Scouting started in 1907 with an experimental camp on Brownsea Island, United Kingdom, for 20 boys. Today, Scouting is a million times bigger and involves girls and boys, women and men from every race, religion and culture, and nearly every country in the world!

We have achieved great successes, but know that we can do so much more, especially when we look around us at the world we live in and the issues we face every day. Scouting's Centenary will therefore focus on the future, the growth and development of our movement, a second century of Scouting for more young people and their communities.

We face this challenge together united under the common centennial theme of: One World One Promise. As Scouts, we all promise to do our best to work together and build a society based on greater justice and solidarity. Beyond the differences of origin, gender, culture and religion, the universal promise that we make is a commitment to play an active role in creating a better world.

Our contribution to mark this special celebration is the Gifts for Peace project. These Gifts for Peace are gifts of education, understanding, tolerance and respect for others, given by Scouts in the form of projects to other young people and their communities in order to help to build a better world. Millions of Scouts have already risen to the challenge and are working to manage conflict without violence, challenge prejudice and encourage greater solidarity with others.

On 1 August 2007, as the sun rises from east to west, Scouts worldwide will gather to celebrate Scouting's Sunrise, exactly 100 years after Baden-Powell opened his experimental camp on Brownsea Island. On this same day, 40,000 Scouts from over 150 nations will celebrate at the World Scout Jamboree in the United Kingdom and, at a unique event on Brownsea Island, two Scouts from each of our member countries will welcome the second century of Scouting linked to the Jamboree by satellite. We will share our Gifts for Peace and renew the Promise that we share and our commitment to society.

What are you doing to celebrate our Centenary?

There are many ways to get involved and support Scouting in our Centenary year. Join us on Scouting's Sunrise, 1 August 2007, and support the Gifts for Peace in your local communities. Perhaps you were a Scout and are looking to get involved again? Please contact your National Scout Organization for more information ( click here for contact list).