A Local Star Living in Our Community Since the 1980s

Local Star feature by Bob Blaisse, Publisher of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine

Did you know that Don Johnson is an Eagle Scout? Not the Don Johnson of 1980s TV fame. The Don Johnson who is famous in the Marple Newtown area for his service to youth. For more than 35 years, he has served as a Boy Scout leader in our community and is currently the Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 315, chartered by St. Anastasia Church since 1947.

Originally chartered as Troop 1, it was in the late 1960s that Boy Scouts of America, now Scouts USA, required “Larchmont Troop 1” to change its unit number from Troop 1 to Troop 315.

Don Johnson, Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 315

Photo by Chris Stack

A few years later, Don Johnson, a Boy Scout himself at that time, stood on the parade field at Resica Falls Scout Reservation. Under a full moon, he watched and heard on live TV that “the Eagle has landed,” and it carried Neil Armstrong, an Eagle Scout, to be the first man to walk on the moon. Months later, Johnson earned his own rank of Eagle Scout, taking his lifelong pledge to always do his best, to use his training to be an example, and to influence for better Scouting.

In 1984, Don Johnson and his wife Joan moved to Broomall so their son Donny could begin first grade at St. Anastasia School. That year, Donny became a Cub Scout of Cub Pack 315. It was then that Don began his faithful service as a Scout Leader, first as Cub Pack Den Leader and later as Cubmaster of Pack 315. When Donny crossed over into Boy Scout Troop 315, his dad took over as Scoutmaster of Troop 315.

Don has continued in that leadership role for the past 32 years. He has spent that time guiding Scouts ages 11 through 18 in camping, outdoor survival skills, respect of God and Country, nature, and the importance of giving cheerful service to their community. Since 1947, Troop 315 has been honored to have 65 Eagle Scouts, more than half of whom recall Don Johnson as their Scoutmaster. They reflect on fond memories when they achieved Scouting’s highest honor and rank, one that fewer than 5 of every 100 Scouts nationally are able to achieve.

Don Johnson, you are a Local Star to Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors for your cheerful service to youth. Thank you for honoring your Eagle Scout Oath to teach the values of Scouting, to always Be Prepared, to Do Your Duty to God and Country, and to obey The Scout Law. Thank you for always being Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent!