WAVE WRITERS Program Commentary

By Caroline Coen
Special to the Cedar Street Times - July 31, 2020

The week of July 20th-24th, twenty-eight rising PGUSD fourth grade students participated online in the first ever session of the Wave Writers Program. Throughout the week, Wave Writers participants explored various forms of creative writing, from poetry to memoirs to short stories...Read More

As the 2020 WAVE Program Ebbs the WAVE WRITERS Program Flows

“Embrace the unexpected. Life is full of wonderful things just waiting to surprise you.” 

By Michelle Netzloff
Cedar Street Times - July 3, 2020

No truer words could be spoken about The WAVE Program in 2020. Brimming with plans for another blowout summer of fun, friendship and athletics, the now famous free activities camp for Pacific Grove youth suddenly found itself, along with the rest of the world, shuttered by the wildly unexpected reality of Covid-19...Read More

“thewaveprogram” of Pacific Grove (TWP)
Announces Cancellation of Summer 2020 summer program

The Board of Directors of “the wave program” of Pacific Grove have held out hope that we would be able to operate this summer. Our decision today (June 4) is that we are canceling this year’s 2020 program. The decision was based on the uncertainty of when Pacific Grove High School (PGHS) will be reopened for athletics, and the restrictions of social distancing that have been imposed on all summer recreation programs and camps.

TWP is about friends being together and participating in sports. Over the past 3 summers over 400 kids, including PGHS student/ athletes have gathered each July to celebrate athletics and activities that are offered by Pacific Grove High School.

“The Board of Directors of “thewaveprogram” have made this decision after serious consideration. The decision was made based on the information we have right now, this is the right decision” said Darryl Smith, Executive Director.

Smith also says the summer of 2021 TWP will be back in full strength led by the outstanding PGHS head coaches and teachers. Look to the website thewaveprogram.org in January to register for July, 2021.

This cancellation does NOT affect the Wave Writers program that will take place from July 20-24, for boys and girls going into 4th grade in the Fall of 2020. Registration is open and classes will be held online.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Darryl Smith, CEO of TWP at 408-960-5194.

Have a great summer and stay healthy and safe!!

Darryl Smith
CEO, “thewaveprogram”

What is the Wave Program?

The Wave Program is a two-week summer day camp for girls and boys ages 10, 11, and 12. 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. Our major components include:

The Wave Program is coming back in July 2018

● Instruction in athletic skills and fundamentals.
● Introduction to the arts in dance, art, and culinary classes.
● Discussions about general fitness, health, and nutrition.
● Swim Lessons.

We are committed to developing respect for self and others, highlighting the importance of sportsmanship, following the rules, and loyalty. We believe a strong work ethic is the foundation for success in life, and our staff model that idea. We emphasize character building and goal setting right along with sports fundamentals and fitness. And we just want them to have a blast with their friends for a couple of weeks before the pressures of the school year begin!

Who is the Wave Program for?

The Wave Program is for 10-, 11-, and 12-year-olds who reside in Pacific Grove and/or who attend Pacific Grove public schools: Forest Grove Elementary, Robert H. Down Elementary, or Pacific Grove Middle School. We target this age group for the following reasons.

Art class, taught by Matt Kelly, was a favorite of the first Wave Program in 2017.

“ . . . The age range of this program (10-12 years) is critical. By the time 12 is over and 13 begins, most kids disappear for another 7 or 8 years. They have to express their own individuality, they have to do their own searching and they break away from their families. So this is a pivotal point for parents to realize that this is their last crack. After that it’s just teachers, coaches, and peer pressure.”
–Peter Burwash, leadership expert and founder of Peter Burwash International

The middle school years can be tough for kids, and we want to provide a safe, fun place for them to make new friends, strengthen their existing bonds, and collaborate and compete in an accepting environment so that they can begin high school feeling connected and excited about the future. We offer a wide variety of sports and artistic pursuits in the hope that every child will discover something they love. We provide guidance for kids on the brink of the uncertainty of adolescence, in order to point them in the right direction.

We employ the teachers, coaches, and students of Pacific Grove High School and use the PGHS campus, so that our middle schoolers gain familiarity and maybe start that first day of high school more confidently, primed to learn and get involved. We provide an opportunity for kind, responsible, and motivated high school students to support and mentor their younger compatriots, thereby strengthening their own skills and connection to the community.

The Wave Program Teachers and 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 great leaders and they embrace their roles as motivators. These coaches and teachers are the backbone of the Wave Program. Click HERE to view The Wave Program Staff