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Jess
Jess

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A large outdoor half-pipe structure under a blue sky, with the text overlay "The Pros and Cons of being an Employee at... WOODWARD" in a yellow box.
An expansive outdoor skate park with various concrete ramps and bowls, set against a backdrop of green hills and a blue sky, with the caption "Pro: you get so much freedom!".
A collage showing an indoor skate park, a white t-shirt with "VANS OFF THE WALL WOODWARD / PA" text, and a Vans branded bus, with the caption "Con: zone coaching is borrringgg.".
An outdoor skate park illuminated at night by artificial lights, with a building in the background, under a dark sky, with the caption "Pro: there is no curfew! Staff seshes last till midnight ;)".
Three people walking away from the camera on a dirt path through a dense forest, with the caption "Pro: you meet new friends!".
A collage featuring an indoor skate park looking out to a house on a hill, and a crowd of people at an event, with the caption "Con: so much paperwork (background check, etc.).".
A split image showing a natural spring surrounded by trees on the left, and a person on a skateboard on a wooden ramp on the right, with the caption "Pro: fun things to do outside of camp!".
An open shoebox containing a pair of black and white high-top sneakers and a black t-shirt, with the caption "Pro: you get free stuff!".
A large Vans branded bus parked on an asphalt lot under a clear blue sky, with a building and trees in the background, and the caption "Con: there is a chance of food poisoning... (don't eat the lettuce.)".
An indoor skate park with a large half-pipe, looking out through a window to a rural landscape with hills and buildings under a blue sky, with the caption "Con: terrible wifi.".
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10

The BEST job in the WORLD!

If you haven’t heard of Camp Woodward it’s an action sports camp that originated from Woodward Pennsylvania. Although cheerleading and gymnastics was removed it’s now a safe haven for skaters, bmxers, scooter riders, and roller skaters to ride at. I was a camper at Woodward since 2019 and first became an employee in the summer of 2024. It’s honestly been a life changing experience working at the camp. Let me tell you why.

Freedom: Everyone has a different schedule. I did zone coaching (watching the parks to ensure that kids are safe). My shift started at 3pm and ended at 10pm; I had an hour break (6-7pm). So I had so much freedom, I was able to wake up on my own time, ride whenever, and drive to town for a bite to eat. If you were to be a counselor or instructor your time of freedom is different but it’s still very fun and rewarding.

Zone Coaching: Speaking of zone coaching lemme tell you how boring it is. If you’re assigned this job your task is watching a park for 6 hours… But, the cool thing here is that the majority of the parks you can ride while working. It’s allowed me to have some fun and kill time while on shift.

No Curfew: All campers are required to turn off their lights at 11:30pm. However, staff members don’t have to go to bed till… whenever! There were times that I would get to the cabin at 1am and I was still the first one in bed. People skate at the many parks till midnight or take a ride to the nearest Sheetz. It’s really nice.

Friends: Meeting friends at Woodward is the easiest part of the whole experience. Everyone is there doing similar things and sharing similar passions. It’s easy to connect with others and create memories along the way. I even made friends with campers. The more friends you make the more you’ll get to see the following year.

Paperwork: applying for the position was easy. But, the process to becoming a verified employee was a pain. I had to take so many courses (concussion, heat, how to work with children, etc.), get my fingers printed, fill out my i-9 form, and so much more. Everyone will say the same thing: it’s a pain in the a-.

Outside of Camp: Camp Woodward is in the middle of Pennsylvania. But, the state forests nearby have some hidden gems. One specific spot being Hairy Johns. It’s a natural spring and is the cleanest water you can drink. There’s also a small body of water that is great for polar plunging (water is VERY cold). There’s also small towns (Millheim being the nearest to camp) that has cute coffee shops, skate shops, and the laundry-mat. Woodward has teamed up with some of the shops in town to give staff members discounts (a list of places is shown in the employee lounge)!

Freebies: this specific week (week 8) was art in action and the skate brand, Vans, drove all the way from California to support! They gave all staff members a free pair of shoes as well as free merchandise throughout the week. You also get 30% off when you go to the camp store and skate shop.

Food: the cafeteria food has improved over the years, but it’s called cafeteria food for a reason. Some days it’s good and other days it’s terrible. The canteen has some good food, like the pizza, but has downgraded over the years. When it comes to the burger grill I strongly suggest you not eat the lettuce, it might give you food poisoning…

Wifi: since we’re in the middle of nowhere the wifi can be really dodgy. It’s all about finding the right place to get that signal.

Woodward
2024/8/4 Edited to

... Read moreCamp Woodward offers a remarkable working environment for those passionate about action sports. From the unconventional schedules that provide freedom to enjoy rides and local town adventures, to meaningful connections made with fellow staff and campers, the experience is enriching. The position of zone coaching, though sometimes tedious, allows for on-the-job enjoyment of the parks, making shifts pass more quickly. While staff members don’t have curfews, the camaraderie continues long after work hours, especially with opportunities for late-night skating and community bonding. Exploring surrounding nature, including natural springs and local shops, enhances the lifestyle. Discounts at nearby cafes and stores are perks of working there. Though the process of becoming a staff member involves considerable paperwork and certifications, it acts as an investment in personal and professional growth. The camp also provides opportunities for free merchandise, catering to the needs of the staff while maintaining a lively atmosphere. Enjoying good food can be hit or miss in the cafeteria; staff often navigate food options carefully for health safety. Lastly, while reliable WiFi might be a challenge in the rural setting, the overall experience teaches resilience and adaptability. Whether you’re considering joining as an employee or simply intrigued by camp life, working at Camp Woodward stands out as a unique adventure in the realm of action sports.