Please find below the answers to frequently asked questions about Cottage by the Sea.
Cottage by the Sea is a non-government, not-for-profit children’s charity that provides inspiration, fun and opportunities for young people in a positive, healthy, seaside environment. Our vision is that every child deserves a happy and a healthy life.
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.
Cottage by the Sea is located in Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia. It is 90 minutes from Melbourne and 30 minutes from Geelong.
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.
Our Programs Team assists schools and agencies with bookings. For more information, please email: info@cottagebythesea.com.au
Schools that score 999 or below on the ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) value.
Generally, there are up to 40 children in each program.
Take a Break programs 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.
Programs usually operate for 3 to 5 days, between Monday and Friday. Some specialty programs are longer and may go over weekends.
The children are supervised 24 hours a day by professional staff in our Programs Team. 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 Camp Leaders. All staff and volunteers have Working with Children Checks.
The children are kept active and occupied during the day and, depending on the weather, 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.
The costs of Cottage by the Sea programs vary depending on the length of the program, the number of participants and the specific needs of each group of children.
Some programs are funded through a specific grant or individual donor. Many programs are funded by money raised through a series of events over a period of time. Regular fundraising events include our Annual Fair, Giving Day, Golf Days and Race Days, which have support from our Patron and Ambassadors, Branches, The Rippers Club and volunteers. Anyone can donate to Cottage by the Sea anytime or help organise a fundraiser.