“I didn’t know I was going to be chosen but I was happy and even more happy because I made my family proud,” says Palmerston North teen Taniwaka Waho-Marsden as she reflects on winning the Overall Merit Award at Blue Light’s Life Skills Camp held at Trentham Military Camp from 21 – 25 October 2024.
Taniwaka who is 14 and attends Queen Elizabeth College, stood out amongst an exceptional group of young people from across Aotearoa to win her award, many who were much older than her. Blue Light’s Life Skills Coordinator Nikita Marks who ran the camp comments “Despite being one of the youngest participants, Taniwaka’s compassion and leadership shone through. She was uplifting others, especially her fellow wāhine. With the resilience and potential she demonstrated, I am confident she will achieve great things.”
L to R: Camp participant, Inspector Kirsten Evans, Manager Youth Response, Overall Excellence Award Winner Taniwaka and camp participant.
Taniwaka’s growth over the camp was clear. “This camp taught me communication skills, patience, and to participate in things that I didn’t see myself doing…Blue Light has definitely made me come out of my comfort zone and think differently” she says.
L to R: Overall Excellence Award Winner Taniwaka and Inspector Kirsten Evans, Manager Youth Response.
While at the camp Taniwaka took part in experiential activities “I was nervous and shy at the start because I didn’t know anyone” she explained, but after spotting some familiar faces, she quickly overcame her initial anxiety and began forming new friendships.
The highly successful Life Skills programme has been run by New Zealand Blue Light in partnership with the 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 with 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
