It is hard to believe that our first week of summer fun has already ended. Time really does fly when you’re having fun! All the campers have settled nicely into their perspective bunks, and have spent some quality time with their bunkmates establishing a mutual understanding and living arrangement. When it’s time for lights out, we always hear a fair share of laughter coming from all the bunks and stories of late night talks in the morning at breakfast.

            Our first week was packed with thrilling activities! The Wakemasters have hit upRaystownLakeand have already set their personal goals for the session. “I’m going to clear the wake” or “I’m going to land that jump” are only a few examples of how motivated and determined our kids really are. Windsurf and sail has been a very popular activity so far. Who wouldn’t love relaxing and getting a tan on top of a windsurf board. The rock climbing extravaganzas have also begun and the campers are having an absolute blast conquering each rock placed in front of them. On another note, rumors from the barn have spread and all of the Horsemasters have picked their perspective horses to care for. Riding lessons have begun and all the horse chicks are looking forward to their first trail ride in the upcoming week. Basketball knockout games, arts and craft, tennis, soccer and of course ultimate frisbee have all been a huge success thus far this session. And of course the campers are always ready for a cool dip in the lake after a hot sweaty intense game. Action packed is the only way to describe the first week!

            Our first set of overnight trips began this past week. A crew of canoers and water-skiers set out on a fabulous adventure. Quality time was spent on the water for both groups, and yummy smores over the fire at night sealed the deal on an excellent trip. All the campers shared their excitement with the rest of the camp on their return.  Our next overnight crews will set out later in the week and I can already feel the counselors and campers anticipation.

            In the late evening, the campers have had their fair share of activities to keep them busy. The big capture the flag game took place a few days ago and what a game it was! Intense face paint, cheering and pump up speeches were certainly a memorable experience for all. Invention convention was on Friday evening, and let’s just says we have a very creative group of campers to say the least.  The kids have an endless supply of energy, but sometimes we have to fit in some relaxing down time. Candle meetings are a great way to get each individual to share their highs and lows of the week and wind-down after a long day of activities.

            In the upcoming week we have an even more exciting schedule planned. Our annual trip toHersheyParkis coming up, disco roller skating is planned , and karaoke is in store for tomorrow! The summer has officially arrived and week one already in the history books but so much more fun is up ahead.

Cheers, J

Jud & Anne and all the furry creatures in the Stone Mountain Adventure family

Stone Mountain Adventures will be in State College today at the Appalachian Outdoors from 10.30-6.30pm!  (Sorry for the late notice).

Appalachian Outdoors is hosting an Outdoor Expo today which and they have invited SMA to set up a booth and chat with customers & outdoor enthusiasts our “our little adventure camp over the mountain”.   We will be set up in Appalachian Outdoors new retail space adjacent to the store in the old Eddie Bauer store front.

Other things going on at  the Appalachian Outdoors Outdoor EXPO include:

• A big fat Spring Sale
• Vendor Representatives in store to answer questions about outdoor gear
• Raffle Prize Giveaways
• Draw for Discounts of 10-100% OFF!
• Representatives from local outdoor organizations (that’s were we fit in).

What: Outdoor Expo at Appalachian Outdoors on Allen St in State College

When: Today! 4/9/2011 from 10.30-6.30

Where: At Appalachian Outdoors in downtown State College on Allen Street

Why: Because we love the Great Outdoors & we love to spread the good word about Stone Mountain Adventures!

Note:  Wyatt & I will be there with Wyatt from 10.30 to 3.30pm.  After that former SMA Camp Counselor Patrick Arndt will be at our booth from 3.30-6.30.

Other former SMA Camp Counselors who work at Appalachian Outdoors & will be on hand for the Outdoor Expo include:

• Jen Walls-Mattise
• Benton Mitchel

If you are out & about today in State College please stop by & say “HI”!

I also want to let you know that Stone Mountain Adventures has partnered with a local Rock Climbing group called C3PA and are working to open Donation Rocks for climbing this summer.

 To that end we are hosting a “CRAG CLEAN-UP DAY” on Sunday 4/10/2011 from 10.30 to 3.30pm at Donation Rocks. 

If you have interest in getting your hands dirty & helping haul wood & build trails then come join us at Donation Rocks near Stone Mountain Adventures / Horsepower Farm on Sunday!

What: Crag Cleanup & Trail Building Day!

When: Sunday, 4/10/2011 from 10.30 – 3.30pm

Where: Donation Rocks in Northern Huntingdon County near Stone Mountain Adventures & Horsepower Farm.

Why: Because Donation Rocks have not been climbing on for 5 years & there’s lot’s of clean-up to do.

Folks are meeting at the top of Pine Grove Mountain at 10am at the JoHays Vista on Route 26 at 10am.  Or come over whenever. 

We are soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo EXCITED  to be able to climb again at Donation Rocks this summer!

I hope to see you either on Saturday at the Outdoor EXPO at Appalachian Outdoors OR at Donation Rocks on Sunday!

                        Cheers – Jud, Anne, Wyatt & Molly Millar

Former SMA Campers at Juniata College and PSU!

What do five students at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, have in common?  They all learned the value of relationships within a tight-knit community while at Stone Mountain Adventures and how that experience can make a teen’s life that much richer.  While SMA has had second generation campers and campers return as counselors, something new happened in the fall of 2010.  Five former campers found themselves at a small, private liberal arts college less than 10 miles from SMA in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania. 

Kim Amrod (Connecticut) ’12, Kelsey Miles (Huntingdon) ’14, Zane Stalberg (Pennsylvania) ‘14, Justin Wright (New Jersey) ’14, and Brianna Voth (California) ’14, all chose to attend Juniata College, in part, because of their experience at a small camp.  They were all looking for a unique set of characteristics in their higher education quest, but “small” was the key word.  We also have another SMA Alum, Ali Sanzo (Pittsburgh, PA) ’14 at Penn State University located in State College 20 miles north of Stone Mountain Adventures.

One of the many opportunities available to campers ages 15 and 16 at SMA is a college visit to Juniata College, just minutes away, and The Pennsylvania State University in nearby State College, about a 30 minute drive.  Even younger campers ages 12 to 14 can experience a trip to Juniata College via an activity like tennis or to PSU for the annual Arts Festival held in July.

“My experience at SMA definitely influenced my decision to go to Juniata.  When [the campers] went to see Juniata and Penn State they were actually the first two colleges I ever visited and it was because of SMA that I was able to have that experience,” Zane Stalberg commented. 

Kim Amrod, who helped keep the SMA office running smoothly in the summer of 2010, added, “I always knew I wanted a small school because of SMA’s small welcoming community.  It dawned on me, having previously gone to a large camp, that I enjoyed a small community atmosphere like SMA.  This translated to my decision to attend Juniata, which only has about 1500 students. “

While a small, rural college like Juniata is not for everyone and a campus of 44,000 is a big leap for others as well, according to our former campers, choosing the right campus for you can be challenging.  Justin Wright’s advice:  “Go to a college that fits what YOU want.  Don’t let parents or friends sway your decision.  It’s worked out great for me.” 

Kim Amrod, a 2010 Longstreth/NFHCA Division III All South Atlantic Region and Second Team All-Landmark Conference field hockey selection, added, “If I could give any advice to SMA alums or current campers struggling to make the ‘big decision,’ it would be to trust your gut.  That is what I did and I am very happy here in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.”

When asked about advice to give prospective students, Kelsey Miles, a former camper, Juniata swimmer and current assistant in the barn, said, “I was dead set on attending PSU or Pitt until I visited JC.  I immediately felt at home and could picture myself going here.  Now, thinking back on it, it was the best decision I have made.”

Regardless of where any SMA veteran lands beyond his or her camp years, one thing remains true – at SMA, you are always family.  Brianna Voth, a five-year camper, reflected, “SMA is always a home away from home for me and being at Juniata makes it that much sweeter.  I know I can visit anytime I want and it doesn’t matter how far away my mom is.” 

We also have another SMA alum at Penn State University over Pine Grove Mountain in State College which differs from Juniata in many ways including that is has over 40,000 students.  Ali Sanzo says that her time at SMA helped her feel comfortable in this area.  Ali  commented  “I’ve been in love with central Pennsylvania since the day I first came to SMA.  Also, all the trips we made to State College helped me feel particularly comfortable with the area, making my college move in feel more like I was moving back home.  I visited Juniata & PSU with SMA and I know it was the right choice for me.  Ever since the first grade, I attended a very small school in my town. I knew more than half of my grade for twelve years and decided I wanted to go someplace much bigger and have that different experience.

Note:  Juniata College has offered SMA an invaluable resource as well – counselors.  Brett Basom, Director of Enrollment Relations and International Admissions at the college, is a 1985 graduate and worked as a counselor at SMA in the summer of 1984 & 1985.  Other Juniata grads who donned ‘bunk junk’ and experienced a summer of silliness:

Paul “Dunk” Dunklebarger, Current Juniata Student, SMA – 07,08,09
            -Brenton “Sutt” Mitchell, Juniata Alum, SMA – 06,07,09
            -Ben Gibboney – Football Coach, SMA – 05,06,07
            -Justin “Army” Armbruster, Juniata Alum, SMA -08
            -Kira Troutman, Juniata Alum SMA – 04,05
            -Chris “Pud” Collier – Football Coach, SMA 1988
            -Will Thompson, Juniata Alum, SMA -1984, 1985
            -Brett Bassom  – Director of Amissions, SMA 1984,1985

Penn State University has also been good to SMA over the years.  The following veteran SMA staff are connected to PSU.

San Anchord ‘05

Lance Riddle ‘90

Leslie Slowikowski ‘03-‘06

Jim Shaw ‘07

Valerie Alexander (Black) ‘98

Kelly Christie ‘07

Tracy Norman ‘07

Danielle Davis ‘09

Shelly Lasczynski ‘03

Melissa Maiuro ‘10

Nate Stunkard ‘10

If we forgot anyone please accept our apologies and e-mail to let us know info@sma-summers.com

What is the SMA Service Learning Program?

Choosing to participate in the SMA Service Learning Program is a commitment to yourself, to others and to your ability to shape the future. Get your hands dirty.  Meet a new friend.  Learn more about the natural environment.  Build cages for Golden Eagles at the Shavers Creek Environmental Center.  Assist with watershed rehabilitation with the Clearwater Conservancy.  Help a disabled older couple paint their home.   SMA Service Learning Projects are carefully chosen to ensure quality – we only go where help is wanted.  It is a helping hand, not a handout.  Our projects are designed to work with local volunteers and deserving people.  The work can be challenging, but the rewards are great as we work as a team and give back to the community. 

Who can participate in the SMA Service Learning Program?

The program is open to all campers at SMA, however, priority will be given to Super Campers who will have the opportunity to take a leadership role on projects.  When Service Learning is offered during the week, it will be one of the seven activities for campers to choose from that activity time.  Campers who are excited about this opportunity will sign up every time it’s offered while others will only do service projects on Saturday afternoons.  Our goal is to provide campers with as many opportunities as they want to create positive change in the community and in themselves.

What is the SMA Flagship Summer Project?

Each spring directors and staff at Stone Mountain Adventures will work to create a meaningful project that will impact the surrounding communities.  The actual project will differ each summer and, at its core, the Flagship Project will have the following similarities:

• An ongoing summer project that every session will work on.
• The project will always take campers into the surrounding community.  

How did the SMA Summer Program begin?

To help develop this program we called on the help of SMA (est. 1983) founders Pam & Biff Houldin, who in 1989 founded Global Works which offers international service based programs for high school students.  They continue to serve their local community and others abroad.  “It is a dream to have Stone Mountain Adventures help develop the passion for local community service. Campers get as much out of helping others as the recipients,” says Biff.  “Service learning is a life long journey.”

How many Service Hours can I earn each Session?

Campers can sign up for up to two service learning activities each week in addition to the Saturday afternoon Service Activities.

• Session 1 (SMA1) -  27 Hours
• Session 2 (SMA2) -  18 Hours
• Session 3 (SMA3) -  18 Hours
• Session 4 (SMA4) – 36 Hours
• Session 5 (SMA5) – 45 Hours
• Session  7 (SMA7) – 63 Hours

Community Service needs to be ethically responsible.  SMA will evaluate all of its projects to ensure our hard work is going to deserving causes.

 WSMA

 The “Radio DJ’s” activity will be offered during morning activity which is a 3 hour block of time.  Campers will spend  the first 45 minutes planning the radio show.  They will then record a 2 Hour Radio Show that will be re-played that night during the Power Hour of Freedom, Dinner & Crew.  The show will be played over our new closed circuit, in-house speaker PA system.  This will allow everyone in camp to hear the show.

 The format for the show will include:

- Campers DJ’s creating a “playlist” from ipod

-Campers syncing the radio show to evening time schedule creating a soundtrack for Power Hour, Dinner, & the Party Wash in the Kitchen!

- SMA news including: the dinner menu, tomorrows activity, details about the evening activity & other fun updated from life at SMA!

WSMA is the brainchild of Director Jud Millar.  “Music is such a big part of life at SMA each summer, kids love to play “DJ” in the vans with their ipods on road trips.  By creating an Camp Radio Station I really felt like this would be a great way for campers to express themselves through music & share it with our camp community.”  Exact location of the WSMA Radio Station is yet to be determined.

This first week of activities had it all! Rock climbers were kissing carabineers, wakemasters were clearing the wake, horsemasters and bikers were out on the trail, and everyone was going swimming in the lake.  In the evening everyone got a taste of crazy “Jud games” and they were a big hit! Besides Jud games, the kids  have had a campfire and invention convention for their evening activities. The campfire was one of my favorite evenings of course due to the kid’s eagerness to dress in bunk junk and perform skits. Two overnights went out this past week: waterskiing and canoeing. Both were huge successes and the campers came back pretty exhausted but very happy for their experience.  Stone Mountain also went disco rollerskating in State College last night! Nothing beats dancing while skating to good tunes in good company. Everyone was very exhausted after last night and got to sleep in today before bunk clean out!

Sleeping in late, reading a paper and chowing down on a donut and bagle in the morning…ahhh Sunday mornings! Clean bunks, staff skits, bunk skits and a day out at the lake, what could be better? The kids and counselors headed out to the lake right after lunch and I hear the laughs/giggles and vans are starting to pile in now from our all camp day. I heard some great games of ultimate frisbee were played and a delicious barbeque was served. In a little while, kids will be split into small groups and meet for a candle ceremony to discuss their high and low points of the week (but mostly highs of course!). SMA has so much to look forward to in the upcoming week and I can’t believe in seven days this summer will be coming to a close. But enough talk about goodbyes, because tomorrow two more overnights head out to the camp grounds and white water rafting is on the 11^th!!!!

…Time to round up the kids and have evening meeting on this gorgeous Sunday!

Last night was the SMA Carnival with live music from our SMA Band. The band played quite a selection of music and caught everyone’s attention with their enthusiasm and passionate singing. Kids enjoyed winning prizes and playing the carnival games. The ring toss, blackjack and the soccer kick were quite popular. We finished the evening off last night with the SMA Dating game. It’s always nice sending happy campers off to bed after having a good laugh! 

Today unfortunately is the last day of regular activities for 2^nd Session, but the campers are going out with a bang! A few are off canoeing, some are scattered playing touch rugby, and others are out on the boat hitting the lake.  Campers are even tackling the 1000 step hike today for one last hoo-rah! As the evening winds down, campers are scrambling to finish prepping for their acts for tonight’s Talent show! I’ve heard a few rumors that some acts should be real jaw-droppers, and I anxiously await tonight’s performances. Tomorrow everybody will start packing,  perform one last skit for bunk clean out, and then head out to the lake for Crew Olympics! One last candle ceremony is in store and of course the final Slideshow presentation in the barn to close out the night. These campers were such a blast to be around, and they truly make me love every second of my job. 

3^rd Session will be here before we know it….. 

Warm Hugs

Jud & Anne

 While Session 1 has come to a close and all are missing the familiar faces, it is so exciting that the new campers for Second Session have finally arrived! This first week was full of craziness and adventure. The campers have finally settled into their cabins. Top and bottom bunks have been claimed. Trunks are all unpacked, and laundry is already starting to build up.

Today we took a little time out of our day to clean and shape up our cabins. Even though it has only been a week, it still can get pretty messy with towels and clothes tossed around. The Staff performed their skit, and all the perspective bunks put on a show as well. Great minds come up with great ideas! Just as with Invention Convention that took place this past Thursday, the kids are very creative and imaginative to say the least!

Morning and afternoon activities are in full motion. Horsemasters and Wakemasters have set their goals for the summer, and many are determined to claim a SMAM water bottle at the end of the session. Ultimate Frisbee games have already been pretty intense, especially in this heat! Cooling off in the lake is always everyone’s favorite activity however. Two overnights went out this past week: canoeing and waterskiing. All the campers gave two thumbs up on their experience, and claimed it to be the best overnights yet! Rock climbers have hit the rocks already, and the basketball court has been receiving a lot of action. This session is just full of active campers!

Besides Invention Convention, there have been several other exciting evening activities. Rollerskating was last night, and the whole camp had a blast dancing on skates to some good oldies! Tomorrow everyone is preparing for the big SMA Dance! We are all keeping on our boogie shoes for that. Monday morning Stone Mountain heads to the Yough to tackle Dimple Rock and class III rapids. I am sure we will all be sleeping soundly in the upcoming nights. Check back for next weeks update!

Cheers

Jud & Anne and the entire SMA Family

The SMA carnival with LIVE music from our very own camp band was a few nights ago. Games were played, prizes were won, and the music was jammin’! We just couldn’t get enough music and dancing! The crew olympics was this evening! GO CRUSADERS! All the crews worked hard to complete all chores and task; thanks guys for contributing to the farm!

Week three went by in a flash! Everybody is down gathered in the barn watching the end of the session slideshow, and now its time to do one last big candle ceremony. So many great friendships were made and fears conquered and obstacles tackled, it makes me proud to be a part of these young teens lives. Thanks for all the memories Session 1 2010! And remember, it’s never goodbye…it’s simply see ya later

Hugs and Kisses from the SMA Farm

Can you believe that it is already time for this session to go white water raftering? Tomorrow SMA hits the class III rapids of the Youghiogheny River for a seven mile white water rollercoaster ride! If Hershey Park wasn’t enough excitement, this trip has the campers psyched for an entire day adventure that they will never forget. Teamwork, determination, and positive attitudes make nicely for a successful fun rafting team. SMA is early to rise tomorrow to hit the road early for our big adventure.

Today we all headed out to Raystown Lake for the big weekly camp barbeque. Relaxing and just sitting outside all day tossing a frisbee or kicking around a soccer ball is all in good fun. And of course swimming is always on the list to keep cool! Tonight the kids have their last small group session of candle meetings before the final candle ceremony that includes the entire camp. It always sparks laughter reminiscing on the week’s events.

There are plenty of high’s to share from Week Two. Last night was the Stone Mountain Adventure Dance! Everyone got their boogie on and dressed accordingly to the theme: Rainbow. Streamers, disco lights and other festive decorations topped the night off as the kids really showed off their best dance moves. All the counselors and I got a small preview to the camper’s dance moves at Disco Bowling earlier in the week. The camp all dressed in bunk junk set out to knock down some pins. Everybody had a great time and the night was full of laughter and intense singalongs. They needed to warm up their vocals for karaoke night! All the karaoke groups performed marvelous renditions of some classic rock and new jams. The dance choreography was flawless, a few high notes were hit and plenty of nerves were conquered. It was a blast!

Week Two was jam packed with more fun-filled activities. Windsurf sail, tennis, rock climbing, biking, art n’craft, horseback riding and other activities closed out the week’s agenda. Berry picking, another very popular activity this session, was also offered for the whole camp’s enjoyment. The camper’s pick the berries and hand them off to our fabulous cook Diane who then makes her famous homemade berry cobbler. All in a good days work! Two more overnights headed out this past week and great stories were shared on their return. The mountain biking overnight was a huge success; even for some who had some minor slips and falls on the trail. All the bikers showed their true colors and finished in good spirit! The waterski overnight was also huge victory for some campers who stood up for the first time on the wakeboard. What a great feeling and what a great achievement!

Even though week two has seem to blown past us here at the farm, we still have one amazing week left, and it will not go to waste. The SMA dating game and talent show are in the near future, and I already hear whispers among the campers of big plans for both shows. I expect great talents to be shown in the upcoming days because these kids really are something else. Check back for one last update for SMA Session 1 2010!

Warm hugs from the Stone Mountain Adventure Family