Bushfire Camps

Cottage by the Sea now offers five different camp programs, ranging from respite camps to ongoing, three-year programs. Download an overview of all our camp programs.

Aims of the Bushfire Camps

Cottage by the Sea aims to assist families who:

• are suffering fractured relationships caused by this event
• have children from multi sibling family groups living in cramped quarters due to loss of housing
• are experiencing short-term crisis from this event, i.e. loss of schools, halls and other community housing
• need respite while rebuilding their homes
• are suffering boredom through having suffered the loss of local community resources
• have lost loved ones including neighbours, pets, native animals and birds as well as farm stock

Purpose and Scope

Our plan is to offer 3 types of camps to address the needs of the children who have suffered from the bushfires. The camps will be designed differently to cater for the children who:

• Are living in areas where the normal activities of children have been severely curtailed. These camps will be focused primarily on having a fun holiday by the sea, although the Cottage staff will ensure sensitivity and adequate care in light of the recent experiences of children.
• Have been traumatised. These camps will be structured in a way that provides social and emotional support, as well as having fun. For instance, the number of staff will be minimised to ensure continuity of care, family members and local support workers will be encouraged to accompany children, circle work activities will encourage children to share their feelings and the Cottage will have access to counselling services as required.
• Have been displaced and will be returning to their communities at a future time.

Many of these children will have been separated from other members of their community. The Cottage will offer camps that aim to help rebuild friendships and a sense of belonging. These camps will be offered in the future as communities begin to rebuild and families begin to return to some of the worst affected areas.