“I found myself to be more confident, and it made me feel like I could do this as a career”, says 16-year-old Maddie Bell of Amuri Area School in Culverden on her award-winning attendance at Blue Light’s Life Skills Camp in Burnham from 24 – 28 February 2025. For Maddie, winning the Overall Merit award was a defining moment in her journey and reinforced her belief that she was on the right path towards joining the New Zealand Army.
Reflecting on her time at the camp, she shared, “The toughest challenge in the Blue Light Camp was adjusting to the time frame and schedule of the day. It is much different to school and my home life, but having something to do all day gave me something to look forward to and led me to have a more successful week.”
“When I won my award, I was not expecting it at all and was surprised when my name was called. I was honestly just trying to remember how to march up properly!”
PHOTO ABOVE: L to R: Reviewing Officer Inspector Peter Cooper and Overall Merit Award Winner Maddie Bell, Burnham Military Camp, 24 – 28 February 2025.
Maddie’s dedication and positive attitude were recognised by both Blue Light and Defence Force staff. Claudia Roberts, Blue Light Camp Coordinator, highlighted her efforts, saying, “Maddie received the Overall Merit Award for her consistently positive behaviour in all areas of the Life Skills Camp at Burnham. She gave her best efforts in every activity while also encouraging her peers along the way. Maddie was friendly and polite to everybody, showed natural leadership skills, and thrived in a team environment.”
Maddie encourages other young people to give the camp a go. “Blue Light’s camp is a week of fun, you meet new people and learn lots. I would definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone. If I had the chance, I would go 100 times again.”
With her sights set firmly on the future, Maddie shares what’s next for her: “Next, I’m going to continue and finish high school. Then, when I’m eighteen, I will enlist in the army – hopefully as a Combat Officer.”
