RECREATION, EDUCATION, ENVIRONMENT, FRIENDSHIP
Listen to REEF campers talking about the program.
The REEF program offers programs or activities, either indoor or outdoor, which have an element of challenge, risk or adventure and an experiential focus as a means of achieving learning and enhancing self confidence. The program aims to assist young individuals in developing insight, knowledge and skills that transfer to their everyday lives, helping them through the difficult transitional years from primary to secondary schooling, keeping them connected to family and community and giving them control of their futures. Schools/areas are selected by CBTS and then expressions of interest are sought from students in the selected schools.
Graduates of the REEF program are given the opportunity to become part of the Mentor Program. They are also encouraged to develop their own leadership skills by acting as Young Ambassadors by speaking at public events and/or speaking with potential donors and supporters.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
Through the REEF program Cottage by the Sea works with children from disadvantaged backgrounds and raises their skills, confidence and expectations, thus improving their school attendance, which increases the probability of them remaining in an educational setting, remaining connected with home and community, and giving them greater opportunities and stronger control over their own futures.
OUTCOMES
- improved attitude and behaviour
- improved levels of self confidence
- increased social and interpersonal skills
- increased self reliance and motivation
- stronger collaborative approach to goal setting
- enhanced personal growth
- enhanced leadership skills
- greater community involvement
“I would like to thank you and all the crew at the Cottage for all the things you have done and all the support you have given to my daughter over the last 3 years in the REEF program. It has been a really good experience. She has learned a lot and is doing so well thank you so much for giving her the opportunity to come back and pass on all her experiences to the younger groups. It will do so much good for her and the younger campers and the kids here as well. She brings home the things she has learned and she is so much more confident and is becoming a very smart young lady. All this is all due to what you have all done for her. Again thank you and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope your camps in the coming years are as fruitful as they can be and I will be more than happy to assist to get my daughter to you anywhere I am needed to.”
