New Zealand Air Force C-130H(NZ) Hercules aircraft experience, left; Blue Light Life Skill’s Graduation, RNZAF Base Auckland Whenuapai; Superintendent Fata WilLLiam Fanene, top right, National Partnerships Manager: Pacific, and Peers’ Choice Award Winner, LLiam Mirko.
LLiam shared that he was really proud of himself and that he had gained a new perspective and outlook on life along with resilience, responsibility, and self-discipline.
“Blue Light’s Life Skills programme was very well organised, and we had all sorts of people from all sorts of backgrounds. It really opens your eyes,” said LLiam.
While on the camp, LLiam had the opportunity to go inside a New Zealand Airforce Hercules 130 aircraft and take part in experiential learning experiences including the high and low ropes. He enjoyed the “physically challenging” aspects of the course including the mountain biking.
Blue Light’s Life Skills Programme Coordinator, Stefanie McGregor stated, “LLiam volunteered as duty trainee on the second day of camp, and as no-one else volunteered, he did this all week. He ensured all the other young people on camp knew what instructions were given, as well as helping them complete them. He was also responsible, as time keeper, for ensuring the instructions were completed on time.”
Assistant Principal at Mercury Bay Area School Sarah Holmes, who referred LLiam to the camp said, “We are so appreciative of the opportunity… and his whanau were super proud…”
Looking ahead, LLiam is excited about his future opportunities. “The Blue Light 100-Person Leadership Camp and the LSV course are next for me. At school, I am aiming to get Level 1 NCEA,” he shared.
“Do it” challenges LLiam Mirko to his fellow peers.
New Zealand Blue Light
Blue Light’s 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.
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.
Blue Light’s work in the community is unique – it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. We have 78 local branches working with NZ Police to create meaningful experiences for young people in their regions, including cultural, sporting, and educational activities that are alcohol, drug, and violence-free.
Although Blue Light is supported by Police, the two operate totally independently.
Blue Light originally began in Australia as a community policing initiative and remains strong in all states as well as in New Zealand See www.bluelight.co.nz or visit www.facebook.com/nzbluelight
Adapted from a Press Release from Blue Light New Zealand.
