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School leavers are urged by David Cameron to be a part of a volunteering scheme this summer as part of his Big Society plan.

The programme is a branch of Mr Cameron's vision of a Big Society of civic engagement and volunteering.

The Prime Minister has been seeking to breathe new life into the idea this week, taking on criticism that it is "too vague" and insisting it is part of his "mission" in politics. Launching a new Facebook page, with details of NCS, the PM appealed to teenagers urging them to register;

“I want National Citizen Service to inspire you to realise what you can achieve. This summer you will be able to spend two months mixing with other young people, learning new skills, and putting something back into your community.

Mr. Cameron said he wished to see the programme reach 11,000 people in 2011, grow to 30,000 in 2012, and at some point for all 16 year olds to be involved.

The two month programme will mix participants from a variety of backgrounds, and will include a two week stay away from home. It is aimed to build teamwork and leadership skills through tough physical activities that will boost their confidence. They will then return home and spend a further five weeks working in teams to develop a project that will help to improve the quality of their communities.

The pilot programmes - including schemes with the Prince's Trust and the Football League - will start in July after the end of GCSE examinations taking place across the country and will culminate in National Citizen Service graduation ceremonies attended by family and friends.

Some of the projects have already started accepting registrations, with 1,000 people already signed up and more than 8,000 people have so far expressed an interest.

Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office, said “Eventually we want all of the 600,000 or so 16 year olds in the country to do National Citizen Service. It is different from existing volunteer programmes providing a shared experience for each generation that teaches them about the power they have as citizens to build the society they want to live in.”

A total of 12 pilots are now open to teenagers who have just turned or are about to turn 16 – and who would normally have completed year 11 at school, with up to 11,000 spaces up for grabs.

From 2013, some NCS alumni will have the opportunity to take part in International Citizen Service (ICS); a new programme giving 18-22 year olds the opportunity to travel to developing countries to join the fight against poverty.

1,250 people will be taking part in ICS from this summer and the Department for International Development will shortly be announcing more details about the international development organisations that will be delivering the pilots and how to apply.