We created this web page just for the Tips on Trips and Camps Team!
A Message from Director Jud Millar -
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA). This page has been created as a centralized resource for the Tips on Trips and Camps Team, and provides the information, updates, and insights you need to match families with the right summer camp experience.
Founded in 1983 by my parents Pam and Biff, SMA has spent more than four decades helping teenagers grow through adventure, responsibility, and authentic community. While our facilities, activities, and programs have evolved over the years, our mission remains unchanged: creating an environment where teens gain confidence, independence, resilience, and lifelong friendships.
As we look forward to our 44th summer, we still believe the best growth happens when young people step outside their comfort zones, take ownership of their choices, and discover their strengths in a supportive community. That philosophy continues to guide everything we do.
Anne and I appreciate your partnership, and we look forward to helping you find the perfect SMA experience for the families you serve. Click Here for a video message
Warm regards,
Jud & Anne Millar
Choose from one of our 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 week sessions!
First Ascent - 1 Week
A one-week introductory session designed specifically for first time campers, and to build confidence, make friends, and experience the best of SMA. Limited enrollment for First Ascent campers per age group AND First Ascent Campers have the option to stay for the 2nd week of their session.
Sessions $2,065 Enroll Here!
Session 1-1 (SMA1-1) Sat 6/19 to Fri 6/25
Session 2-1 (SMA2-1) Sat 7/3 to Fri 7/9
Session 3-1 (SMA3-1) Sun 8/18 to Sat 7/24
Session 4-1 (SMA4-1) Mon 8/2 to Sun 8/8
Session 4-2 (SMA4-2) Sun 8/8 to Sat 8/14
Signature Session - 2 Weeks
Our most popular session, this two-week experience offers full immersion into life at SMA. Campers experience adventure and watersports, build real skills, and grow in confidence as they become part of a supportive and active community.
Signature Sessions $4,125 Enroll Here!
Session 1 (SMA1) Sat 6/19 to Fri 7/2
Session 2 (SMA2) Sat 7/3 to Fri 7/16
Session 3 (SMA3) Sun 7/18 to Sat 7/31
Session 4 (SMA4) Mon 8/2 to Sat 8/14
Summit Sessions - 4 Week or 6 Weeks
The Summit Sessions are the pinnacle of the SMA experience for campers of all ages. Over four, six, seven or eight weeks, campers deepen their skills, take on leadership opportunities, and form the strongest of connections of their summer.
4-Week Sessions $7,875 Enroll Here!
Session 1 + 2 Sat 6/19 to Fri 7/16 .
Session 2 + 3 Sat 7/3 to Sat 7/31
Session 3 + 4 Sun 7/18 to Sat 8/14
6-Week Sessions $11,475 Enroll Here!
Session 1 + 2 +3 Sat 6/219 to Sat 7/31
Session 2 + 3 +4 Sat 7/3 to Sat 8/14
8-Week Sessions $15,000 Enroll Here!
Session 1 + 2 +3 + 4 Sat 6/219 to Sat 8/14
What kind of teens and tweens thrive at SMA?
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SMA is designed for teenagers who are excited to explore, challenge themselves, and gain independence. Our campers come from many different backgrounds and interests, but they share a curiosity about the world, a willingness to try new things, and a desire to be part of a supportive community.
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Some come to make new friends, some come for adventure, some come to build confidence, and many come for all three. Whether your teen is outgoing or quiet, highly experienced or completely new to the outdoors, there is room for them to grow here. You don't need outdoor experience to thrive at SMA, just an adventurous spirit and an open mind.
What session lengths do first year campers usually sign up for?
If a camper stays for four weeks, is the second two week session a repeat of the first session?
The answer is “yes” and “no.”
- Yes, some signature SMA experiences remain the same. Campers will participate in favorites such as whitewater rafting, camping overnights, opening night activities, and other traditions that help create the SMA experience.
- No, the overall experience feels quite different. We intentionally schedule different evening programs, special events, games, challenges, and activities during each session to keep things fresh and engaging.
- In addition, the arrival of new campers at the start of the second session creates new friendships, group dynamics, and opportunities. The camp community evolves as new personalities join the mix.
- We work hard to ensure that campers attending multiple sessions experience a natural progression rather than simply repeating the same two weeks. Many of our four-week campers tell us their second session felt like a completely different chapter of their summer, with new adventures, new friendships, and new memories.
Important SMA Camp Policy Updates:
Phones and Electronics: We ask campers to unplug at SMA. Phones and internet-connected devices are not permitted so campers can focus on friendships, adventure, and life outdoors. Exceptions include:
- Phones for campers flying to camp or using the SMA Van Service (for travel purposes only).
- E-readers for reading in the cabin at bedtime.
- Non-Wi-Fi iPods or MP3 players for music.
- GoPros and digital cameras for photos and videos.
Note: SMA also provides camp photo galleries for families during and after the summer.
- Food Allergies: We can accommodate campers with the following food allergies or needs:
- Medications and Epi-Pens: SMA can accommodate campers who take daily medications as well as campers who need Epi-Pens, who are diabetic, or who take daily injections. All medication is submitted to SMA Camp Directors and is stored in our secure First Aid Room. All medications are administered by SMA Medical Staff.
- First Aid and Medical Treatment at SMA
- We have a camp physician, Dr. Allison Holmes,
who makes "house calls" and phone consults.
- An Urgent Care Clinic and an Emergency Room at Penn Highlands Hospital is eight miles from camp in Huntingdon.
- Larger hospitals are 25 miles away in Altoona, PA, and State College, PA, where Penn State University is located.
Campers with Special Needs: We are a "main stream" summer camp. Due to our smaller size we can accommodate a few campers each session with:
- Minor physical disabilities
- Campers with ADHD
- Campers on the Autism or Asperger’s Spectrum on a case-by-case basis
Visiting Days:
- We do not have a formal visiting day, but parents are welcome to visit, especially between sessions. Campers and families are also welcome to schedule visits during the off-season.
- Camp Tours: Prospective families can tour SMA year-round. The best time to visit is while camp is in session to experience camp firsthand. We do not currently host scheduled open houses.
Tuition Discounts:
- Refund Policy: Deposits are fully refundable until 3/1/27 and 50% refundable until 4/1/27. Tuition balances are due 5/1/27.
- Flexible Payment Options: Interest-free payment plans are available.
- Discounts & Financial Aid: Returning camper and sibling discounts are available. Limited need-based scholarships and financial aid are offered each summer.
A transition in our Equestrian Program
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SMA no longer offers the intensive Horsemasters Program. Campers can still enjoy occasional horseback rides through our partnership with a neighboring stable, but horseback riding is now a recreational activity rather than a major program focus. Families seeking a serious horseback riding program should consider camps that specialize in riding.
Mountain biking continues to be our #1 growing activity
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Many campers come to SMA for mountain biking and access to the nearby Allegrippis Trail System, one of the premier trail networks on the East Coast. With 33 miles of purpose-built singletrack featuring berms, rollers, wooden features, and flowing descents, it's an incredible place for riders of all abilities.
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Campers in our Mountain Biking Masters Program ride nearly every day, building skills, fitness, confidence, and trail knowledge while exploring some of the best mountain biking terrain in the region. Some participants are members of middle and high school mountain biking teams, while others simply love spending as much time as possible on two wheels.
Special Option Masters Programs
There are three Masters Programs at SMA for campers - mountain biking, rock climbing, and wakeboarding/waterskiing.
- These programs are designed for campers to:
- Develop program specific skills
- Learn from experienced instructors who are passionate about their discipline
- Gain confidence and have fun with campers with similar interests
- Campers will be in their Masters Program activity in either the morning or afternoon.
- These programs ARE open to beginners to advanced campers.
- Campers NOT ENROLLED in these Masters Programs will have the opportunity to do these activities while they are at SMA.
The Mountain Bike Masters Program: This program is ideal for campers who are passionate about mountain biking and excited about riding world class trails on a daily basis. We ride SMA Camp Trails, hit the Skills Park, and ride the Allegrippis Trails at Raystown Lake. We have many campers who ride competitively in middle school or high school, and use this program to train and gain skills. (Limited to 8 campers)
The Rock Climbing Masters Program: This Program is designed for campers who are passionate about rock climbing and want to dedicate part of each day to climbing outside on real rocks. We are lucky to own Donation Rocks so we can literally walk to the crags. Campers in Rock Climbing Masters will learn from experienced instructors, improve climbing technique, and gain strength while having fun. We primarily do top rope climbing with some "mock leading climbing" sprinkled in as well. Campers in the program will have the opportunity to go bouldering and on rainy days climb at an indoor climbing gym. (Limited to 8 Campers)
The Wakemasters Program: Campers who are excited about the thrill of wake boarding or water skiing and serious about improving their skills will love this program. Participants can ski up to three activity sessions per week (often more!) and may attend one specialized clinic. This program is designed to provide individual attention to each camper. Experienced instructors assist campers in building confidence and developing valuable skills so they can take their skiing and boarding to the next level. (Limited to 8 campers)
(Click Here for the Special Option Master Programs Page)
2026 Camper and Staff Demographic
Campers: Our capacity is only 60 campers. We were full for most of our summer sessions and had about a 60% return rate!
The age range at SMA is 12 to 16 with the occasional mature 11.5 year old attending and a few 17 year old "Super Campers" returning as well.
Gender:
- We had a good balance in 2026 with a few more boys than girls.
Camper and Staff Diversity
We strive to have a diverse camper and staff population at Stone Mountain Adventures because we recognize the value of a diverse population.- We had staff from Ireland, the UK, France, Spain, Australia, Mexico and seven US States.
- As a smaller camp with only 60 campers, we continue to search for ways to further diversify our camper and staff population.
Camper Demographics
- We had campers from 13 states with the majority from New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Florida, and Pennsylvania.
- We had international campers from five countries - France, Spain, the UK, Costa Rica, and Mexico.
Camp Counselors and SMA Staff:
- Our Management Team includes Jud & Anne Millar, Owner/Directors, as well as an Assistance Camp Director who was a former camper!
- We had 14 camp counselors ranging in ages from 21 to 26
- Five of our camp counselors were former SMA campers!
- All staff participated in our mandatory 10 day pre-camp staff training.
We recently started a CIT Program:
- We call our CITs "AOPs" at SMA for "Aspiring Outdoor Professionals."
- This program is open to former campers and others ages 18 to 20.
- AOPs assist camp counselors in leading camp activities every day.
- AOP's must commit to a minimum of two weeks and are paid a stipend.
General Information about Stone Mountain Adventures
Founded in 1983 by Pam and Biff Houldin, SMA is now owned and operated by their son Jud Millar and his wife Anne. We celebrated our 40th summer in 2023 and we cannot wait for our 44th summer!- Age Range and Capacity:
- Our capacity is 60 Campers
- Our age range is 12 to 16. We occasionally have 11 or 17 year olds, depending on their maturity level and the camper's interests and attitude.
- Location: We are located in the central mountains and valleys of Pennsylvania eight miles from Huntingdon (home of Juniata College) and 25 miles south of State College (home of Penn State University). We are:
- 3 hours from Washington, DC
- 3 hours from Baltimore, MD
- 3 hours from Philadelphia, PA
- 4.5 hours from New York City, NY
- 7 hours from Boston, MA
- 3 hours from Pittsburgh, PA
- SMA Camp Van Service: We offer SMA Van Pick-Up and Drop-Off Service from the
following locations:
- DC Van: Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- Harrisburg Van: Harrisburg International Airport. (MDT)
- The Northeast Van: New Jersey, New York City, Long Island, Connecticut meet-up locations.
- Penn State Van: University Park Airport in (SCE) is only 25 miles from camp
- Amtrak Train Service: Direct train service to Huntingdon from New York and Philadelphia.
SMA Summer Camp Mission Statement and Philosophy:
Our Mission Statement:
The purpose of Stone Mountain Adventures is to provide growth experiences for campers through our camp activities and the group process of living together at SMA… and to have fun everyday!
Our Camp Philosophy:
- At Stone Mountain Adventures, we believe that individuals should be challenged to step beyond their own abilities: to wakeboard with confidence, to climb with technique, to control the sail, to bike one more hill. Stepping beyond also means personal growth: developing self-reliance; trusting in new friendships; learning to be sensitive to the needs of others in the community.
- With only 60 campers ages 12 to 16 and a staff of 16-20, Stone Mountain Adventures feels like a family of good friends sharing the summer’s adventures in a noncompetitive atmosphere. We celebrate our victories, accept our shortcomings, and learn from both.
- As the days flow by, our philosophy of respect and sharing emerge. We learn respect for animals, the outdoors, and one another. As strong individuals, we come together as a summer family while learning and having fun together.
What makes SMA unique?
- It's easy to be a first time camper - SMA is a terrific choice for teens who have never been to sleep away camp before OR for teens looking for a new camp because campers have not been here for more than five years.
- Teen focused camp (ages 12-16) - ALL of our programming, from evening activities to adventure activities, is TEEN focused.
- Exciting activities in and out of camp - Many of the activities we offer are out of camp giving campers the opportunity to see beautiful central Pennsylvania on a daily basis.
- Overnight camping trips out of camp - Campers can sleep under the stars when they choose from hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking and wakeboarding overnights. Camping overnights are offered once a week (twice during a two week session) and usually three overnights are out of camp at one time.
- SMA feels like family: With a small group of 60 campers our staff staff are intentional about everything they do at camp to accelerate the friendship making process. They are laser focused on making campers feel at home here and when the magic of camp happens everyone feels like family.
- Community Service Projects: Once during each of our two week sessions we have a "Community Service Day" as a morning or afternoon activity. Campers will have five projects to choose from - it's amazing how much 60 campers and 16 staff can accomplish in four hours! Campers receive a service hours certificate if requested.
- College and University Visits: Our 15 and 16 year old campers have the option to tour Juniata College and/or Penn State University while at camp.
- We offer freedom, respect, and challenges to help teens develop their independence.
What activities do we offer at SMA?
Water Sports
Outdoor Adventure Activities
Athletic/Team Sports
Creative Arts
Other Activities
SMA Camp Van Service
We offer shuttle van services to the following locations on the opening and closing days of each session:
- Washington DC & Dulles International Airport
- Harrisburg International Airport, PA
- Northeast Van
- Saddle Brook, NJ
- Elmsford, NY
- Westport, CT
What's so great about a small adventure camp for teens anyway?
We believe that our camp’s small size directly affects the quality of our programming as camp quickly becomes a close knit community that creates strong, positive, intrapersonal relationships. - Campers are challenged on activities every day which builds confidence.
- The combination of mutual respect among campers and staff and the increased self-confidence through physical endeavors helps teens to begin to discover who they really are and how they fit into this world.
- Being a young teen can be a challenging time and SMA is a fun, safe place for teens to grow emotionally and physically.
- With a small group of 60 campers our staff are intentional about everything they do at camp to accelerate the friendship making process. They are laser focused on making campers feel at home here and when the magic of camp happens everyone feels like family.
How can Tips on Trips and Camps clients learn more about Stone Mountain Adventures?
- Send clients to our web site (www.sma-summers.com) where they will find a short promotional video.
- Send us the lead and we will immediately send our brochure with references. We will send a follow up e-mail with helpful links to pertinent pages on our site.
- Schedule a phone call or an Zoom presentation for families we are not able to meet in person. Families can Schedule a phone call or online meeting on my calendar.
How can you learn more about SMA to better serve your clients?
- Bookmark this page so you can refer back to it anytime.
- Camp Director and Owner Jud Millar is happy to schedule a phone call or zoom presentation and show you a condensed version of the slideshow we share with parents.
- Please Click Here to schedule a phone call or zoom meeting with Jud Millar.
Thank you for taking time to view this web page. We look forward to working with you this season and to providing your clients with an incredible summer camp experience. Please feel free to contact us any time: 814-667-3874 jud@sma-summers.com
Warm regards,
Jud, Anne, Wyatt, Molly, Pam, Biff, and all the furry critters at SMA!
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