Summer Skate Camps create a shared Skateboarding experience and sets you up safely for life!
Summer is coming up, and for parents in Pocatello, that usually means looking for ways to keep kids active and outdoors. This year, Deckadence Board Shoppe is partnering with the City of Pocatello to host the 2026 City Skate Camps at Optimist Skatepark.
If your rider has been interested in hitting the ramps but isn’t sure where to start, or if they’ve been stuck on the driveway and want to finally move into the park, these sessions are built for them.
Why This Matters to Me
I didn’t have a skateboard instructor when I was growing up. Like most of us back then, I learned everything the hard way—through trial, error, and plenty of avoidable slams. Looking back, I realize how much it would have meant to me to have the proper guidance. Having someone to show me the right way to move wouldn’t have just made me a better skater faster; it would have set me up for success much earlier, both on the board and in life.
Skateboarding has given me so much joy and focus over the years, and I feel a responsibility to pass that on. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a kid gain confidence on a board and start to excel. Our youth are the future of this community, and they deserve a safe, supportive environment where they can be themselves.
I know how important it is for kids to have positive, healthy outdoor activities. Skateboarding isn’t just a sport; it’s a tool for healthy outcomes and building resilience. By providing the structured instruction I wish I’d had, I’m hoping to give these riders a head start on a lifelong passion that has meant the world to me.
Why we focus on certified instruction
Most kids learn to skate through trial and error, which often leads to a few preventable slams and then the board sits in the garage. As the area’s only certified professional instructor, I use a structured curriculum that puts safety and technical basics first. We aren’t just “hanging out” at the park; we’re teaching students how to control their equipment and navigate the park environment correctly.
Which session fits your rider?
Deciding between beginner and intermediate can be tricky. Here is a quick breakdown of how we split the sessions:
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🟢 Beginner Fundamentals: This is for ages 8 and up who are “never-evers” or still feel wobbly. We cover the absolute basics: finding the right stance, pushing for power, steering, and—most importantly—how to stop safely.
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🟡 Intermediate Progression: This is for riders who can already roll and steer comfortably but feel stuck on flat ground. We move onto the ramps to teach kick-turns, how to ride transitions, and “park flow” so they can safely share the park with others.
Beyond the Board: Balance, Strength, and History
We don’t just teach kids how to stand on a piece of wood. Our curriculum is built around an approach that improves balance, core strength, and functional mobility—skills that carry over into every other sport they play.
We also believe that understanding the “why” is just as important as the “how.” During the week, we dive into:
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The History: Where skateboarding terminology actually comes from (and why we call things what we do).
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Trick Identification: We teach riders how to identify tricks based on our specific technical approach, helping them understand the mechanics of what they see in the park or on TV.
No Gear? No Problem.
One of the biggest hurdles for families is the cost of a good setup. We want to make sure everyone has a chance to try the sport on quality equipment.
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Loaner Gear: We provide professional-grade boards and pads for all campers to use during the week.
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The Shop Discount: Every camper is eligible for a special discount on a pro-grade complete skateboard at Deckadence after they sign up. This lets them start on our gear and then get their own proper setup to keep practicing after camp ends.
How to Register
Spots at Optimist Skatepark are limited and usually fill up fast once the weather stays warm.
Location: Optimist Skatepark, Pocatello Ages: 8 and UP
Register for City Skate Camps Here
If you have questions about gear or which level is right for your kid, stop by the shoppe downtown. We’re happy to help you get dialed in.