“What an amazing opportunity for Kylie and we are very proud of her achievement in winning this award.

This is a great confidence boost for her as this course was very much outside of her comfort zone. She has shown incredible resilience!” states Rowan Milburn, Principal – Hagley Community College on Kylie Walshe’s Overall Merit Award win at a recent Blue Light Life Skills camp.

Kylie (15) walked away with the Overall Merit award by beating an exceptional group of young people from across the South Island at the camp held on 2-6 May at Burnham Military Camp.

Kylie comments, “Even though I found this course really hard, I gained self-discipline skills and I am much more confident now. It was nice to try something different and not give up! I would really recommend this for others, especially if you are into outdoor activities. I now know a lot about the Army, Navy, and Airforce as career options, too! I really appreciated how the staff supported and cared for me.”

Blue Light’s Life Skills Coordinator Nicola Patterson notes: “Kylie was awarded the Overall Merit Award through her consistent progress throughout the camp, her self-discipline, and support of others.”

The camp in Burnham offered Kylie the ability to learn Life Skills such as cleaning ablution blocks and the exterior of the camp, rising early, making their bed, and cleaning their room by 6am for morning inspection. Kylie also took part in experiential learning activities such as the High Wire Course, mountain biking, learnt parade ground drills, took part in leadership, teamwork, and physical activities, along with a visit to the International Antarctic Centre.

“We are delighted to see that Kylie has taken this opportunity to grow her leadership skills through a Bluelight Camp. Thank you, Bluelight, for these amazing opportunities for our Rangatahi.” Rowan Milburn Principal – Hagley Community College states.

Blue Light’s highly successful Life Skills programme has been run 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 14-17-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.

Click on the attached file to read more about the New Zealand Blue Light project.