As the Boy Scouts of America celebrate their 100th anniversary this year, one area man is being honored for spending more than 40 years with the organization.

Duane Olson, 81, received the Centennial Scouter Award for his service at a Boy Scout Centennial Fundraiser held Thursday at the Hormel Historic Home.

“This is quite an honor,” Olson said. “It’s just great.”

Olson adds his centennial plaque to a collection that includes a Silver Scout Award, an Award of Merit and a God and Service Award.

Olson joined the scouts as a leader in the 1970s, when he signed his son up for Cub Scouts. He followed his son’s progression through the scouts and later became a troop committee member and district commissioner. For the past two decades, Olson continued his volunteer service as a chartered organization representative and unit commissioner for pack 108 and troop 109.

Olson attended the luncheon with his son Scott Olson, and his teenage grandson Nathan Olson, who donned his own scouting uniform.

Nathan will complete his Eagle project this summer, Duane said.

About 25 people attended the luncheon for the Southern Trails District of the Twin Valley Council Thursday.

“Not a lot of programs last 100 years,” said Paula Nuessmeier, district executive of the Twin Valley Council. “Ours still has the same values it was founded on.”There are more than 3,000 scouts in the Twin Valley Council, and almost 800 in the Southern Trails District which includes Mower, Freeborn and parts of Faribault counties.

The district celebrated 75 percent retention of scouts last year, and had their most successful recruitment yet this fall with more than 175 new scouts entering.

The boy scouts are always looking for more adult volunteers and donations to keep their programs available, Nuessmeier said.

It costs the council $350 per year, per scout to provide their program.

For information about donating to or joining the boy scouts, go to www.twinvalleybsa.org or call 387-3123.