The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

This was the largest Big Sandy Skate Jam celebration. Driving into town I was surprised by the size of the tent city. Yes, there were still skaters from all over the United States, and some other countries here in Big Sandy.

There were more younger kids participating this year, some incredible talented skaters. It was fun to see former Big Sandy residents coming home too.

I learned something watching this time around. When a skater did something everyone thought should be celebrated. They used their boards to pound the ground.

There were two nights of music and basically three days of skating. This year Jeff Ament added a new twist. He decided to encourage some youth board skaters from all around the state to Woodward West, a skateboard camp, in California. He present each with a bag big enough for a skate board. In it was three boards, some tools, and necessary equipment to finish making a board.

This year at the Big Sandy Skate Jam a women from Hays who has a child going to Woodward presented Jeff some bead work she had done for him, in honor of his efforts for the youth of Montana. She presented him a necklace, a pendant, and a guitar strap. Jeff was visible moved by her presentation.

Woodward has 200 scholarships each summer, and if you look at the schedule a new camp every week. This is a camp every boarder would love to go too. From their brochure:

"Woodward is one of the world's top training grounds for aspiring athletes of all ability levels. From summer camps and weekend getaways to competitions and specialty programs, Woodward West offers facilities and instruction for skateboarding, BMX, roller skate, scooter, parkour, and multisport."

"Woodward is known for world-class facilities and innovative environments focused on progression, safety, and fun. If you're looking to train or ride in some of the best parks in the world, this is where you want to be."

"Programs are focused on progression, perfected through decades of experience, Woodward's program instruction focuses on the progression of each athlete. We welcome athletes of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, to come work on their goals with our amazing staff."

"With energy, motivation, and determination, we will communicate in ways that will empower ourselves and others. We will strive for excellence in our sports, knowing that when we fall we must help each other to get back up again."

"They are committed to learning new skills every day, being kind to themselves and others, and serving as leaders to make Woodward safe, welcoming, and inclusive for us all."