2025 SUMMER CAMP
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN:
Register your child today! Click below
REGISTRATION FORM
TWP 2025 Summer Camp Begins in:
2025 WAVE SCHOLARSHIP
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN:
Apply for help for your child today! Click below
SCHOLARSHIP FORM
MathMates and WaveWriters Announcement for 2025
Attention Parents!
"thewaveprogram" of Pacific Grove is pleased to announce that two popular classes - MathMates and The WaveWriters will again be offered for FREE in 2025.
Registration is set for the beginning of April with the dates, times and location of each class to be announced at that time. Both programs are for kids entering 4th and 5th graders (Fall of the 2025 school year) who attend Forest Grove and Robert Down Elementary Schools or reside in Pacific Grove
The MathMATES, is a math enrichment program designed to expose rising 4th and 5th grade students to critical thinking skills and grade-level content that will expand their mathematical horizons. Founded under the premise that anyone can become good at math, MathMATES welcomes learners of all kinds and talent-levels.
This program offers students the opportunity to develop problem-solving skills through stimulating lessons, riddles, and puzzles.
The WaveWriters is a creative writing summer camp is being offered to rising 4th and 5th graders. This class will offer the kids the opportunity to write short stories, craft poetry and learn to express themselves in writing.
If you have any questions about the above programs, please contact Darryl Smith, Program Coordinator of "thewaveprogram". You can email Darryl at
We look forward to seeing your child this summer at one or both of these fun and creative classes.
The 9th Summer of The WAVE Program Starts July 7, 2025!
A Message from Our Founder
Over the past eight summers, The WAVE Program (TWWP) has become a cornerstone of the Pacific Grove Community. Its success is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Professional Head Coaches at Pacific grove High School (PGHS), as well as the invaluable contributions of PGHS student counselors, student-athlete volunteers, and community volunteers.
The primary goal of TWP remains to introduce the youth of Pacific Grove to the wide range of extracurricular activities offered by the Pacific Grove United School District. We recognize the immense value of engaging kids in sports and enrichment activities, which help to cultivate leadership, enhabce teamwork, foster confidence, improve academic performance, and contribute to a positive school and community culture.
Darryl Smith
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Brad Bogans (Baseball) and Darryl Smith talk to campers after lunch break
Darryl Smith - Executive Director and Co-Founder of TWP
Camp Dates, Times and Location!
- TWP is in session Monday through Thursday for two weeks. TWP will not be in session on Friday.
- Drop-off time is 8:30 a.m. each day of camp!
- Week #1: July 7-10, 2025 (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
- Week #2: July 14-17, 2025 (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
- Camp is held on the campus of PGHS
Last Year at TWP (2024 Camp):
- 411 kids (4th, 5th, 6th and 7th grade) participated!
- 20 diverse program activities
- Over 100 high school athletes volunteered!
- An estimated 40 Pacific Grove employees gave their time to working with the campers!
Requirements to attend The WAVE program:
- You must be entering 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th grade in the fall of 2025.
- You must attend Forest Grove or Robert Down Elementary, or Pacific Grove Middle School.
- Or, if you live in The PGUSD boundaries.
Water Polo at The WAVE Program during the summer of 2024
About The WAVE Program
Every Kid Can Attend The WAVE Program
- The registration for all kids includes a $125 donation per family. If you are going to make a donation, please do so at the time of registration. Thank you!
- All kids who attend PGUSD or live in those school boundaries can also register for a scholarship. If you apply for a scholarship, you will receive a scholarship.
Executive Director of TWP speaks with the parents on the final day of camp in 2024
What is The WAVE Program?
The WAVE Program is a two-week summer day camp for girls and boys going into 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th grade. We aim to provide an active, healthy, positive camp environment that sparks interest in team and individual sports and the arts electives offered at Pacific Grove High School.
Major Components of The WAVE Program:
- Instruction in athletic skills and fundamentals of sports offered
- Introduction to the arts in dance, art, and culinary classes
- Discussions about general fitness, health, nutrition
- Swim Lessons
- Robotics
- Math
- English
- Leadership
Boys learning dance under instructor Tatum Madrid
About TWP Scholarship Program:
If you cannot afford the $125 donation, you can apply for a SCHOLARSHIP for your child. No one will be turned away.
Because there is more to life and strong communities than revenue. Parents are working so hard in today’s world, and we want to help them with the immense job of growing good citizens. Raising kids is expensive! From the tee-shirts and poster boards needed for class projects, to the school buses that teachers must raise money for in order to take a field trip, everything carries a cost.
By making The WAVE Program available to all with a donation or through scholarship, we embrace the spirit of Pacific Grove, where we cherish a simpler way of life, and where “community” is not just a buzzword or marketing slogan but something most of us try to practice every day. Our camp is available to kids at EVERY socioeconomic level, so that those who thus far haven’t been exposed to expensive lessons and camps can have access to these activities along with their classmates from wealthier homes. It’s an investment in all our kids and in the future of Pacific Grove.
Campers learning the the finer points of volleyball in the PGHS Gym
Playing a game of Spikeball
WAVE Classes Returning Next Summer!
Math Mates & Wave Writer Registration Coming in Spring 2025
The registration for the popular Math mates and Wave Writers programs will take place at a later date during the Spring 2025! Stay tuned!
Robotics Coming Back to The WAVE Program in 2025!
TWP announces the return of Robotics to The WAVE Program for the summer of 2025 of activities. The program was run by Sandra Varajic and Heather Peterson in its first year (2024) and the kids all had FUN!
Sandra Varajic has been an educator for 18 years at the elementary, middle, high school and university levels. Most recently, she was the integration and innovation technology specialist at Woodward Academy in Atlanta, Georgia and is a Director of STEAM and Innovation at a local school. Sandra leads the development and implementation of STEAM and robotics programming at local schools, including PGUSD as a parent and volunteer. She is a board member part of three nonprofits that focus on equity, diversity and inclusion opportunities in STEAM and robotics.
She holds a BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Kennesaw State University in Atlanta and an M.Ed. in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment and a Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership from Walden University in Minnesota.
Sandra and her husband Admir live in Pacific Grove and have 3 children in the PGUSD school district - Tavi, Aila and Zain.
Heather Petersen has been an Operations Manager for a team at Compass, The One Group, in San Diego since 2019 and has enjoyed working virtually the last few years. Heather began her personal involvement with robotics as a parent volunteer with the Carlsbad Educational Foundation post COVID and found a need for more robotics and STEAM opportunities for students in San Diego. From there, Heather coached a 4th & 5th grade team to win the CORE Values award at their Regional Competition and was hired as the Robotics Site Coordinator with CEF. The love of robotics skill building, team energy and student collaboration continued with the move here to Monterey with her husband, Daniel; 2 sons, Ryder and Landon and their pup, Ace.
After volunteering with Sandra and the FG students in 2022, Heather volunteered and coached the PGMS, FG and RD school teams - 16 in all during the 2023-24 school year. After an incredible robotics season and 2 competitions, we are looking to keep the momentum going and offer robotics and STEAM programming at local schools, camps and collaborating with NPS to offer more student opportunities in STEAM and robotics. Heather holds a BS in Communications and Marketing from Old Dominion University in Virginia.
The Wave Program Teachers & Coaches
The Wave Program is a unique experience for the youth of Pacific Grove because it gives them the opportunity to meet, interact, and learn from the Coaches and Teachers that are Head Coaches and Teachers at Pacific Grove High School. These Teachers and Coaches are invested in this community and its student/athletes. Our coaches and teachers are instrumental leaders in motivating young people and helping them become self-starters. They teach self-discipline, good habits, and the value of setting goals. They are experts at creating expectations in a positive climate that our campers value. Our staff teaches with praise and encouragement. They are awesome leaders and they embrace their roles as motivators. These coaches and teachers are the backbone of the Wave Program.
Click HERE to view the staff that run thewaveprogram.
PGHS Basketball Coach Dan Power speaks to campers in the gym
Max Houston
Arts & Craft
Arthur Smith
Cheerleading
Aubrey Powers
Camp Coach
Mark Temple
Swimming
Pat o'Donnell
Wrestling
Jason Gonsalves
Lacrosse
Dan Powers
Boys Basketball
Mo Erickson
Culinary
Ken Ottmar
Games
Donna O'Donnell-Smith
Tennis
Amanda Anderson
Tennis/Track & Field
Brad Bogans
Baseball
Tatum Madrid
Dance
Cody Nordstrom
Soccer
Greg Enterline
Water Polo
Heather Peterson
Robotics
Bryce Gamble
Boxing
George Rios
Boxing
Jeff Gray
Football
Sal Lucido
Softball
Kyle Mountain
Volleyball
The WAVE Program Parent Information
DROP OFF: Drop off begins at 8:45 and PLEASE pick your camper no later than 3:45.
DROP OFF: We encourage kids to ride their bikes or walk with a friend or friends to TWP. If you will be dropping your child off, please do so at the PGHS parking lot on Sunset Drive.
GEAR: Each child will receive a backpack and camp t-shirts.
SWIMMING: You are responsible for an appropriate swimsuit, towel, and a plastic bag to place suit and towel in after swimming. There is a compartment in the backpack for this. Please bring your own goggles. We are trying not to share any equipment.
LUNCH: Please pack a lunch for your child, the kids will stay in their cohorts for lunch. Please bring your own water bottle.
BASEBALL/SOFTBALL: This activity is during Week 1, we encourage you to send a glove with your child.
Volunteer for Community Service Hours at TWP!
To volunteer at thewaveprogram of Pacific grove here is what you need to do.
1) You have to have completed your Freshman year at PGHS.all Freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible for Community service hours.
2) You need to play a sport at PGHS.
3) Contact the coach of the WAVE Sport you would like to volunteer for to see if they would like you to volunteer this summer.
The WAVE Program in Pictures (2024)
The eighth summer of The WAVE Program took place from July 8-18, 2024, on the campus of PGHS! Over 400 kids are attended the two-week, four-day camp. All campers are had a blast! Below are pictures of the 2024 camp.
The WAVE Program summer camp begins in the PGHS Gym
with a banner welcoming all campers!
Campers learn how to throw a punch on the PGHS tennis courts
Art is one of the favorite classes of TWP campers
under the direction of Max Houston
TWP campers enjoy time in the pool, taking lessons
Executive Director Darryl Smith has his morning meeting
with the group leaders and aides of
The WAVE Program before the start of the day
TWP girl campers work on their softball swing on the PGHS softball field
TWP campers holding a soccer scrimmage on the football field
Learning to cook in culinary class which is becoming a camp favorite too
Girls learning grappling techniques in wrestling
Looking to pass in a game of girl's flag football
PGHS basketball coach Dan Powers talks
about the fundamentals of the game
Hitting the tennis balls on court outside the PGHS Gym
Girls learning some dance moves from the PGHS Dance team
and leader Tatum Madrid
Parents of TWP campers pick up their kids after camp in the PGHS Gym
Ken Ottmar shows TWP campers how to play Kings in the Corner
during a games' session of camp
Campers run the 4x100 race on the PHGS track, complete with batons
Fielding practice on the PGHS baseball field
Campers eat their lunch with their group leader on the tennis courts
Girl campers kicking the soccer ball around in a scrimmage
Campers stop to talk to Brian O'Donnell on security patrol
The Wave Program Expectations
Participation
We want all kids to be involved with every activity, always, that’s what it is all about! At The Wave Program do the best you can EVERYDAY and have fun.
Committment
Be on time, learn, and give your best effort! We would like you to have 100 percent attendance!
Positive Attitude
A positive attitude is a little thing that can take you a long way. Be respectful, be kind, and be helpful. Your enthusiasm will make The Wave Program a great place to be. Please have the attitude of gratitude!
2025 Camp Activities
Basketball ● Baseball/Softball ● Boxing ● Volleyball ● Football ● Soccer ● Lacrosse ● Tennis ● Wrestling
Culinary ● Water Polo ● Track & Field ● Swim Lessons ● Games ● Dance ● Cheerleading ● Robotics