Tauranga teenager Bryan Murray, 17, walked away with two of the three top awards at the recent Blue Light Life Skills camp held at the Burnham Defence Force Base in Christchurch earlier this month.

He beat an exceptional group of young people from across New Zealand to take both awards – the ‘Overall Merit Award and ‘Peers Choice Award' at the week-long residential course.

Blue Light Life Skills coordinator Kayla says Bryan showed consistence in friendship, encouragement, participation and respect in winning this award.

He was up against some strong competition by other students, she says.

"'Bryan has not only been able to secure the Overall Merit Award, which is given to the most improved student on the course, he has, at the same time, won the ‘Peer Choice' award which is given to the student who has been an integral member of the team and camp, as a whole.​​​​​​​"

This highly successful programme has been run by New Zealand Blue Light in partnership with NZ Defence Force for the past 11 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 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