Director Jud's Blog

There’s something magical about this time of year in central Pennsylvania. The quiet browns and grays of winter have finally given way to the vibrant greens of spring. Every day, it feels like something new is blooming—flowers, trees, ideas, excitement. Here at Stone Mountain Adventures, we are fully springing into summer, and I couldn’t be more excited about everything coming to life around us.

One of the projects that has me particularly fired up is our new vegetable garden! We’ve broken ground, planted early crops, and are already dreaming about the meals we’ll make with fresh, local ingredients this summer. Gardening has so many benefits—not just for our bodies, but for our minds and hearts as well. It teaches patience, responsibility, and appreciation for where our food comes from. It connects us to the land and gives campers a hands-on way to learn about sustainability and healthy living. Plus, nothing beats the taste of a tomato picked straight off the vine!

We’re also making great progress on our new bike shop, which is shaping up to be a real game-changer for our mountain biking program. Whether your camper is hitting the singletrack for the first time or already loves to ride, this space will help us provide better maintenance, instruction, and support for every biking adventure.

As we prepare for another unforgettable summer, I’ve been soaking in the transformation all around us. The forest is alive again. The trails are calling. The lake is waking up. It’s a reminder of how quickly things can change and grow when the time is right—and the time is definitely right!

And over at Raystown Lake, our wakeboarding boat is already in the water, just waiting for campers to arrive! It's freshly serviced, fueled up, and anchored in one of the most beautiful spots in Pennsylvania. Whether your camper is new to watersports or already knows how to carve a wake, this boat is ready to create unforgettable summer memories. There’s nothing quite like that first early morning ride across glassy water with the sun coming up—it’s a tradition we love and can’t wait to share again.

Speaking of growth, I can’t wait to welcome our amazing 2025 staff on June 10 for the start of staff training. This year’s team includes incredible returning and new counselors from all over the world including Australia, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, and six different U.S. states! Their energy, diversity, and passion for working with kids will bring SMA to life in ways we can already feel taking shape.

Parents, campers, and friends of SMA—it’s all happening. The fields are green, the bikes are tuned, the veggies are sprouting, and the campfire wood is stacked for the wood fired pizza oven. Summer is nearly here, and we can’t wait to welcome your family back to the magic of Stone Mountain Adventures.

See you soon!

– Jud Millar, Camp Director