Director Jud's Blog

The American Camp Association (ACA) is a national organization in the United States that focuses on the support of summer camps and youth development programs. Founded in 1910, the ACA works to ensure that summer camps meet specific standards related to health, safety, and program quality. Camps that are associated with the ACA work to ensure they provide a safe and enriching environment for children and teenagers. Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA) as been a member of the ACA since the 1980's.

Every year the ACA host Camp Conference's around the country to serve as professional development opportunities for summer camp professionals.  Within the ACA there are geographical regional and SMA is located in the Keystone Region which encumbrances Delaware and Pennsylvania.  According to the Keystone ACA summer camps in Delaware and Pennsylvania served over 1,500,00 kids in the summer of 2023.

It has almost 2 full weeks since I attended the Keystone American Camping Association Conference at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie, PA near Allentown, PA.  I always feel like time helps to give me perspective on things and I'm able to understand my experiences better.  This is certainly the case with the ACA Keystone Conference for sure.

"Never write about a place until you're away from it, because that gives you perspective" - Ernest Hemingway

This Jud Millar coming to you “live” from Day 2 at the American Camping Association (ACA) Keystone Conference.  This year the conference is once again being held at beautiful Bear Mountain Ski Resort and Conference center in Macungie, PA near Allentown, PA.  I attended this conference 2 years ago and had a fabulous experience and was looking forward to this year’s event with much anticipation.  So far I have not been disappointed, rather I’ve been impressed and motivated! 

Next week SMA Teen Camp Director Jud Millar is attending the American Camp Association Keystone Conference at Bear Creek Mountain Resort & Conference Center.  Attending ACA Conference is an incredible professional development opportunity.  It's a fantastic chance to learn from summer camp industry professionals, network with our camp directors and attend informative workshops.  The Keystone Retreat offers three content tracks running concurrently: PROGRAMMING, LEADERSHIP, and MAINTENANCE as well as many others - Core Competencies included - vital to a successful camp operation.