OKEHAMPTON Youth Hostel is hoping to become one of the pilot centres in a Government initiative to set up American-style summer camps.

Hostel manager John Elson said the Government's plans fitted with the ethos of the hostel which was about promoting activities for young people.

'The Government is looking for a number of pilot centres in the country and we are going for it,' he said. 'Being a youth hostel I think we have a head start.

'It would be an interesting addition to the activity side of the business and give us the opportunity to raise the funds to increase the facilities here.'

Summer camps, which are big in America, give children the chance to learn new activities during their summer holidays and develop skills such as team-building.

The youth hostel already offers activity breaks for young people and is booked up with school groups right through to August.

Rock-climbing, mountain-biking, canoeing, sailing, archery, orienteering, farm experiences, street-dancing and much more is offered through the hostel.

Since Christmas the hostel had been working with young people from Okehampton College to develop team-building skills and raise confidence in students who are more suited to vocational courses than activities set by the National Curriculum.

Mr Elson said one of the areas the business was moving into was helping young people who were not getting on well at school for one reason or another to raise their self-esteem.

'We want to be able to deliver a project which will be attractive to schools throughout Devon whereby children who have behavioural problems can take part in activities which will give them a value in society,' he said.

As well as specialist instructors the hostel was introducing a number of youth counsellors to work with the youngsters.

'There will be sessions to talk about what has been learnt such as having to rely on people within a team and so on,' added Mr Elson

He hopes to see another building in place on site next year which will house classrooms and briefing rooms and craft activities.

'There has been talk about creating a climbing centre at the old mill site in Okehampton but I would like to see it here where we already have qualified instructors,' said the manager.

'I am keen to get funding so we can have many more buildings on site and develop the facilities for tourists and local people.'