Whakatāne Intermediate’s police-led boot camp wrapped up on Tuesday with the “longest day” celebration, marking the end of the six-week programme.

Students took part in a series of final challenges, including obstacle events and a fire truck pull, before celebrating their graduation from boot camp alongside police, whānau and supporters.

Year 8 student Ali Brooke Connelly said the experience had been “really fun”, helping him learn teamwork and build connections with others.

“The breakfast is really, really good,” he said, with meals including scrambled eggs, sausages, toast, juices and smoothies.

The programme, run by Blue Light Whakatāne and local police, focused on discipline, teamwork and positive engagement, and has again drawn strong participation from students this year.