Youth service is part of the education service in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Its aim is to help young people to enjoy their leisure time and develop their characters by broadening the range of their recreational activities. It is administered by local education authorities and voluntary organizations that arrange various kinds of group activities for young people. Activities organized by the youth service include outdoor adventure, physical training, sports, and games; arts, crafts, and creative pastimes; useful vocational and domestic skills, such as carpentry, metalwork, and cooking; and social activities, such as dancing. Voluntary organizations are financed by voluntary contributions, which cover most of the day-to-day running costs. Local education authorities also give grants and lend buildings and equipment to voluntary groups.
