Started in 1969, the programme attracts a large number of youngsters every year.

Last year, more than 14,000 events were organised, attracting a total of 1.36 million youths. The organisers expect the number to rise to 1.5 million this year.

Programme Committee chairman Norman Lo Kam-wah recently urged parents to encourage their children to join the activities.

''The theme for this year is 'Share the Fun and Serve the Community'. The activities will be both fun and service-oriented. Young people will get a chance to join social services and get closer to the community.'' The activities include summer camps, educational visits, barbecue parties, sports competitions, picnics, carnivals, training courses and voluntary services.

Mr Lo said the expenditure for this year was estimated to be about $45 million.

''Participants are only charged a nominal fee. Most of the funding comes from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, government departments, district boards and the participating organisations.'' To attract youngsters to work as volunteers in the planning and promoting of the activities, the committee offers scholarships to those with outstanding contributions.

In the past 10 years, over 200 outstanding volunteers have been awarded scholarships for local or international Outward Bound leadership training courses.

This year, scholarship recipients can take part in other personal development or leadership training courses or local and overseas community service schemes.

The programme was recently kicked off with an opening ceremony and variety show entitled ''Swinging Summer'' at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.

A District Fun Day will be held on August 7 at the Kowloon Park.

Those who are interested may obtain more information from district offices.