Today we’d like to introduce you to Noah Arnold.
Hi Noah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The Origin Story of Camp Arnold Skate Church
While living in California, Noah Arnold was a full-time public school teacher, known to his students simply as “Mr. Arnold.” In 2019, he was honored as Teacher of the Year, but in 2020 he was unexpectedly laid off. During that season, Noah began to sense that God was calling him to something more.
As a lifelong skateboarder, Noah felt a deep burden to share the Gospel of Jesus with the skateboard community, a culture he knew and loved. God placed a calling on his life to meet skateboarders where they already gather: the skatepark.
Stepping outside of his comfort zone, Noah moved to Texas, leaving behind the stability of teaching to pursue the vision of Camp Arnold Skate Church.
Growing up, Noah didn’t have a church or youth group that shaped his faith, but he did have summer camp. It was at summer camp where he encountered Jesus in a real and life-changing way. That experience stayed with him.
As Noah stepped into this new calling, he realized he was uniquely equipped to bring together two worlds that shaped his life: the life-changing impact of summer camp and the mentorship and leadership he practiced daily as “Mr. Arnold” in the public schools. Camp Arnold Skate Church was born out of that vision, creating a place where young people could build relationships, grow in faith, and encounter Jesus in an authentic way.
Tired of seeing faith talked about but rarely lived out, Noah decided it was time to put faith into action. He began showing up at skateparks, building relationships, sharing the Gospel, praying with kids, and opening the Bible right there in the skate community.
What started as simple gatherings at the skatepark has grown into something incredible.
Just three years later, Camp Arnold Skate Church is reaching over 100 kids every week, with lives being transformed through mentorship, discipleship, and the message of Jesus.
Today, Noah travels and speaks across the country, sharing the story and vision of Skate Church while continuing to expand the ministry throughout Texas and beyond, raising up leaders from within the skateboard culture to share their faith and impact the next generation.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all, and honestly, that’s where the growth has happened. There have been seasons of low turnout, financial uncertainty, burnout, and moments where we questioned if what we were doing was really making an impact. Balancing life, family, and ministry hasn’t always been easy either. But through every challenge, we’ve seen God show up in powerful ways. Those struggles have built perseverance, deepened our faith, and reminded us that it’s not about perfection, it’s about obedience. And every time we see a life changed at the skate park, it makes every obstacle worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I started my career in education with a deep passion for investing in the next generation. I had the opportunity to work closely with students, build meaningful relationships, and create an environment where kids felt seen, valued, and challenged to grow. By God’s grace, that work was recognized when I was honored as Teacher of the Year, a moment I’ll always be grateful for. But not long after, I experienced the unexpected reality of being laid off the very next year.
That season forced me to wrestle with my identity and calling. It became clear that my purpose wasn’t tied to a position, but to people. I made the decision to step away from the traditional classroom and take a leap of faith into full-time ministry risking stability to pursue what I truly felt called to do: reach and disciple youth through Skate Church.
Today, I specialize in relational ministry, meeting students where they are, especially in action sports culture, and creating spaces where they can encounter Jesus in a real and authentic way. I’m known for building trust, connecting with kids who might not step foot in a church, and helping raise up leaders who live out their faith.
What I’m most proud of isn’t an award, it’s the life change I get to witness week after week. Seeing students find purpose, hope, and identity in Christ is everything. What sets me apart is that I’ve lived both sides, I understand the structure of education and the freedom of ministry, and I use that to bridge the gap, reaching youth in places others often overlook.
How do you think about happiness?
My greatest joy comes from my family, my wife and our two daughters. They mean the world to me. Being a husband and a dad is the biggest blessing in my life, and nothing compares to the time we spend together, the laughs we share, and watching my girls grow into who God created them to be.
I also find a lot of joy just being present in the skate community, laughing with the kids, skating together, sharing stories, and building genuine relationships. It’s in those simple, real moments that trust is built and doors open for deeper conversations.
Why does that make me happy? Because I know it’s what I was created to do. There’s a deep fulfillment that comes from walking in your calling, serving others, and being part of something bigger than yourself. Seeing God move in people’s lives never gets old—and that’s what fuels me every day.
Pricing:
- Donations
- Monthly Givers
- Monthly Financial Partners
- Grants
- One Time Financial Gifts
Contact Info:
- Website: https://camparnold.com
- Instagram: @camparnoldskatechurch
- Facebook: @camparnoldskatechurch
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-arnold-6a411789/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/camparnoldskatechurch
Image Credits
Chris Wilkins
@wilkinsphotography
