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RECREATION
The programme laid special emphasis on giving city children a chance to get out into the countryside and on developing hobbies and interests they could carry on into later life.
The Urban Council this summer took special note of young people in its expanding programme of meeting the public's rec- reational needs. A series of outdoor 'pop' dances at the New Blake Pier Roof Garden provoked unusual public interest and great enthusiasm among the young. A series of variety shows organized in conjunction with the Scout Association stimulated almost as much interest and acclaim, and a number of Cantonese operas each attracted audiences in excess of 3,000. Ten summer camps which again were organized with the Scout Association offered brief holidays in the country for 2,000 youngsters from Resettlement Estates. Children from crowded urban areas were also the guests of the Urban Council and the Hong Kong branch of the Royal Life Saving Society at a series of 20 beach parties throughout the summer. A number of private recreation clubs responded to an appeal for help in this programme and provided launch or beach picnics to the many hundreds of children who would otherwise have had no opportunity to escape their crowded living conditions. More than 100,000 young people were enter- tained in this way.
An appeal by the Social Welfare Department for voluntary workers brought forth 280 staff members of 27 government depart- ments and offices to help out as youth leaders and organizers. In addition, more than 15,000'teachers were involved in voluntary organizing and supervision.
In other aspects of the programme, play centres catered for 100,000 children, day camps and clubs for 14,000, training camps and courses for 2,000, work camps and service projects for 1,000, holiday camps for 6,300, visits and excursions for 7,800, physical activities for 11,000, interest groups for 6,100, study groups for 2,800 and dances and balls for 7,450.
The normal activities of youth organizations catered for a further 75,000 young people. Many also took part in games and competi- tions specially organized by the Education Department during the holidays.