Scouter of the Month - Chris Johnston Chris Johnston, Committee Chair for Pack 209 in Palatine, IL, is relatively new to the Scouting experience.Although his late father was Commissioner for the Sinnissippi Council in South Eastern Wisconsin during the 1980’s and was a recipient of the Silver Beaver award, Chris did not join cub scouts as a child.His oldest son, Cole, now a Webelos II, was recruited to follow Akela in 2002 and as with many Scout parents, Chris was uncertain about volunteering and the time commitment involved.Through the friendly cajoling of other Pack parents, he took on various assignments and stepped into the role of Committee chair in 2004.With a dedicated group of parents, Pack 209 earned the Quality Unit and Unit of Distinction awards for 2004/5 and saw this years’ Pack roster size increase from 43 to 64 Scouts after the Fall roundup (an increase of 49%). Chris enjoys the fellowship with the other Scout parents and the organizational aspect of being a Committee Chair.“We have a core group who step up and get the job done with a minimum of fuss,” he states.“It is a fun experience working with the Den leaders, Cub Master, Awards chair and all the parent volunteers.We have lots of fun, and hopefully provide a worthwhile experience for all our Scouts.I know both of my sons enjoy their den leaders and Pack activities immensely.” When not working with Pack 209, Chris travels on behalf of The Sharper Image, a nationally known specialty retailer, and is Senior Manager of its Wholesale and Licensing division.Chris and his wife, Jennifer, and three children live in Palatine.