A total of 110 children, parents and volunteers spent an unforgettable November weekend deep in a New South Wales rainforest — and many still swear their hearts are somewhere between a kookaburra call and a slice of küpsisetort (cookie tart).
Hosted by the Gold Coast Estonian School and Playgroup — with enthusiastic reinforcements from Brisbane, Newcastle and New South Wales — the very first Gold Coast Estonian Family Camp unfolded from 7-9 November 2025. Think lush valley, wandering farm animals, walking trails… and limited phone reception. A paradise for children, and mildly confronting for adults who kept patting their pockets for phantom notifications.
With no city noise and no Wi-Fi to negotiate, families suddenly had space to breathe, connect and — most importantly — speak Estonian. By Sunday, several parents reported hearing more eesti keel from their kids than they usually manage in a month. And when it was time to say goodbye? Let’s just say the rainforest wasn’t the only thing dripping with moisture.
Learning, laughing, exploring
Children were grouped into teams across three age brackets (0–3, 4–8 and 9–15 years), each guided by tireless volunteers who deserve their own medals. Across the weekend, kids took part in a full Estonian-language program designed to spark curiosity and showcase culture.
The six-point adventure challenge sent teams racing (sometimes literally) through tasks such as:
- learning and performing Estonian songs
- crafting a traditional Estonian küpsisetort
- acting out Estonian pantomime
- matching spoken words with pictures and meanings
- solving puzzles and other creative challenges.
Everywhere you wandered, you could hear laughter, singing, new Estonian words being tested aloud, and small groups cheering each other on. Children and parents too were enjoying themselves, learning and connecting. Something magical happens when you combine good people, a rainforest, with Estonian language floating through the air like a soft lullaby.
The program woven with care
The program was beautifully curated — thoughtful, varied and clearly crafted with love.
Children created Estonian-themed posters, joined dance sessions led by accredited teacher Elen Ellervee, and even composed their own camp hymn. Older kids filmed mini-movies documenting their camp adventures, while the littlest ones thrived in a dedicated playgroup program.
Estonian music floated through the valley all weekend, gently nudging kids (and adults) into speaking more Estonian than they do in their everyday Australian lives.
Elen captured the feeling perfectly:
“The Gold Coast Family Camp turned out to be a special, heart-warming and memorable event. It felt like a small oasis of Estonian language and culture tucked between the Australian mountains. Throughout the camp there was a friendly and engaging atmosphere — children’s laughter and Estonian music could be heard everywhere, and the activities brought childhood memories back to life. There was black bread on the table and the children made küpsisetort — what more could one wish for? A deep bow to the organisers, and I hope this becomes an annual tradition.”
Finding Estonia on a rainforest trail
On the final morning, families — from brave toddlers to tall teenagers — set out on a rainforest hike. There was a waterfall to spot, steep paths to conquer and small hands reaching for bigger ones. For many, that earthy, unhurried moment became the highlight of the entire weekend.
The kids tell it best
Sophie, 14: “The games and activities were really fun… I made so many great memories — I would 100% come back.”
Rayden, 6: “I loved playing with friends… the waterfall walk was a bit hard but fun! I would definitely come again and bring my dad!”
Lola, 12: “It was fun — I especially loved the games. I would definitely come again.”
Kaspar, 14: “A great event and a great place to make new friends… I would 100% come again.”
A community effort — and something quite extraordinary
These memories were brought to life thanks to the Gold Coast Estonian School and Playgroup and dedicated volunteers from the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Newcastle. Support also came from the Integration Foundation, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Institute of the Estonian Language, the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, the Estonian Cultural Foundation in Australia, the Gold Coast Estonian Society and the Brisbane Estonian Society.
Judging by the tears at the closing ceremony — and the thank-you messages still appearing weeks later — the Gold Coast Estonian Family Camp has already become something quite extraordinary. For many families, it felt like rediscovering a tiny piece of Estonia tucked between the trees of an Australian rainforest.
Well done, Gold Coast!
Photo album
Here are some photos by the Oakstone Photography capturing some wonderful moments from the Gold Coast Estonian Family Camp.
Acknowledgement
We are grateful to Elina Peedoson from the Gold Coast Estonian Society for this information and photos.
