CHILDREN from East Lancashire are being urged to get involved with American-style summer camps after the expansion of a national pilot scheme.

The Government wants to make 20,000 places available at outdoor education centres from 2005 - 10 times the number available this year.

And the Get REAL (Residential Exciting Active Leisure Time) programme, funded by the National Lottery, has earmarked Lancashire as one of 20 areas to be involved in the second pilot year.

John Bagge, Get REAL project manager for Lancashire, said youngsters from Rossendale, Blackburn and Accrington were already warming up for activities.

The Government-led scheme is aimed at giving some structure to lengthy summer holidays away from school. It has been modelled on American camps, which are widely accepted as the norm for keeping children entertained during summer breaks.

Youngsters aged 11 to 17 can explore new activities, meet new people and develop their skills. Mountain biking, climbing, canoeing, and archery are just some of the activities available. In Lancashire, the scheme is being organised from Brathay Hall.

Mr Bagge said: "This is such an effective and worthwhile scheme because it provides young people with exciting opportunities during the summer holidays, which might otherwise stretch out without new challenges or new friends."

This summer there are 2,500 young people involved nationwide. Gifted and Talented Summer Schools will also be incorporated into the programme to offer structured learning and activity programmes for the brightest and most talented youngsters.

Tessa Jowell, Secretary for Culture and Sport, said: "Young people love to have things to do.

"Summer camps bring people from different backgrounds together, helping them develop their social values and benefiting the whole of the community."

The Get REAL course was piloted in Cornwall, Nottinghamshire and Cumbria last year. For more details, call Brathay Hall direct on 0800 1953003 to apply or visit www.brathay.org.uk