The Boy Scouts of America is 100 years old this year. The Erie Shores Council, which was chartered in 1912, celebrated the centennial during its 84th annual Scouter Recognition Dinner earlier this month at Camp Miakonda.

More than 2,000 adult volunteer leaders in northwest Ohio work with young people ages 7-21 to instill scouting values and prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime, said Richard Fisher, executive director and CEO of the chapter.

The Erie Shores Council, which includes Miakonda and Pioneer camps, serving all of northwest Ohio, has had 6,032 Eagle Scouts over the years.

At the dinner, nine Silver Beaver awards - the highest honor presented by the council to an adult volunteer - were presented. The recipients were Stephan Heschel of Oak Harbor; Jack Homan of Bowling Green, Dave Mack of Oregon, Joseph Meyer of Sylvania, Greg Nickey of Maumee, David Schultz of Custar, Doug Seidl of Sylvania, James Shull, Sr., of Green Springs, and John Stout of Perrysburg.

Special recognition was given to Denny Nemec of Maumee. He was awarded the Gregory A. Hendel Lifetime Volunteer Service award for those who serve through leadership roles in the business community.

Frank Merritt of Toledo was presented with the John C. Haar Lifetime Volunteer Award to honor his service through leadership positions he's held in civic organizations.

The District Award of Merit, given to those who provide outstanding support at a district level, went to Greg Cornell and Michael Kleman of Wood County; Celia LaBenne and Robert Ohler of Sandusky County; Alan Bernard, Allen Ellett, Steve Sherman of West Toledo, and Michael Pierson and Wendel Welker of Perrysburg.

The council, headed by president Jack Randolph, is promoting a legacy campaign to build a leadership center at the camp.

First Published June 20, 2010, 2:57 p.m.