Last week I was lucky enough to be apart of a military camp course which is run by New Zealand Blue Light.

The week went far too quickly for my liking where I was not only tested physically but mentally. Along the course I made plenty of new friends and accomplished a sense of belonging in the New Zealand defence forces.

A highlight of the course for me was the “conditioning course” which was a row of physically demanding obstacles that we had to overcome. I took the opportunity not only to get over every obstacle but to encourage my peers who were not so confident.

From the course I learnt a lot about the Defence Force and what it offers. But I also learnt that everyone can show leadership and resilience and that there isn’t an ‘i’ in team. Every single pupil who took part last week all improved massively and was able to learn new skills. As a unit we all grew together and now I have made life long friends and connections.

The challenging part was not the physical side of the course but the mental side. We had to wake up at 6am, shower, make our beds, and clean our rooms all before 6:20am to have breakfast where after we had activities right through the day till 10pm. The days were long and tough but in the end it was rewarding seeing what not only myself but others accomplished. Another challenge of the course was actually leaving. I made so many friends and connected with the staff that I cried at the end for an hour because I couldn’t believe it ended.

I am more than pleased that I was lucky enough to be able to take part of the course and if I am being totally honest, I would do it again in a heartbeat. I am very grateful about the opportunity I was given and I now have many memories that I will treasure.