Info For Parents

FAQ for Parents

Parents, we know you want to make certain that your son/daughter has the most rewarding, enjoyable, and safe experience possible. To accomplish that, Spark the Wave has created an environment with the resources necessary to meet the participants’ needs and address issues that can affect the quality of their experiences. This section is meant to review the most commonly asked questions. If you have additional questions that are not addressed in the items below, we welcome your contacting us at info@sparkthewave.org or call 215-206-9432.

Spark the Wave is accredited by the American Camp Association

How Safe and Secure is Wave Week? Villanova is an exceptionally safe suburb of Philadelphia. We have an extensive Risk Management Plan that has been reviewed by our legal team and implemented by the entire staff. Our Security Committee works with local police and site officials to keep everyone safe and happy. In addition, Spark the Wave is fully insured, and we do everything in our power to decrease the risks at Wave Week.

Where is Wave Week being held? Wave Week is held at Villanova University, located just outside of Philadelphia. To learn more about the school, please go to www.villanova.edu.

What if there is a medical problem? The President of Spark the Wave is also a family practice physician. He will be present at Wave Week for the entire time that your daughter/son is with us. Yes, 24-7!

Will my 7th grader be with the 11th graders? We have 2 tracks at Wave Week: 7-9th grade and 10-11th grade. Your son/daughter will meet, do activities, share a room, and learn with other participants her/his age. The 2 tracks only meet for meals and large activities.
(Note: Final groupings will be based on the numbers and ages of applicants.)

You have a Day Camp and an Overnight option? Yes, you can chose which option best suits you. Day campers may arrive between 8 and 8:30 am and pick up is between 5:30 and 6 pm. Day campers will be served lunch but no other meals.

How much does Wave Week cost?
The cost depends in part on whether or not you’re a day or overnight student. Check the details here. We have scholarship opportunities too.

What about cell phones? The teens may bring a cell phone, but will be asked to turn it off during all trainings and meetings. Use of the camera phone option is strictly forbidden.

Can my son/daughter have visitors? We will have a visitor’s time set-aside during the week. You will receive information about Visitor Night after you apply. We discourage visitors at other times to ensure a smooth week for all the participants.

What type of screening does the staff go through? Each staff member goes through a rigorous application process and background check prior to Wave Week.

Does the staff really know what they are doing? Our staff has over 100 years of combined experience in running youth service trainings.

Who is in charge? We have a Director for Wave Week that is in charge of day-to-day operation of Wave Week. As a non-profit, we have a board of directors that is ultimately responsible for Wave Week. We have a number of high school and college students on our staff, but there are numerous adults on site at all times.

Where do we find the participants? Most of the teens will be from the mid-Atlantic area (Virginia and NY), but we have had student from as far away as Wisconsin and even Europe.

After you send in your application and are accepted to the program, you will receive an acceptance packet. In it you will find a checklist of what you need to bring to Wave Week, a contact information sheet, and a schedule for Wave Week.

To review the Wave Week rules click here.