Papamoa teenager Tony Albany, 17, is one step closer to his dream career in the Defence Force after he was awarded the top prize of ‘Overall Excellence Award' at the recent Blue Light Life Skills Camp.

At the camp, held at the Trentham Defence Force base in Wellington from August 10-14, staff recognised Toby as standing out from his peers with his open-minded approach and positive attitude towards the programme activities.

'No task was too big or too small for Toby, he gave every activity 100 per cent and he encouraged his peers to give it a go too,” says Blue Light life skills co-ordinator Abbe-Mae.

'Toby was leading by example throughout the week-long residential camp. He was always positive, and this encouraged his peers around him to see things from a different perspective.”

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 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 Lion Foundation and other community supporters.