Research studies

Adventure has the potential to foster personal growth, particularly for children experiencing vulnerabilities. This paper reports on a study that investigated how adventure experiences provided by Cottage by the Sea’s programs serve as a pivotal point in helping children and young people experiencing vulnerability overcome challenges, build resilience, and cultivate hope for the future. The paper identifies three themes as turning points: trust, risk-taking, and hope. These themes illustrate how outdoor adventure experiences provide children and young people experiencing vulnerabilities with opportunities to rebuild trust, navigate challenges, and envision a more hopeful future. By analysing both the immediate and long-term impacts of Cottage programs, this study enhances our understanding of how outdoor adventure experiences can play a crucial role in supporting children’s and young people’s well-being and personal growth.

In 2023, Cottage by the Sea invited Deakin University to conduct further research following on from the report Cottage by the Sea: The Difference ‘Take a Break’ Makes (Paatsch et al., 2023). This new research project, The Impact of Cottage by the Sea: From Ripples to Waves, built on the previous report’s recommendations and findings and focused on evidencing the medium- to long-term impacts of Cottage by the Sea programs from the perspective of the alumni and parents of children and young people who attended Take a Break, REEF, and Mentor programs, as well as an ex-principal, an ex-Cottage by the Sea board member, a director of a charitable foundation, teachers, and leadership from schools who had attended the Take a Break program for many years. In addition, views were also sought from students and their teachers and school leaders who had recently participated in the Take a Break program for the first time. 

Findings from this research identified four broad themes in relation to the medium- to long-term impacts and opportunities offered by Cottage by the Sea: 

1. Fostering Fun and Enjoyment
2. Building Relationships
3. Providing a Safe Haven
4. (Re)Creating Happy Memories

In March 2023, Deakin University’s Strategic Research Centre in Education published The Difference ‘Take a Break’ Makes study. This research highlights the various ways in which the Take a Break program experiences offered by Cottage by the Sea can make a difference to the children who attend.

The study found that children develop five key attributes during the program:

• Increased confidence
• A sense of belonging
• Self-belief
• Caring dispositions
• Healthy mindset 

The social impact of Cottage by the Sea gives children a chance for a happier and healthier childhood, which adds value to the whole community. In July 2019, an independent study conducted by SVA Consulting and funded by the R. E. Ross Trust published the “Social Return on Investment” study.

This independent study found that increased confidence is the most valued outcome for children who participate in Cottage programs, according to children, parents and teachers. This confidence supports their access to new opportunities and inspires them to lead fulfilling lives.

This research highlights that Cottage by the Sea generates positive social value for children and young people, families, parents and carers, volunteers and the wider community. It was concluded that the social value created by Cottage by the Sea is around $3 dollars for every $1 invested.