Life Skills Camp Inspires Teen’s Navy Career

After a life-changing experience at the Blue Light Burnham Life Skills Camp, Aliz’e (15) from Geraldine High School has set his sights on a career in the New Zealand Navy, with plans to complete the LSV (Limited-Service) Volunteer’ course in the next six months.Reflecting on his time at the Burnham Life Skills Camp, Aliz’e shared his most memorable experience was that of the staff at the NZDF Youth Development Unit. "Meeting Staff McDonald. He has inspired me so much," he says. It was connections like this that left a lasting impact on Aliz’e igniting a passion and drive within him to pursue his dreams.

Despite facing tough challenges during the camp, in particular with the drills, Aliz’e found the strength to overcome them. "At first, I was laughing so much trying to do them, and then I just got it and I love doing drills, I still do them at home," he remarked.

A lasting moment for Aliz’e was when he won an award at the end of camp graduation, a tribute to his hard work and dedication. "I had to double-check they had really called my name," he recalled. "I was so proud of myself, and how much confidence this course has given me."When asked about his message to other teens considering attending a Blue Light Life Skills camp, Aliz’e said "I 100% recommend it, it is really great for you”, "I have been telling everyone how great it has been and to go."

Aliz’e was referred to the Blue Light Life Skills Camp by Senior Constable Hinemoa McMahon from New Zealand Police, Timaru. When asked about referring young people to Blue Light Life Skills, Senior Constable McMahon stated, "Do it, you will never regret being part of this process. The Blue Light Life Skills camp changes young people's lives. It builds confidence and forges friendships along the way".

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 14-17-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, Trentham, 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.

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

New Zealand Blue Light

Blue Light is a not-for-profit charity that works in partnership with the Police to create positive connections between young people and Police, helping young people find direction, fun, and sense of belonging within their communities, enabling young people to develop life skills, leadership skills and find employment opportunities. Blue Light believes that it is through the empowerment of disadvantaged youth to reach their full potential that their overall well-being can be improved and in turn the well-being of their communities. Blue Light achieves this through removing the barriers for disadvantaged youth to participate positively in the community, through both its national and locally-based programmes, activities, and events. Blue Light’s work in the community is unique – it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. We have 78 local branches working with NZ Police to create meaningful experiences for young people in their regions, including cultural, sporting, and educational activities that are alcohol, drug, and violence-free. Although Blue Light is supported by Police, the two operate totally independently. For many participants, the programmes decrease the risk of youth offending and becoming victims of crime through access to positive role models, time with other young people away and the opportunity to see the world outside their current environment. Blue Light originally began in Australia as a community policing initiative and remains strong in all states. As well as in New Zealand, it is now active in the Solomon Islands, East Timor, Cook Islands, and Scotland.See www.bluelight.co.nz or visit www.facebook.com/nzbluelight