Winning the Overall Excellence Award at Blue Light’s recent Life Skills camp in Whenuapai was the perfect way for Zeva Peard to conclude a week of achieving personal goals. “To me, it meant that I had accomplished everything that I was aiming for and even more. It meant that I had put my all into the week and also had fun while putting in my 100%. It made me feel proud of myself and proved to myself that I can do more than what I think I can do” she says.
Zeva (17), who attends Campion College in Gisborne, states her initial motivation for attending the Life Skills camp, which took place from 20 to 24 January. She was keen to explore the Air Force as a possible career, so attending the camp at the Defence Force’s Whenuapai Air Force Base was an ideal way to do this.
PHOTO ABOVE: L to R: Senior Sergeant Alan Rowland and Overall Excellence Award winner Zeva Peard, Blue Light Life Skills Camp Whenuapai, January 20 – 24, 2025
Easter Misi, Blue Light Youth Mentor who attended the Life Skills camp at Whenuapai, comments that Zeva won the top award at the camp through “Zeva stood out as an exceptional leader throughout the Whenuapai Life Skills Camp, demonstrating maturity, strong communication, and problem-solving skills. Her collaborative spirit and ability to lead by example made her a valued team member. Her dedication to personal growth and supporting others truly set her apart as a standout participant.”
Having completed the Life Skills camp Zeva hopes to now go to Blue Light’s 100-person Leadership in December stating that “it has more challenges and will really push me over and beyond what I can do, and the challenge could really help me with a better confidence for my future”.
“I would tell anyone wanting to do this course to get stuck in with any leadership opportunities because you won’t regret it and it could boost your confidence for future leadership positions” says Zeva.
Zeva was referred to the Blue Light Life Skills Camp by Sue Peard – Careers/Gateway/Trades Academy at Campion College who says, “These sorts of programmes are amazing”. I would like to thank Blue Light and the Defence Force’s YDU unit very much for your commitment to young people, the time, energy and enthusiasm that is shown throughout the course to help young people be challenged, believe in themselves and grow”.
