A Tauranga teenager is celebrating a double win at Blue Light’s Life Skills Camp held at the Burnham Military Base.

“Not only my peers but also the staff had acknowledged the person I am,” said 18-year-old Tatahau Ronaki in a statement about the camp, which was held from July 14–18.

Tatahau walked away with two of the three top awards – the Overall Excellence Award and the Peers’ Choice Award – impressing both the New Zealand Defence Force and his fellow participants.

Reflecting on his week at camp, Tatahau shared, “The camp gave me confidence and understanding in myself ... It also gave me the confidence to work with others and lead a group while gaining life skills and knowledge on how routine, discipline and teamwork can go a long way.”

Tatahau encouraged other teens to consider the Blue Light Life Skills Camp.

The graduation at the Blue Light Life Skills Camp, held at Burnham Military Camp from July 14–18. Photo / Supplied

“Don’t hold back and give it a go. This opportunity is a great experience, and you get to work alongside great staff and meet amazing new people, and in that week, you can learn a lot about yourself.”

Blue Light mentor Kawana Marsden reflected on Tatahau’s journey.

“Tatahau really stood out during camp, not because he was the loudest or the fastest, but because he gave everything a go, even when he was a bit nervous.

“He lifted his team with quiet confidence, always encouraging those around him.

“You could see his teammates naturally looking to him for leadership and wanting him to represent them. He soaked up every bit of advice from the NZDF staff and wasn’t there to show off – he was there to grow.

“His attitude, leadership and commitment shone through, and it’s no surprise he took home both the Overall Excellence and Peers’ Choice Awards.”

Looking ahead, Tatahau spoke of his next steps.

“I have my eyes on joining either the Army or the Police, but I’m still not sure. For now, I am looking for employment,” he shared.

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

Tatahau’s story is just one of many where teens discover their strengths and set goals for a brighter future.

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

Up to 12 courses are held each year in Auckland, Trentham, Waiōuru 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.

See www.bluelight.co.nz or visit www.facebook.com/nzbluelight