Making mess is part of the fun
July 02, 2026
Most children enjoy a chance to make a mess and have some fun. And it’s even better when they don’t have to worry about cleaning up afterwards!
For children attending Cottage by the Sea, a simple game of Dye Dodgeball in the backyard provides opportunities for lots of fun and mess. Importantly, it also helps program staff prepare the children for activities they’ll experience at the beach.
Preparation begins when the children are fitted for wetsuits. For many it’s their first time and they need patience and sometimes help from others to squeeze in.
Once fitted, the children become human targets for the wet, coloured sponges being launched by our program staff. There are always squeals of laughter, even when it’s a chilly day.
For the children from Rokewood Primary School, their game of Dye Dodgeball was the perfect warm-up for their boogie boarding adventure. After a safety briefing and demonstration on how to ride the board, everyone was ready to go.
There were lots of waves caught, lots of cheers and a few tumbles. Everyone had an amazing time!
In their feedback surveys, many of the children named boogie boarding as the thing they liked the most during their stay.
