Woodward West: A camp for the next generation of action sports enthusiasts and pros | Feature Stories | pasadenaweekly.com

Woodward West serves hundreds of action sports enthusiasts each summer (Woodward West/Submitted)

For action sports lovers, Woodward West is a household name. Many beloved pro athletes in the skateboarding, BMX and scooter communities have either attended the camp as campers or as visiting pros. Situated in Tehachapi, California, Woodward West has offered a blend of high-energy activities and serene desert beauty for over two decades.

Now celebrating its 21st summer, Woodward West is part of the larger Woodward family, which began in 1970 in Centre Valley, Pennsylvania. Known as the epicenter of action sports, Woodward has long been a magnet for those passionate about action sports. The California location retains this legacy, combining top-notch facilities with a breathtaking natural setting.

Nestled in the mountains outside Mojave and Bakersfield, Woodward West starkly contrasts the urban skate parks many are accustomed to. Here, campers enjoy the iconic California high desert landscape, complete with Joshua trees and expansive views.

“It’s not your traditional camp with macaroni necklaces and bows and arrows,” explained Terence Stilin-Rooney, Woodward West’s general manager. “It’s action sports in a beautiful outdoor setting.”

Woodward West caters to campers ages 7 to 17 during the summer, with various programs available throughout the year for all ages, including family camps and adult programs. The camp offers a rich mix of activities that go beyond the primary sports of skateboarding, BMX and scooter riding. Most campers come three or four hours from the camp, which has hosted over 100 Pasadena campers for the past 10 years, and each year, there are at least a couple of campers from the area. This summer, the camp will host over 2,000 campers.

Campers at Woodward West hone their skills in skateboarding, scootering and BMX riding. (Woodward West/Submitted)

“We’ve got concrete skate parks, dirt courses, and even a pool for cooling off,” Stilin-Rooney explained. The camp experience is rounded out with traditional activities like arts and crafts, dodgeball and its Create-A-Skate program, where campers can design their own skateboards.

“One of the other beautiful things about our rec is that it’s constantly evolving. As long as I’ve been working with campers and children, I understood that you can make a plan, but sometimes you have to adapt,” Stilin-Rooney said. “We have a really amazing staff who work with our campers to find out what they’d like to do at camp. We’ve seen some activities grow from the campers and become camp favorites.”

The facilities at Woodward West are designed to keep campers entertained. There’s a theater for movie screenings and X-Games viewings, a bowling alley with a snack shack, and various recreational activities to fill the day.

“It’s about more than just riding all day,” Stilin-Rooney noted. “We pack the day with a variety of activities to keep everyone engaged and happy.”

One of the highlights of Woodward West is its VIP program, which brings professional athletes to the camp to interact with and inspire campers. These athletes are carefully chosen not just for their skills but for their ability to connect with and mentor young athletes.

“Woodward has always been a place where top athletes come to train and share their love of the sport,” Stilin-Rooney said. “Our VIPs might skate the park with the kids or even ask if they can join a session, making for some unforgettable experiences.”

Notable alumni of the camp include Jamie Foy, a prominent figure in skateboarding who started as a camper and now returns as a VIP. This connection between past and present campers creates an environment where young athletes can see firsthand the possibilities within their sport.

Woodward West prides itself on being accessible to all skill levels, from beginners to those aspiring to turn pro.

“We get a lot of questions about whether kids are good enough to come to Woodward,” Stilin-Rooney shared. “But we serve every type of rider, from those stepping on a board for the first time to the next generation of pros.”

This inclusive approach ensures every camper feels welcome and can find their place within the camp community.

Ultimately, Woodward West is about more than just action sports. It’s about building lifelong memories and connections.

“Campers bug their parents for 51 weeks of the year to come to spend the 52nd with us,” Stilin-Rooney laughed. “It’s a place where everyone, regardless of skill level, can come together and share their passion.”

As Woodward West looks to the future, it continues to evolve and expand its offerings, always with an eye toward creating the best possible experience for its campers. Whether through new facilities, exciting programs or the ongoing involvement of top athletes, Woodward West remains a cornerstone of the action sports community.

“One of the things that makes Woodward West special to me is the diversity of skills that you’ll find in our parks. While many of the pro athletes and more seasoned campers certainly get a lot of attention, many of our campers are in the beginner to intermediate range,” Stilin-Rooney said. “Woodward is a place for progression. We’ve created parks and curriculums that can help every camper work with their coach to push their skills to the next level. Anyone who wants to develop their skills in a fun and supportive environment will find something for them. It comes as no surprise that many of our staff and VIPs have spent time honing their skills at Woodward prior to their success — there’s no place like it.”

28400 Stallion Springs Drive, Tehachapi

661-822-7900, woodwardwest.com

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