YOUNG people from disadvantaged families in Crediton are being given the opportunity to make “real” friendships and develop vital life and social skills this summer, thanks to the Youth Hostels Association (England and Wales) and the Pom Charitable Trust.

The Trust has donated £10,000 to YHA, enabling it to reduce the cost of its week-long residential summer camps by 75 per cent for 10 to 16 year-olds in receipt of free school meals.

The donation, combined with YHA’s own bursary fund, Breaks for Kids, means a week-long residential activity-packed summer camp is now less than £100. To make the camps even more affordable YHA has payment plans to help families spread the cost.

YHA research has shown that three-quarters of British teenagers prefer to make “virtual” friendships online over “real” friendships.

Last year, 15 per cent of children attending a YHA Summer Camp benefitted from Breaks For Kids funding enabling them to create lasting ‘real’ friendships and gain increased confidence and independence.

Go eXtreme and Action Adventure camps are being held at seven YHA locations in England – Okehampton, South Downs, St Briavels Castle in Gloucestershire, Ravenstor and Edale in Derbyshire and Ironbridge Coalbrookdale in Shropshire.

The all-inclusive camps include five nights’ accommodation, four days of activities with qualified instructors, in-camp transport, evening entertainment, as well as all meals and snacks.

The adrenalin-fuelled activities at the camps include climbing, weaselling, raft building, canoeing, quad biking, archery and zip wires.

For more information about the YHA 2016 Summer Camps or to apply for funding please see the website: www.summercamps.yha.org.uk .