A teenager from the small rural settlement of Kairua, in Tauranga, has won one of Blue Light’s top awards at a recent Life Skill Camp for his efforts in fostering a team environment, going above and beyond for the team, respectful communication, and collaboration.

Te Ngahuru Taikato-Kerei, 15, was named winner of the Peers’ Choice Award at a recent graduation ceremony for Blue Light’sLife Skills programme held in Taupo from November 20 to 24.

He found the biggest challenge on camp was the strict schedule “my time management and following the routine was hard, but I overcame it through discipline and listening to staff and instructions”, he says.

Blue Light Youth Worker/Mentor, Nik Kosenko, who was at the camp with Te Ngahuru says his award win Te Ngahuru was voted by his fellow peers, Defence Force and Blue Light staff to win the Peers’ Choice Award which shows the positive impression he made on everyone.

To other young people who are thinking about going on Blue Light’s Life Skills programme Te Ngahuru says “it’s great! All the people there are cool as, plus you get to do fun activities and hardcore training”.

At the camp in Taupo, Te Ngahuru earned 13 NCEA credits through taking part inexperiential learning activities including white-water rafting and high and low ropes, along with parade ground drills, leaderless tasks, teamwork challenges and physical activities.

Te Ngahuru, who is about to turn 16, is now “looking forward to getting my Learner’s Licence and start mahi” since his successful Life Skills camp experience.

This highly successful programme has been run by New Zealand Blue Light in partnership with NZ Defence Force for the past 12 years and has adventure-based experiential learning as a key part of the programme.

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

Up to 12 courses are held each year in Auckland, Central North Island and Burnham locations.

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.