South Island students have recently completed Blue Light's Life Skills Camp, run in partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force — and two participants stood out from the crowd.

Zac, from Menzies College, was awarded Overall Excellence and voted Peers' Choice Award, while Krystal, from South Westland Area School, received Overall Merit. Both achievements cap a demanding week of personal growth, friendship-building and teamwork at the Burnham camp.

The five-day residential programme brought together 27 participants from across the South Island, along with youth from upper central regions, in a structured, high-expectations environment designed to develop leadership, resilience and practical life skills.

Blue Light Camp Coordinator Easter Misi said Zac demonstrated maturity, intuition and exceptional team spirit throughout the week. He became an integral part of the camp, encouraging and supporting those around him, making his selection for the Peers' Choice Award by fellow participants a fitting recognition.

Krystal's Overall Merit Award reflected consistent growth across the week in attitude, self-discipline, confidence, participation and teamwork.

Participants described their five days as challenging but rewarding, and left proud of how much they had achieved in such a short time.

Zac and Krystal are just two of the many young people who discover their strengths and set goals for a brighter future through the Life Skills Camp programme.

About Blue Light Life Skills Camps

Blue Light’s Life Skills Camps, run in partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force, provide young people with a unique opportunity to develop confidence, leadership skills, and resilience.

This highly successful programme has been run by New Zealand Blue Light in partnership with the NZ Defence Force for the past 14 years and has adventure-based experiential learning as a key part of the programme.

The programme provides 14-17-year-olds with critical life skills such as self-development, self-control, and teamwork that will enable young people to be successful at home, school, in communities, and in employment.

Up to 12 courses are held each year in Auckland, Trentham, Waiouru and Burnham locations, as well as internationally in Fiji, Cook Islands and Niue.

For more information about the Blue Light Life Skills camps, visit www.bluelight.co.nz.

Blue Light is grateful for the support of the sponsorship of the Lion Foundation and community supporters. See www.bluelight.co.nz or visit www.facebook.com/nzbluelight

New Zealand Blue Light

Blue Light is a New Zealand not-for-profit charity working in partnership with the Police to create positive connections between young people and their communities. Through its programmes, activities, and events, Blue Light helps young people find direction, develop life skills and leadership, and discover a sense of belonging.

With over 70 local branches nationwide, Blue Light takes a community-led approach, working alongside NZ Police to deliver meaningful cultural, sporting, and educational experiences that are alcohol, drug, and violence-free. While supported by the Police, Blue Light operates independently.

At the heart of Blue Light's mission is the belief that empowering disadvantaged youth to reach their potential improves not just their own wellbeing, but that of their wider communities. For many participants, the programmes provide access to positive role models and new experiences that reduce the risk of offending and becoming victims of crime.

Originally founded in Australia, Blue Light is now active in New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, the Cook Islands, and Scotland.

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