A week of discovery by the sea for Ararat students 

For many students, spending time at the beach is a rare opportunity, making every moment by the ocean a chance for discovery, learning and personal growth. Throughout the week, they explored the Bellarine Peninsula, learnt about local marine ecosystems, discovered sea life through hands-on experiences, and challenged themselves through activities including boogie boarding and rock pooling. 

One of the most magical moments came during a swimming session when a pod of dolphins appeared just beyond the waves, delighting everyone who witnessed the encounter. At Queenscliff Marina, students searched for tiny ghost shrimp along the shoreline and watched giant stingrays glide gracefully beneath the water. During a visit to the Marine Discovery Centre, they had the opportunity to touch sea stars, abalones and shark eggs, sparking curiosity and excitement about the natural world. One student was so inspired they declared, “I want to become a Marine Biologist when I grow up!”

The week was filled with moments of growth and achievement. Students spoke proudly about learning how to boogie board, building teamwork skills and stepping outside their comfort zones. One child reflected, “Meeting new people isn’t actually that bad,” while another shared that their time at Cottage by the Sea made them feel “more confident and made me try new things.” Others described feeling “more adventurous” and valued the opportunity to make new friends and connect with children from neighbouring schools. 

When asked about their favourite part of camp, many children gave an enthusiastic and unanimous response: “BOOGEY BOARDING!!!!!!”. They also loved discovering sea creatures, visiting the Marine Discovery Centre and spotting wildlife throughout the week. One student summed up the experience perfectly, saying they loved “being in the sea and crashing on the waves” and seeing animals such as lobsters, seahorses and fish up close. 

Beyond the activities themselves, the camp provided opportunities for children to build confidence, resilience and social connections in a supportive, screen-free environment. Shared mealtimes gave students the chance to enjoy nutritious food together, connect with their peers and reflect on the day's experiences. The week was filled with wonder, discovery and creating memories the children will carry home long after camp ended. 

This camp was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Ararat community and the many donors, supporters and partners who believe every eligible* child in the region deserves the opportunity to take part in activities that may not otherwise be available to them.