Woodward is a year-round training facility, not a public skate park
Woodward is a private sports facility that runs structured camps and programs for skateboarding, BMX, snowboarding, and other action sports. It is not a free public skate park where you show up and skate whenever you want. Instead, you pay to attend a camp session that lasts anywhere from a few days to several weeks, and you train under coaches during set hours.
Woodward operates multiple locations across the United States — the original in Woodward, Pennsylvania, plus facilities in Colorado, California, and other states. Each location has indoor and outdoor terrain: ramps, rails, bowls, and other obstacles designed for progression. The camps are structured by skill level, so beginners work separately from intermediate and advanced skaters.
If you are looking for a place to practice skateboarding with coaching and structured progression, Woodward is one option. If you are looking for a free place to skate on your own schedule, you need a public skate park instead.
Key Takeaways
- Woodward camps run for set dates and cost money — you register in advance for a specific session, not drop in whenever you want.
- Camps are organized by age and skill level, so you train with people at a similar stage and get coaching matched to your progress.
- Most sessions run during school breaks (summer, winter, spring) and last from three days to two weeks.
- You can attend as a day camper (arriving each morning) or residential camper (staying on-site), and residential costs more.
- Woodward also runs specialized programs like team training, college prep, and adult sessions outside the main camp calendar.
How camp sessions are organized and scheduled
Woodward publishes its camp calendar on its website, organized by location and season. Summer is the busiest time, with multiple one-week and two-week sessions running back-to-back from June through August. Winter and spring break sessions are shorter — typically three to five days — and fill the gaps around the school year.
Each session has an age range and a skill level. A typical breakdown might be "Ages 7–12, Beginner" or "Ages 13–17, Intermediate." You choose the session that matches your age and where you are in your skating. If you are not sure which level fits you, Woodward's website usually has descriptions of what each level covers — for example, beginners learn basic tricks and board control, while intermediate skaters work on consistency and combining tricks.
Registration opens months in advance, usually in January or February for summer camps. Popular sessions and locations fill up quickly, so registering early increases your chances of getting the dates and location you want. You pay the full camp fee when you register, not on the first day.
Day camp versus residential camp
Day camp means you arrive each morning, train for several hours, and go home in the afternoon. Residential camp means you sleep on-site in a dorm or cabin, eat meals provided by Woodward, and stay for the full duration of the session. Residential costs significantly more than day camp — sometimes double or more — but it includes lodging and food.
Day camp works well if you live close enough to the facility to drive or be dropped off each day. Residential camp is necessary if you live far away, and it also means you are immersed in the community for the full session — you train, eat, and socialize with other skaters, which many people find valuable for motivation and friendship.
Both options include coaching, access to the terrain, and meals or snacks during training hours. Residential also includes a place to sleep and evening activities. Check the camp page for your location to see which options are available for the session you are interested in.
What happens during a typical day at camp
A typical day starts with a group warm-up and safety briefing, usually 30 minutes to an hour. Then skaters break into smaller groups by skill level, and each group works with a coach on specific skills or tricks. Sessions usually run for two to three hours in the morning, then break for lunch.
Afternoon sessions are similar — another two to three hours of coached practice, often with a different focus than the morning. For example, the morning might be street skating and tricks, while the afternoon focuses on bowl riding or transitions. Toward the end of the day, there is often a group activity or friendly competition where skaters show what they have learned.
Coaches watch you skate, give feedback, spot you on tricks, and help you progress safely. They are experienced skaters themselves and understand how to teach progression — breaking tricks down into steps and building confidence. The goal is not to make you a pro in one week, but to move you forward from where you started.
What to bring and what is provided
You must bring your own skateboard, helmet, and protective gear (wrist guards, knee pads, elbow pads). Woodward requires helmets at all times on the terrain, and protective gear is strongly recommended, especially for beginners. If you do not have gear, some locations have rental equipment available, but it is usually cheaper to bring your own or buy it before camp.
Bring comfortable clothes you do not mind getting dirty, extra socks, and a water bottle. If you are attending day camp, bring a lunch or money to buy food, unless the camp includes meals. If you are attending residential camp, Woodward provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you do not need to bring food — just snacks if you want them.
Do not bring expensive items you cannot afford to lose or damage. Skate camps are active and social, and things get left behind or broken. Bring a small amount of spending money for the camp store or activities, but leave jewelry, extra cash, and electronics at home unless you need them for communication.
Cost and what affects the price
Camp fees vary by location, session length, and whether you choose day or residential. A typical one-week day camp costs somewhere in the range of $400 to $700, while a one-week residential camp costs $1,000 to $1,500 or more. Three-day sessions cost less; two-week sessions cost more. Prices change year to year and vary between locations, so check the specific camp page for current pricing.
Some sessions have early-bird discounts if you register before a certain date. Sibling discounts are sometimes available if multiple children from the same family attend. Woodward occasionally offers scholarship or financial information programs, particularly for underrepresented groups in skateboarding — check the website or contact the location directly to ask about these options.
The fee covers coaching, access to all terrain, and (for residential) lodging and meals. It does not include transportation to the facility, equipment rental, or items from the camp store. Plan your budget to include getting there and back, plus any gear you need to buy or rent beforehand.
How to register and what happens after
Registration happens online through Woodward's website. You choose your location, session, and camp type (day or residential), then create an account and enter payment information. You will also fill out a waiver and health form. After you register, you receive a confirmation email with details about what to bring, check-in times, and what to expect.
A few weeks before camp starts, Woodward usually sends more detailed information — parking instructions, meal times, what to pack, and sometimes a video tour of the facility. If you have questions before camp, you can contact the location directly by phone or email.
On the first day, you arrive at the time listed in your confirmation, check in at the office, and meet your group and coach. If you are residential, you drop off your bags at your dorm and get a tour. Then training begins. Most camps run Monday through Friday, with the last day being a showcase or friendly competition where friends and family can watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a good skater to go to Woodward?
No. Woodward has beginner sessions specifically for people who are new to skateboarding or still learning basics. You do not need to know how to do tricks — just be willing to learn and wear protective gear. Coaches teach progression from the ground up.
What if I get injured during camp?
Woodward has staff trained in first aid and can treat minor injuries on-site. For serious injuries, they have protocols to contact parents and seek medical care. You sign a waiver acknowledging the risks of skateboarding. Make sure your health insurance is current before attending, and tell the camp about any previous injuries or medical conditions during check-in.
Can I attend camp if I do not live near a Woodward location?
Yes — that is what residential camp is for. You stay on-site for the full session, so distance does not matter. Residential camp includes lodging and meals, so you only need to arrange transportation to the facility. Many families fly their kids to camp or drive several hours.
What if I want to attend camp but the session I want is full?
Check the waitlist option on the registration page. If a spot opens up, you will be notified. You can also look at other sessions — different weeks or locations sometimes have availability. Contact Woodward directly to ask about cancellations or alternative options.
Is Woodward only for skateboarding?
No. Woodward runs camps for BMX, snowboarding, skiing, and other action sports at different locations. The structure and cost are similar across sports. If you are interested in a different sport, check which Woodward location offers it and when.