Finishing strong on the slopes
September 03, 2026
The Mount Bulla Snow Camp is a special milestone for our second-year REEF participants, giving many young people the opportunity to experience the snow and learn to snowboard for the very first time.
As part of Cottage by the Sea's REEF program, the camp encourages participants to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence and discover what they can achieve through perseverance and adventure.
This year's camp was made even more special, with four young people from our Mentor Program who joined the trip for the first time. Selected for their outstanding attendance across Cottage by the Sea programs and their demonstrated leadership qualities, these mentors played an important role in supporting and encouraging the Reefies throughout the week.
Their presence also highlighted the next step in the Cottage by the Sea journey, showcasing how REEF graduates can progress into the Mentor Program. Through this program, young people are encouraged to actively contribute to their school, community, home and Cottage by the Sea.
After a full week of learning to snowboard, the Reefies woke to beautiful sunshine for their final day on the mountain. With plenty of sore muscles well earned, the goal was to get everyone confidently using the chairlifts and make the most of every last minute on the slopes.
While there were some tentative first attempts loading and unloading from the chairlifts, confidence quickly grew. Before long, participants were tackling longer runs and putting into practice the skills they had worked so hard to develop throughout the week. The fears, falls and frustrations of the early days had been replaced with excitement, determination and a real sense of achievement.
By the final day, the growth in each participant was clear to see:
“I am so glad I did not give up after falling over a hundred times,” said Trey through one of the biggest smiles you are likely to see.
“I am so proud of myself for pushing through the pain and overcoming my sore knee,” said Leroy who had definitely caught the snowboarding bug.
Perhaps one of the most powerful reflections came from another participant, who recognised just how much they had achieved over the course of the week:
“Getting to overcome initial fear and constantly falling and wanting to give up, but then realising that if I kept trying, I could achieve little wins and eventually learnt a new sport that I would never have had the chance to do without being a part of REEF program.”
Getting to overcome initial fear and constantly falling and wanting to give up, but then realising that if I kept trying, I could achieve little wins and eventually learnt a new sport that I would never have had the chance to do without being a part of REEF program.”
REEF participant
These reflections capture exactly why the REEF program exists. Across two years, participants are supported to develop confidence, self-motivation, problem-solving skills and stronger connections with their peers, schools and communities. Snow camp challenged the Reefies physically and mentally, but it also showed them that persistence, courage and a willingness to keep trying can lead to growth.
As they completed their final runs, the Reefies left with more than just new snowboarding skills. They returned home with greater confidence, resilience and the knowledge that they can achieve more than they thought possible.