As part of the 100th anniversary celebration for the Boy Scouts of America, area Eagle Scouts were invited to a breakfast Wednesday morning at First Baptist Church.

The scouts, many of whom were involved in scouting as boys and have since become leaders in area troops, gathered for a meal and to hear from Alvin Townley, an Eagle Scout and the author of two books on scouting.

“Legacy of Honor” looks at the impact of scouting on America through interviews with former scouts who are now leaders. “Spirit of Adventure” takes a look at the newest generation of Eagle Scouts, those in their 20s and 30s, and the value they place on scouting. Townley took on both projects after he realized the impact that scouting had on his life.

“When I hung up my uniform after the court of honor, scouting was over for me,” he said. “Scouting really wasn’t something that was a part of my life in college.”

He traveled around the country and later around the world to find Eagle Scouts how have worked and are working to make a difference.

“I wondered about my generation. I thought maybe we didn’t place as much value in scouting. So I set out again and traveled around the world to meet the rising generation,” he said. “This generation as a whole is out there living these great adventures. They are also living these adventures with a greater purpose. They were 25 and 30 years old and already out there making a difference.”

Since this is the 100th anniversary, much of the year has been dedicated to looking back on the Boy Scouts and all that the organization has accomplished. However, emphasis has also been placed, and was reiterated by Townley, on looking toward the future and what the next 100 years of Boy Scouts will look like.

“The future of scouting is as bright as it’s ever been. What’s even more exciting is where we’re going,” he said. “Scouting teaches you how to live a life that’s significant. We need to make the next 100 years every bit as good as the last.”

The breakfast was attended by around 20 area Eagle Scouts. They had the opportunity to socialize with one another, speak to Townley and take a look at the collages set up around the church’s fellowship hall about the history of the Boy Scouts of America. There were articles from old newspapers about the first Eagle Scouts both in the Old Hickory Council, which represents eight counties, including Surry, and in Surry County.

The 100 years celebration will continue through the summer with a number of events scheduled.

Contact Morgan Wall at mwall@mtairynews.com or 719-1929.