284

Radnor Township, PA  ·  Est. 2014

Friends of
Radnor 284

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of open space, the care of a historic stone schoolhouse, and the enduring traditions of Scouting in Radnor Township, for generations to come.

Support the Cabin Our Story
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Our Purpose

A community rooted in
land, legacy, and service.

106+ Years of Scouting
200+ Eagle Scouts
2.2 Acres Preserved

Friends of Radnor 284, Inc. exists to champion two things that define this community: Scouting and open space. Together, they shape young lives and preserve the natural character of Radnor Township for everyone who calls it home.

At the heart of our work is The Cabin, a century-old stone schoolhouse at the corner of Darby-Paoli and Godfrey Roads that has served as home base for Radnor Troop 284 since 1962. After decades of stewardship by scouts and parents, the property is now permanently protected with a conservation easement, ensuring it will never be developed.

Through community fundraising, alumni support, and partnership with Radnor Township, FOR284 closed on 2.2 acres of land in May 2018 and has since invested in a comprehensive renovation of The Cabin, restoring what was deferred and expanding what was possible.

Open to All

FOR284 and Radnor Troop 284 welcome every member of the local and wider community, regardless of geographic or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, age, income level, or special needs.

Affiliated Scouting Units

Radnor Troop 284 Radnor Trailblazers

History So Far

Six decades of
roots in this place.

What began as a troop displaced from a condemned cabin has become a permanent, protected home for Scouting in Radnor Township. Here is the story of how we got here.

1962

A New Home at the Schoolhouse

When the troop's previous cabin at Odorisio Park was acquired by the Radnor Township School District, Troop 284 relocated to a one-room schoolhouse on Darby-Paoli and Godfrey Roads, a property "in the middle of nowhere" before the surrounding neighborhoods were built. The troop dubbed it The Cabin, and it has carried that name ever since.

1962 – 2013

Five Decades of Stewardship

Troop 284 rented the land from the Scott family for $1 per year. Scouts and parents replaced windows, put on a new roof, installed a wood-burning stove, and kept the building alive through generations. Maintenance was always a collective act of community: limited funds, unlimited commitment.

2014

FOR284 is Founded

In March 2014, Friends of Radnor 284 was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) with one clear goal: acquire a portion of the Wheeler Field surrounding The Cabin before the Ardrossan land sale displaced the troop entirely. A fundraising goal of $1 million was set. The community answered.

2018

The Land is Ours

After four years of fundraising, legal work, and partnership with Radnor Township, which used a Natural Lands Trust grant on a "spend a million, receive a million" match, FOR284 closed on 2.2 acres in May 2018. A permanent conservation easement was placed on the land. Development is no longer possible. The Cabin belongs to Scouting, forever.

2020 – Present

The Renovation

Construction began in 2020 to address decades of deferred maintenance and expand the property's capabilities. Work completed includes:

  • Equipment storage shed for lawnmowers and gear
  • Basement excavation with Bilco door for flexible meeting space
  • New porch and Quartermaster's shed around the building
  • Full repointing of the original stone exterior
  • New bell tower and vintage bell, restoring what was stolen in the 1960s

Looking Ahead

The Darby-Paoli Trail & Endowment

FOR284 will partner with Radnor Township when the Darby-Paoli Trail is constructed. The trail will pass directly through the property's right-of-way. Ongoing fundraising will build an endowment supporting property upkeep, Eagle Project funding, and summer camperships for scouts who need assistance.

Photo Albums

The Cabin,
then and now.

From a 19th-century one-room schoolhouse to a fully renovated Scout home. These photos document the history and transformation of The Cabin at Darby-Paoli and Godfrey Roads.

Cabin Historical Photos
Radnor Township School #7
Radnor Township School #7, the original schoolhouse
Historical photo
Historical record
Historical photo
Historical record
Historical photo
Historical record
Cabin Construction & Renovation
Preconstruction
Preconstruction
Pre-construction
Pre-construction
Basement excavated
Basement excavated for new flexible meeting space
New Bilco door
New Bilco door entrance to basement
Footers being poured
Footers being poured
Porch and QM Shed
New porch & Quartermaster's Shed
QM shed progress
QM shed in progress
New outside entrance
New outside entrance to basement
Views We Never Had Before
Aerial view
Aerial view
Aerial view
Aerial view
Aerial view
Aerial view

Our Mission

A four-phase
plan for permanence.

Troop 284 has touched nearly every family in Radnor Township over nearly a century. Whether you've bought a wreath from a young Scout, walked a trail an Eagle Scout built, or simply watched the troop march at a community event, this legacy belongs to all of us.

Our aggregate fundraising goal of $1 million was designed to cover the land purchase, the renovation, and a lasting endowment, ensuring Scouting in Radnor Township has a permanent, well-resourced home for the next century.

Fundraising Phases

I

Acquire the Property

Purchase the Cabin and 2.2 surrounding acres with conservation easement.

Completed
II

Plan & Renovate

Design and execute improvements addressing deferred maintenance and expanded programming space.

Completed
III

Build the Endowment

Raise funds to sustain ongoing property upkeep and programming for generations.

In Progress
IV

Support Scouting

Fund camperships, Eagle Projects, and open-space preservation throughout Radnor Township.

Ongoing

About Troop 284

Radnor Troop 284 has operated for over 106 years, one of the longest continuously active troops in the region. Through decades of Scout camping trips, high-adventure programs, and community service, the troop has shaped the character of thousands of young people from Radnor Township and the surrounding communities. The improved facilities have allowed Troop 284 to continue meeting even through challenging times, maintaining a robust outdoor program that sets it apart.

Your support carries forward more than a building. It carries forward a way of becoming.

200+
Eagle Scouts
in recorded history

Leadership

Board of
Directors.

Friends of Radnor 284 is governed by a volunteer board of officers and voting members drawn from the Radnor Township community: alumni, parents, and neighbors who share a commitment to Scouting and open space.

CP

Dr. Clarke Piatt

President · Voting

BM

Bob Miccolis

Vice President

MH

Marc Hirschler

Secretary · Voting

JF

Julie Faith

Treasurer

TS

Troy Schrader

Voting Member

SC

Sarah Connelly

Voting Member

Upcoming Events

Join us
this year.

Friends of Radnor 284 and Troop 284 host gatherings throughout the year for current families, alumni, and supporters. All are welcome.

May 8, 2026  ·  6:00 PM

Spring Social

The Cabin, Radnor Township

A joint gathering for current Troop 284 parents and Friends of Radnor alumni. Come meet the community, catch up with old friends, and raise a glass (BYOB). At 7:00 PM, former Scoutmaster Eric Janson will take us through the history of the cabin and the troop, drawing on decades of backpacking, camping, and hiking with Radnor Scouts.

Open to All

August 2026

Alumni Camping Trip

Location to be announced

The first in a new series of alumni camping events. Whether you were a Scout ten years ago or thirty, these trips are a chance to get back outdoors with people who share the same love of the wilderness that Scouting instilled in all of us. Dates and locations coming soon.

Alumni

December 2026

Alumni Night Out

Wayne, PA

A casual evening in Wayne for recent Troop 284 alumni (21 and older). A low-key chance to reconnect with fellow Scouts and catch up on what everyone has been up to. More details to follow.

21+