Director Jud's Blog

Dear SMA Session 1 Parents,

Each morning at Stone Mountain Adventures begins with a burst of energy and camaraderie that sets the tone for the day ahead. Here’s a glimpse into our morning routine:

Our enthusiastic staff wake campers with the lively tune of "The Birdie Song," signaling the start of another exciting day. After a refreshing toothbrushing and breakfast session at the Rhino Dining Hall, campers gather with their designated "Crew."

At SMA Teen Camp, every camper belongs to a Crew—a group responsible for daily chores that play a fundamental role in our camp community. These chores, which only take about 15 minutes each morning, embody our belief that everyone contributes to the smooth functioning of our summer home.

During the initial mornings of each session, Crew time isn't just about tasks; it's about building connections. We kick off with name games and team-building activities, including today’s spirited favorite, "Pole Barn."

Following these engaging activities and before diving into the day’s adventures, we captured a snapshot of each Crew. The resulting photos capture genuine smiles and the bonds forming among our campers.

Here they are:

Everyday at Stone Mountain Adventures starts the same way for campers:

• Campers are woken up by staff singing "The Birdie Song"
• Then Campers brush their teeth and break their fast in the Rhino Dining Hall
• Followed by campers gathering with their "Crew"!

Every camper at SMA Teen Camp is a member of a "crew" and crews are basically chore groups.  We have a rotating job chat so each crew knows what their chores are each morning.  Crew time and morning chores are not a huge part of our daily life at camp as they only take about 15 minutes each day.  Crew time and chores are, however a large part of our summer camp philosophy: That every member of camp (campers included) must contribute to make our summer camp community "work".  During the first few mornings of crew time each session we take the opportunity to play name games and team building games.  Today we play what is far the loudest teambuilding game called "Pole Barn". 

Today is the second full day of activities of SMA Session 4, 2022.  We started our day with pancakes for breakfast followed by a "crew" meeting outside the staff office.  We then sent our crews with tie crew leaders to s specific location in camp to play A super-fun icebreaker game called: POLEBARN!!