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SOCIAL WELFARE
important as young people in Hong Kong progressively broaden their horizons and expect much more varied opportunities for recreation and use of leisure time. The 'explosion of vitality' which has occurred among the younger generation elsewhere is beginning to affect life in Hong Kong, in forms both constructive and destructive.
The aim of the youth services is to provide the maximum oppor- tunity for young people to test their capabilities and their character in every conceivable direction which is not damaging or dangerous to the community. There is increasing emphasis on strenuous out- door recreation and sport-such as canoeing, climbing and expedi- tions—and on energetic indoor activities such as Chinese boxing and judo, as well as on many other special interests and activities. Striking evidence of the efforts being made by youth organizations to meet current needs was provided by a successful youth festival organized in October at the City Hall by the Hong Kong Conference of Youth Organizations. It was the first of its kind ever held in Hong Kong and required the close collaboration of some 25 member organizations of the Conference and others. The festival was de- signed to make known the scope and variety of youth services in Hong Kong and the greatly enlarged opportunities offered to young people to spend their leisure in an enjoyable and constructive way. It included an exhibition of photographs, slides, live shows and demonstrations, ranging from a Chinese orchestra and choirs to plays, dances, tableaux and gymnastics.
In a positive approach to youth problems, voluntary agencies and government departments 'work together both in urban and rural settings, as well as through community and social centres and in youth centres and clubs throughout the cities. A youth training and recreation centre run by the Social Welfare Department on the edge of fine walking country at Tsuen Wan in the New Territories, and a training camp established by the Federation of Youth Groups by the sea at Tai Mong Tsai, provide children and young people with admirable centres for outdoor recreation. In contrast, a youth centre was established by the Social Welfare Department during the year in the crowded Sham Shui Po district of Kowloon, where over 200 working youths, students and apprentices now meet every night for all kinds of indoor and outdoor activities. At summer camps and play centres, secondary school children were put in