Memorable moments by the sea 

Birds are chirping as sunlight streams through the Cottage yard overlooking the sea. Children are dispersed throughout the outdoor space – some are playing basketball, while others are digging for treasure in the sandpit and enjoying a round of tennis as waves crash in the background. A young boy carries cricket stumps and bats onto the grass in preparation for some backyard cricket.

The scent of sunscreen mixed with saltwater emanates through the yard as children run past, leaping from one activity to the next. The sounds of the participants’ chitchat, laughter and claps of encouragement for each other fill the air.

This week’s Take a Break program is with 57 Grade 5 and 6 students from Ararat Primary School. This is the first time this school has visited Cottage by the Sea – the beach is a stark contrast to their home at the foothills of the Grampians.

Fun in the waves

Today’s spring weather is perfect for activities by the sea. The wind is offshore, the sun is out and it’s forecasted to reach 31°C. “The perfect waves for boogie-boarding,” visiting teacher Claire says, who is also wearing a wetsuit to get in the water with the children. Boogie-boards are slung over the participants’ shoulders as they walk down to the beach through Cottage’s colourful back gate.

Down by the water’s edge, the children run into the waves in excitement, squealing in delight. Only a few of these children have been boogie-boarding before, making the experience even more memorable. “It’s one thing to get these kids to the beach, but another thing to get them in the water for activities like boogie-boarding,” Claire explains.

Claire and fellow visiting teacher Lou approach the water with just as much enthusiasm as the children, sharing in the joy of the experience. “Good girl!” Lou claps in encouragement as a child catches a wave, gliding across ocean.

“This is SO fun! Boogie-boarding is SO fun!” exclaims a boy to his friend as they ride a wave together. Each participant runs eagerly back into the water, ready to do it all over again. “Good job guys!” Claire calls to a few boys as they ride a party wave into the shore. “Oh my gosh, this is so fun!” one of the children adds.

While standing in the shallows watching the children as they eagerly await their teacher’s return into the waves, Claire reflects on the week: “They’ve been incredible. They are great kids already, but we haven’t had any behavioural issues this week. The kids are giving everything a go. Every child has taken to the Cottage staff so well, too.”

An unforgettable experience

The day before, an everyday walk on the beach turned into an exciting marine encounter. “We saw dolphins as we were walking on the beach yesterday!” Claire exclaims, which serendipitously preceded an exciting, unforgettable moment down by the sea again.

As the children are boogie-boarding this morning, a pod of dolphins emerge from the water on their journey from Queenscliff to Point Lonsdale. They’re playful, sprightly – jumping out of the water and getting close to the shore. A seal even joins in on the fun, playing in the shallows with the dolphins.

The creatures take their time on their journey west – jumping, diving, playing. It’s as if they know the significance of this sighting for the children, allowing them to slow down and take in the magic of the moment as it unfolds.  

The shrieks of excitement every time the children spot the dolphins jumping echoes along the stretch of coastline – a special moment for everyone to witness. This is a remarkable encounter we just can’t predict on a Cottage program – a treasured memory for the children to take home with them.

On the final day of the program, the participants reflected on this special week by the sea. Boogie-boarding was a highlight for many of the children: “I liked the boogie-boarding because I like to try new things, and this is a first time for me.” As another child shared, “I liked boogie-boarding the best! It was so much fun letting the waves carry you. I may have gone flying through the water a few times, but it just added to the experience!”

When contemplating what they learned during the program, a participant noted persistence: “If you can’t do this one thing, keep trying then you will get it.” Another participant shared the importance of having a go: “This week at Cottage by the Sea, I learned that being a talented student doesn’t mean everything, but being keen to have a go.”

One child found their happy place by the sea: “I had never gone to the beach before. Watching the sunrise and seeing all the beautiful waves was so calming… definitely my favourite place!” Another participant appreciated the uniqueness of this program: “My time at Cottage by the Sea made me feel adventurous and happy – it was an experience like no other.”

The teachers also shared some meaningful reflections: “I noticed students displaying resilience during their activities. They all outlasted me in the water and there was no resistance to any activity. All participants were enthusiastic,” visiting teacher Nicola shared. “It was lovely for students to experience something new. For some students, it was the first time they had been to the beach,” visiting teacher Luke added.   

“I have absolutely loved this camp. On many levels, it has been a very positive experience. Loved the activities. Loved the staff. Best school camp I’ve been on. I also loved the crochet and knitted items for the kids to keep. Some of these kids would not even have a beanie, so to get a handmade one is very special,” Lou shared.   

Between riding waves, spotting dolphins and forging friendships, these children returned home carrying the joy of new experiences, meaningful connections and special memories from their time by the sea.