Papamoa teenager Tristian Williams, 17, was awarded a top prize of overall merit award' at the recent Blue Light Life Skills Camp held at the Whenuapai Defence Force base in Auckland from July 20-24.

He beat a strong group of young people from the North Island to take the prize on the week-long residential course.

'Tristian was presented the overall merit award' as camp staff felt that he had significant and consistent improvement in attitude, self-discipline, self-confidence, participation and teamwork and was always respectful to staff and fellow course members,” says Blue Light life skills co-ordinator Abbe-Mae.

Blue Light is a not-for-profit charity works in partnership with the police to create positive connections between young people and the 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.

The highly successful Blue Light Life Skills Camp has been run by New Zealand Blue Light in partnership with New Zealand Defence Force for the past 11 years and has adventure-based experiential learning as a key part of the programme.

The programme provides 14 to 17-year old's critical life skills such as self-development, self-control and teamwork that will enable young people to be successful in their homes, schools, communities, and employment.

Up to 12 courses are held each year in Auckland, 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 Wright Foundation and other community supporters.