Kyle Van Wyk is now considering entering the Air Force or the Police Force after taking out a top awards at Blue Light’s Life Skills programme at Burnham Military Base, 27 February to 3 March 2023.

Kyle won an Overall Merit Award, after competing with an exceptional group of young people from across Aotearoa. His efforts to foster a team environment, using encouragement and respectful communication with other fellow team members saw him pick up this prestige award.

The challenging part was getting to know all their fellow camp participants and working successfully as a team. Kyle said “the toughest challenge was when others didn’t follow instructions given by the staff and as punishment everyone had to do the drills. This taught me to encourage teamwork and follow instructions”.

Kyle said, “I want to be in the Police Force one day and after having met a Police Officer who was a dog handler, I want to complete my studies to pursue this as a career option".

Other challenges Kyle faced included, experiential learning activities of high ropes and mega air alongside physical training, drill, swimming, team building games, leadership exercises and life skills lessons.

Highlights included a visit from the Police Dog Unit and seeing a Police dog and handler in action as well as exploring the International Antarctic Centre.