Cultivating confidence for life
February 25, 2026
“We can’t teach the skills they learned at Cottage in a classroom,” shared a visiting teacher from rural Victoria during a recent Take a Break program.
Living hours away from the coast has meant some of these children have never seen the ocean before, let alone been on a boat charter. Fishing in the waters of Port Phillip Bay became one of the highlights of this program, but it required some children to step outside of their comfort zone.
“I’ve seen students challenge themselves, build stronger relationships, develop resilience and have so much fun. One student commented, ‘I was so scared on the boat, but I am so proud of myself for having a go’,” continued the teacher.
This student later reflected, “This week, I learned to be brave on the boat.”
Parents and teachers consistently report increased confidence in children after Cottage programs – the ripple effects of which extend far beyond the individual.
When a child returns home with enhanced self-belief, their family and friends experience this shift. When a child has greater engagement at school, their teacher and peers witness this growth. When a child becomes a young adult and carries these insights into their career and community, the whole society feels these benefits.
Confidence opens pathways to education, employment and a more fulfilling life.
