative teens will handle the silence. Rest assured, our dedicated staff will be on hand to support campers through this transformative experience, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and engaged.

We believe that this addition to our program will provide campers with a valuable opportunity to disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings in a deeper way.

On this 1st Day of April I would once again like to thank you for entrusting us with the care and growth of your children. We can't wait to embark on this journey together and witness the potential positive impact SMA can have on campers!

Warm regards,

Jud Millar
Camp Director, Stone Mountain Adventures