Camp diary: A week to remember
June 30, 2026
After every Cottage by the Sea program, participants return with stories full of adventure, friendship and moments that stay with them long after the program ends. This diary entry – written by one of St Thomas Aquinas student’s – captures the joy, wonder and excitement of discovering new places and trying new things that Cottage by the Sea offers.
Dear camp diary,
This was the best week ever! Who knew that only 45 minutes down the road there was a big beach adventure. On Monday we got on the bus to head to Queenscliff, and they even had a slide inside. I thought that was only at Maccas… but the food was way better than Maccas.
We got to go to so many beaches and do so many exciting things. We explored the Queenscliff marina where we saw the local stingrays and pelicans. We went boogie boarding at the beach that was just on our doorstep. We found crabs in the rockpools at Barwon Heads, and we got to visit the lighthouse at Point Lonsdale. Did you know that the size of the light inside the lighthouse is the same size as the ones we have at home!
I really loved my time at camp, and I can’t wait to go back one day. Maybe I will even work there and be like the cool camp leaders who helped us all week.
"I really loved my time at camp, and I can’t wait to go back one day. Maybe I will even work there and be like the cool camp leaders who helped us all week."
– Take a Break particpant
