In this section we try to answer some of the frequently asked questions about Cottage By The Sea

A. Cottage by the Sea is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation that provides inspiration, fun and opportunities for disadvantaged young people in a positive, healthy, seaside environment. Our vision is that every child deserves a happy and a healthy life.

A. Cottage by the Sea is not affiliated with any religious organisation. Cottage is located next door to Santa Casa, which is a Catholic Retreat that once held children’s camps similar to those offered by Cottage.

A. Cottage is in Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia. It is 90 minutes from Melbourne and 30 minutes from Geelong.

A. Cottage by the Sea offers programs to children identified by schools or support agencies who may require the opportunity for a wide range of reasons. Children are usually referred by school welfare officers, welfare agencies, government health departments or council services. All referrals are checked with the child’s school before they are accepted.

A. Our Programs Team assists schools and agencies with bookings. Please email: [email protected]

Schools that score 999 or below on the ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) value.

A. Generally there are up to 40 children in each camp.

A. Take a Break camps are offered to primary school aged children. Children selected for the REEF program are in Grade 6 and participate in this program until the end of Year 7. Graduates of the REEF program are invited to participate in the Mentor program and continue in the program until they are 18 years old, so long as they are studying or in training.

A. Camps are usually from three to five days, between Monday and Friday. Some specialty camps are longer and may go over weekends.

A. The children are supervised 24 hours a day by professional staff. At night, staff members and teaching staff are on duty to take care of the children. All aquatic and adventure activities are run by fully qualified leaders. All staff and volunteers have Working with Children Checks.

A. The children are kept active and occupied during the day and, depending on the season, visit the beach and local tourist attractions. They experience numerous outdoor activities as well as indoor activities, along with rest and plentiful nutritious food. A strong emphasis is placed on co-operation, teamwork and respect for self, others and the environment.

A. Our camps cost just over  $22,000 for a group of approximately 40 children. The costs of camps vary depending on the specific needs of each group of children.

Some camps are funded through a specific grant or individual donor. Many camps are funded by money raised through a series of events over a period of time. Regular fundraising events include our Annual Fair, Golf Days and Race Days organised by our Ambassadors and Branches. Any one can donate to Cottage by the Sea anytime or help organise a fundraiser.

If you have any further questions or comments, we would love for you to contact us.

Would you like to help?

Last year, more than 1,400 children were inspired, had fun and accessed new opportunities through our children’s programs. As Cottage by the Sea programs receive no government funding, we rely on the generosity of corporate sponsors, individual donations and contributions.

If you would like to make a financial donation, please click here or call us on
03 5258 1663

Everything we do at Cottage
by the Sea reflects our values:

Respect


Adventure


Integrity


Belonging


Community