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Abingdon Beaver leaders, Diane Cloutman, left, and Angela Arnold, were making friendship bracelets
Scouts and Cubs gathered in Broad Street, Oxford, today to bang the drum for Scouting across the globe.
They met outside Balliol College to reaffirm the Scout Promise and enjoy a variety of activities, including a climbing wall.
They were among 28 million Scouts around the world celebrating the centenary of the movement.
Montanna Cloutman, 16, from Genesis Scout Group, in Abingdon, and Charlie Hannigan, 15, from the Incendium Esu group in Wallingford, addressed the crowd, and read out the promise at 8am.
Charlie said: "Scouting is all about fun, adventure and challenge and today incorporates all these things."
Hugo Brunner, the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire and president of Oxfordshire County Scout Council, said: "I'm a climbing enthusiast myself and it has made a big difference to my life.
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"But Scouting isn't just about climbing - there are lots of activities that you can enjoy."
The event coincides with the world jamboree in Essex, where 40,000 Scouts have gathered and enjoyed a visit from Prince William.
Scouts also met at Garth Park in Bicester to renew their promise yesterday morning
Like the Prince, Scouts in Broad Street used African hand drums to play along with the group Rhythm Works For You.
Bacon sandwiches were handed out to members of the public, who were invited to find out about Scouting.
There were also painting activities, a climbing tower, and a stall to make friendship bracelets and badges.
Shaun Kendall, County Commissioner for Oxfordshire Scouting, said: "This sunrise celebration is all about celebrating 100 years of Scouting, and Scouts have reaffirmed their promise to do their duty to God and the Queen, to help other people and to keep the Scout law.
"We want to remind the public that Scouting is still very active in this area and we are asking Cubs and Scouts to think about how they can help make the world a better place.
"This could be achieved by being more green or being better behaved at home. This is a very big year for Scouting and we hope this kind of celebration will encourage more people to join us.
"There are 4,000 Scouts in Oxfordshire, with 1,500 adult volunteers and our numbers are up 2.8 per cent on last year.
"We're always looking for new adult volunteers to become group leaders as we take on more members.
"I have taken three days' holiday this week from my job at BMW to take part in Scouting activities."
Nicola Kerry, from Hermitage Road, Abingdon, brought her three sons, Conor and Josh, both 10, and Morgan, seven, to try climbing.
The boys are members of the Abingdon 11th All Saints Group and Conor said: "We joined the group last year and I'm really enjoying it. My favourite thing so far is pioneering where you build towers out of ropes."
Tony Brewer, 42, partner Stephanie Alder, 39, and son Julian, 17, are also members of Abingdon All Saints.
Mr Brewer, a printer, who became group leader 18 months ago, said: "Scouting can change your life. It gives you confidence and helps you communicate with all kinds of people.
"In our group, there are children whose parents are millionaires and those from council homes but once they are Scouting, the differences do not matter."
Val Butcher, 60, District Commissioner for Oxford Spires, was at the celebration with her husband Bill, 60, who is vice-chairman of the same group. Mrs Butcher said: "I've been approached by four adults today who now want to help as volunteers, which is fantastic."
Mr Butcher added: "That's what today is all about - we're putting the fun aspects of Scouting in the shop window."
Some Scouts painted tiles with acrylic paints. The tiles were then fired and will be kept as a commemoration of the event at the county's Youlbury Scout camp at Boars Hill, near Oxford.
For more information about the activities of the Scouting movement in Oxfordshire, see the website www.oxonscouting.org.uk
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