Operation Purple® Teen Camp @ Spark the Wave
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, please feel free to contact our OPC Camp Director, Erica Elrod, at erica@sparkthewave.org or 919.608.5865.
Spark the Wave is accredited by the American Camp Association
How safe and secure is this camp? 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 our camps.
Where is the camp being held? It 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 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 camp: 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.)
How much does Wave Week cost?
If you are accepted, it is totally FREE to you!!!
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 camp.
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 Camp Director that is in charge of day-to-day operations. As a non-profit, we have a board of directors that is ultimately responsible for all of our programs. 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 to NY). After you apply and are accepted to the program, you will receive an acceptance letter. In it you will find a note that outlines what you need to know about camp. In that letter you will also be directed to the view the Acceptance Packet Documents (see below). STW is making every effort to Go Green. Thus, everything you need to know to get ready for camp will be found in those documents but we will not mail hard copies to you unless you request them.
Camp Acceptance Packet Documents (for those participants who have already registered)
- Camp Rules: So you know how we do things.
- Camp Contacts & Schedules: Emergency numbers and a brief schedule of the week.
- Acceptance Letter: A copy of the acceptance letter is here in case you lose it.
- STW Packing List (for residential campers only): Always good to know what to bring.
- Directions to and map of the Villanova campus: we don’t want you to get lost.