camp for Bermuda's youngsters.

The Dockyard camp would include log cabins, dormitories, a dining hall, and a big administration block.

There would also be a gym, basketball court, and cricket and soccer pitches.

It is hoped the camp would be used throughout the year by the Island's schools, churches and sporting groups.

And the Salvation Army plans to run special week-long camps for up to 150 people.

A four-acre site off Cochrane Road has been earmarked for the ambitious venture.

Moves for Government to lease it to the Salvation Army are being finalised.

Government is said to have made a "tentative offer'' for a 50-year lease.

This week it was revealed a big campaign for cash would shortly swing into action -- once the lease deal had been completed.

The capital fund-raising project would be under the chairmanship of Mr. John McCulloch and Mr. Karl Wildi.

And Bermudians would be asked to contribute.

As much as $500,000 has been pledged for the scheme by the governing council of the Salvation Army in Canada.

The Bermuda Salvation Army's Captain Max Barrett expressed hope the camp would be up and running in two years.

He said the camp would be the fulfilment of a dream, which started two or three years ago.

And it marked a new departure for the Salvation Army.

"We are all really excited by the project. It is a very positive step,'' he exclaimed.

"Hopefully we will get permission to lease the land. Government has tentatively offered a 50-year lease.

"As soon as we get the lease handed over, we will start on the project right away.'' He believed the offer of funding from Canada would ensure the venture succeeded.

"We are absolutely delighted to have the offer. We would never enter into a project without money up front,'' he added. Capt. Barrett said the camp would be run by volunteers from the Salvation Army and its Advisory Board.

"We are hoping to take on a full-time maintenance and security man.'' Capt. Barrett pointed out the "wilderness camp'' would be the first of its kind in Bermuda.

Currently, Bermuda's youngsters had to go abroad, such as to Canada, for such camps.

Said Capt. Barrett: "It will be a good way of taking our kids off the streets.

"It could be used as a summer camp or weekend retreat for under-privileged children and teenagers.

"Sports clinics could also be held there, and we hope schools or churches will take advantage.

"In addition, we could hold band camps where children play musical instruments.

"There will be a nominal fee, of course, for people to use the camp.'' Capt. Barrett explained the six log cabins would cater for 25 people -- probably 23 children and two adults.

The indoor dining area would be large enough for 150 people.

"We may even be able to have children from overseas at the camp,'' he added.

Capt. Barrett said once the lease had been agreed, plans would be submitted to the Development Applications Board.

Chief Secretary of the Salvation Army's Canada and Bermuda territory Colonel John Busby said he was delighted to pledge funding for the scheme.

He highlighted the importance of such camps in helping youngsters, and keeping them out of trouble.

"Even a week in a camp could have a dramatic effect.'' Col. Busby, second-of-command in the Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda, hoped people here would dip into their pockets for the venture.