ONE hundred years ago a sing-song around the camp fire would have kept everyone entertained.

But as Scouts from Bicester and Banbury celebrated their centenary at the weekend, they were treated to much more adrenaline-filled entertainment.

More than 1,000 Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts took part in archery, sailing, canoeing and abseiling as they celebrated 100 years of Scouting in north Oxfordshire.

They were shown circus skills, taught how to shoot, and even indulged in a spot of ‘backwards’ cooking – cooking without utensils using only fire and tin foil.

There were also quad bikes to ride and a giant water slide to cool off.

But tradition was not completely lost at the event, at the Horley Scout Campsite, near Banbury, with a burst of singing around the campfire fitted into the packed programme.

Camp leader Colin Arter said that the hot weather on Saturday had been a good way to kick off the weekend.

He said: “Everyone had a lot of fun. It was nice and hot too, so that was good.

“We had got all sorts of things going on, finishing with a sing-song around the fire.”

Scouting was born in 1907 when Robert Baden-Powell, a Lieutenant General in the British Army, held the first Scouting encampment on Brownsea Island, at Poole Harbour, in Dorset.

The idea of a movement offering activities for boys quickly spread across the country.

Bicester and Banbury were soon involved, with the first local groups formed in 1910.

Mr Arter is certain Scouting will last for another 100 years.

He said: “I think it’s still massively important. Scouting is very popular in Oxfordshire.

“I think we’ve got the third highest growth rate in the country.

“It’s a great thing for young people to be involved in.

“It gets them out and about, having fun in the fresh air, not sat at home on the computer or watching television.”