Scout Week - Wrap-up

Scout week 2015 is in the books.  We had some amazing speakers tech groups about how to get started backpacking and some more advanced ultralight techniques.  We sampled some awesome camp food, and learned about how to leave no trace in the wilderness.  Thanks to all who attended!

Scout Week Starts Sunday!

FONTANA SPORTS SCOUTS WEEK

March 15 - 22, 2015

20% OFF ALL NON-SALE PURCHASES

Fontana Sports Scout Week recognizes all Scouts with their Boy Scout or Girl Scout card.

March 1st – 31st - Chance to win great gear!

Purchase raffle tickets at either store during the entire month of March for a chance to win awesome prizes from Klean Kanteen, GSI, Backpackers Pantry, Kelty, Slumberjack, and more. Prizes are valued between $30 and $150! Tickets cost $1 each or $10 for 15. All proceeds go to the Scouts to help send kids to camp.

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DOWNTOWN LOCATION CLINICS & EVENTS
216 N Henry Street, Madison 53703 • (608) 257-5043

Tues, March 17th at 6:00 pm - Ask the Expert! Fontana staff members are passionate, knowledgeable, and experienced outdoorsmen and women. Do you have a question about what footwear to buy, or how to pick the best tent for you? Curious how to pack a backpack properly or what the differences between all the different stoves are? This clinic will be tailored to the participant’s questions and can cover any of the gear or sports that we carry at Fontana.

Wed, March 18th at 5:30 pm - Leave No Trace Camping and Sustainability Practices - Crystal Neely. Join Fontana Sports camping buyer Crystal Neely for a discussion on ways to reduce your impact on the environment both when you are camping and in your everyday life. Then stay for a great talk on Backpacking Basics!

Wed, March 18th at 6:00 pm - Backpacking Basics/How to Set Up Camp - Shawn Thiele. Kelty and Slumberjack rep Shawn Thiele has years of experience with the best gear and he knows how to use it! If you are curious as to how to get started backpacking, or just need some gear tips this is a great clinic for you. He will talk about how to properly fit and pack a pack as well as showcase some of the innovative new products Kelty has come out with.

Sat, March 21st 3:00 - 5:00 pm - Stove/Cooking Demos. Stop by and check out different types of stove and sample tasty camp food.


WESTSIDE LOCATION CLINICS & EVENTS
231 Junction Road, Madison 53717 • (608) 833-9191

Mon, March 16th at 5:30 pm - Leave No Trace Camping and Sustainability Practices - Crystal Neely. Join Fontana Sports camping buyer Crystal Neely for a discussion on ways to reduce your impact on the environment both when you are camping and in your everyday life. Then stay for a great talk on Ultralight Backpacking!

Mon, March 16th at 6:00 pm - Ultralight Backpacking - Jake Hoffman. Jake Hoffman is only 26 years old but has hiked over 20% of the Earth’s circumference (about 6000 miles) on the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Long Trail! Join him as he shares stories and photos of his adventures and tips to lighten your load so you can focus on your beautiful surroundings and not your aching back!

Thurs, March 19th at 6:00 pm - Ask the Expert! Fontana staff members are passionate, knowledgeable, and experienced outdoorsmen and women. Do you have a question about what footwear to buy, or how to pick the best tent for you? Curious how to pack a backpack properly or what the differences between all the different stoves are? This clinic will be tailored to the participant’s questions and can cover any of the gear or sports that we carry at Fontana.

Sun, March 22nd 3:00 - 5:00 pm - Stove/Cooking Demos. Stop by and check out different types of stoves and sample tasty camp food.

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Other Scout Opportunities:

• If your Troop is interested in a clinic about a topic we don’t have scheduled, we’d be happy to discuss putting together a clinic for you. Please call Crystal at 608-662-9711.
• Does your troop need to put together a large order for items such as freeze dried food, tents, or sleeping bags? We want to work with you to give you the best possible deal. Please call Crystal or Jeff at 608.833.9191.

Your troop, Scout individuals and friends/family of Scouts are invited to attend. These clinics are free. If your troop plans to attend please call Crystal (608-662-9711) in advance so we can plan space accordingly.
We hope to see many Boy Scout and Girl Scout attendees this coming week for Fontana Sports Scout Week! Lots going on in the shops in support of the scouts. Even a raffle where money earned goes back to support Scouts! More details on  Fontana Sports Scout Week >>.


Below are some recommendations for Scouts and other beginner and intermediate backpackers. We have plenty of other great options, but we thought this could help narrow it down to make it easier to decide based on price and features.

	TENTS	BACKPACKS	SLEEPING BAGS
B E G I N N E R	One Person: Eureka Solitaire - $94.99 TNF Stormbreak - $128.99 Two Person: Eureka Tetragon 2 - $89.99 TNF Stormbreak 2 - $158.99 Kelty Salida 2 - $169.95	Osprey Volt 60 - $179.99 Osprey Viva 50 - $179.99 For smaller kids: Deuter Kids Fox Backpack - $108.99 Osprey Ace 38 - $139.99 Osprey Ace 50 - $159.99	Slumberjack Boundary Series $49.95 - $94.95 Mountain Hardwear Bozeman Flame $108.99
I N T E R M E D I A T E	One Person: Eureka Spitfire - $139.99 Two or Three Person:  Mountain Hardwear Shifter $198.99 or $248.99 Mountain Hardwear Optic 2.5 - $239.99 Mountain Hardwear Optic 3.5 - $284.99 Big Agnes Tumble MTN GLO $249.99 or $299.99	Kelty Trail Logic 50 Pack - $199.99 Osprey Atmos 50 - $209.99 Osprey Aura 50 - $259.99 Mountain Hardwear Ozonic 58 or 65 $259.99 or $269.99	Kelty Cosmic Down Series $139.95 - $199.95 Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed (Down or Synthetic option) $179.95 - $269.95

Scout Week has begun!

FONTANA SPORTS' SCOUT WEEK 2014

Sunday, April 27th - Sunday, May 4th, 2014

Did You Know?
Fontana Sports Specialties is owned by an Eagle Scout and a lifetime Girl Scout. Their son John is an Eagle Scout also and their daughter Elizabeth is a Silver Scout. Many of our past and present employees were/are Scouts and Eagle Scouts. Fontana Sports Specialties is locally owned and operated.

Add to those facts that our employees are outdoor enthusiasts who are environmentally focused with hundreds of hours spent enjoying and perfecting their experiences of traveling, hiking, camping, climbing, fishing, and skiing and you have a wealth of experience, knowledge and love for the outdoors. Because of this we have planned a 2014 Fontana Sports Scout Week.

Fontana Sports Scout Week will recognize all Scouts with their Boy Scout or Girl Scout card by giving them 20% OFF ALL NON-SALE PURCHASES from Sunday, April 27th – Sunday, May 4th , 2014. See in-store for details. Fontana Sports will also be offering FREE clinics to Scouts during the week. See clinic schedule bellow. Your Troop, Scout individuals and friends/parents of Scouts are invited to attend. If your troop plans to attend, please call ahead so we can make space. We hope to see you!


Other Scout Opportunities: 
If your Troop is interested in a clinic about a topic we don’t have scheduled, we’d be happy to discuss putting together a clinic for you. Please call Elizabeth 608.662.9706.
Does your troop need to put together a large order for items such as freeze dried food, tents, or sleeping bags? We want to work with you to give you the best possible deal. Please call John or Jeff at 608.833.9191.

CLINIC / EVENT SCHEDULE

Downtown Location Clinics and Events

216 N Henry Street, Madison 53703

(608) 257-5043

Monday, April 28th at 6:00 p.m. – Ask the Expert!

Fontana staff members are passionate, knowledgeable, and experienced outdoorsmen and women. Do you have a question about what footwear to buy, or how to pick the best tent for you? Curious how to pack a backpack properly or what the differences between all the different stoves are? This clinic will be tailored to the participant’s questions and can cover any of the gear or sports that we carry at Fontana.

Tuesday, April 29th from 4:30-7:00 p.m. – Ice Age Trail Alliance 2014 Guidebook/Atlas release party
Join us as we celebrate the release of the new 2014 Ice Age Trail Guidebook and Atlas. There will be cake, friendly IATA folks to answer questions and, at 6:00 p.m. a talk by avid IAT hiker Todd McMahon on The Best Day Hikes & Backpacking Trips on the IAT. Buy the Guidebook or Atlas during the event and get entered to win your choice of Merrell hiking boots values at $100-$150. Luke Kloberdanz, IATA Outreach & Education Manager said, “I really like the new Guidebook and Atlas. They are very hiker friendly.” There may even be an appearance by Monty the IATA mammoth! Please join us to support and celebrate this great organization.

Sunday, April 27th 11:00 a.m. –2:00 p.m. & Tuesday, April 29th 4:30-7:00 p.m. – Tent Time Trials
Think you are efficient at setting up camp? Stop by and put your skills to the test. Participants will be timed at setting up a tent. The tent will be the same for all contestants and be packed and put away by Fontana staff for a fair and even playing field. The top times at the end of the week will receive prizes.

Saturday, May 3rd 11:00 a.m. – 3:00p.m. – Stove/Cooking Demos
Stop by and check out different types of stove and sample some tasty camp food.

Westside Location Clinics and Events

231 Junction Road, Madison 53717

(608) 833-9191

Wednesday, April 30th at 6:00 p.m. – Ask the Expert!
Fontana staff members are passionate, knowledgeable, and experienced outdoorsmen and women. Do you have a question about what footwear to buy, or how to pick the best tent for you? Curious how to pack a backpack properly or what the differences between all the different stoves are? This clinic will be tailored to the participant’s questions and can cover any of the gear or sports that we carry at Fontana.

Thursday, May 1st at 6:00 p.m. – Planning and Backpacking at Glacier National Park
Join experienced backpacker and Scout trip leader Steve Dewitt for a presentation on backpacking in Glacier National Park. He will share his experiences and photos as well as cover some of the logistics of planning and organizing a trip. Novice and experienced backpackers alike will benefit from Steve’s wealth of knowledge.

Sunday, April 27th 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. & Thursday, May 1st 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. – Tent Time Trials
Think you are efficient at setting up camp? Stop by and put your skills to the test. Participants will be timed at setting up a tent. The tent will be the same for all contestants and be packed and put away by Fontana staff for a fair and even playing field. The top times at the end of the week will receive prizes.

Saturday, May 3rd 11:00 a.m. – 3:00p.m. – Stove/Cooking Demos
Stop by and check out different types of stove and sample some tasty camp food.

Scout Week featuring Andrew Skurka



Fontana sports owners John and Judith Hutchinson are an Eagle Scout and a lifelong Girl Scout.  Their children John and Elizabeth also achieved Eagle Scout and Silver Scout respectively.  Many other Fontana employees are/were active in the scouts and we all appreciate the wonderful work that local troops do and the opportunities afforded to the youth in our community through scouting. Because of this we have planned Scout week April 9 - April 15, 2012

Fontana Sports will recognize all Scouts with their Boy Scout or Girl Scout card by giving them 20% off all non sale purchases this week. We will also be offering FREE clinics to scouts during the week.


Downtown Location Schedule

216 North Henry Street, Madison, 53703

(608) 257 5043

Wednesday April 11th - 6:30 pm - "Circling Alaska & Yukon" with Andrew Skurka

Join us as we welcome Andrew Skurka, an accomplished adventure athlete, speaker, guide, and writer.  The 30 year old is most well known for his solo long distance backpacking trips and is the author of The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide: Tools & Tips to Hit the Trail.  He will be discussing and sharing a slide show of his first ultra long distance adventure - a 4700 mile, six month journey by foot, skis, and pack raft through Big Wilderness.

Clinician - Adam Remus

Saturday April 14th - 11:00 am - "Indoor & Outdoor Rock Climbing, Rappelling, & Bouldering"

Fontana Sports climbing buyer and seasoned climber Adam Remus will be giving an intro course on how to get started climbing in Wisconsin.  With his many years of climbing experience on all types of terrain, Adam has plenty of information and tips to share. 

Westside Location Clinic Schedule

231 Junction Road, Madison, 53717

(608) 833-9191

Clinician Jon Jugenheimer

Monday April 9th - 6:30 pm - "Choosing & Fitting the Right Backpack"

Osprey Representative and avid outdoorsman Jon Jugenheimer will be giving an intro course on how to properly choose, fit, and pack your backpack in preparation for your next adventure.  Come and learn how to get started - no experience necessary.

Thursday, April 12th - 6:30 pm - "Ultimate Hiking Gear & Skills" with Andrew Skurka

Again we welcome Andrew Skurka, accomplished adventure athlete, speaker, guide, and writer. In this instructional clinic Andrew will discuss the gear, supplies, and skills necessary to make hiking more fun and less work, without compromising your safety or comfort.

Andrew Skurka's Book - Available for purchase at his clinics.

Scout Week 2011

Did you know that Fontana Sports Specialties is owned by an Eagle Scout and a lifelong Girl Scout? Their son is also an Eagle Scout and daughter is a Silver Scout. Many of our past and current employees have been Scouts as well. We are an environmentally focused group of employees with combined, hundreds of hours spent enjoying and gaining experience in hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, backpacking, and scuba diving. Because of this wealth of experience and love for the outdoors Fontana Sports is planning a Scout Week to encourage the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.

Saturday, April 9th through Sunday, April 17th, 2011

Fontana Sports will recognize all scouts WITH THEIR BOY SCOUT OR GIRL SCOUT CARD by giving them 15% off all non-sale purchases. Stop by one of our locations for details.

In addition to great savings we are offering FREE clinics during the week (listed below). There will be free prize drawings for the Scout clinic attendees at the end of each clinic. Your Troop, Scout individuals, and friends/parents of scouts are invited to attend, if your troop plans to attend please call ahead so we can make space. We hope to see you soon

Downtown Location Clinic Schedule

216 N. Henry Street, Madison 53703 608-257-5043

Monday, April 11th at 6:00 pm - Backpacking 101 - An intro course on how to properly choose, fit, and pack your backpack in preparation for your next adventure

Tuesday, April 12th at 6:00 pm - Camp Cooking - Join us as we explain different kinds of stoves and back country cooking methods. We'll even do some demonstrations with samples!

Wednesday, April 13th at 6:00 pm - Local Expeditions - We'll Share some of the Midwest's greatest camping and hiking areas, and how best to prepare for them.

Thursday, April 14th at 6:00 pm - Wisconsin Wildlife - Learn more about the fun critters we share the woods with.

Westside Location Clinic Schedule

231 Junction Rd, Madison 53717 608-833-9191

Monday, April 11th at 6:00 pm - Camp Cooking - Join us as we explain different kinds of stoves and back country cooking methods. We'll even do some demonstrations with samples!

Tuesday, April 12th at 6:00 pm - Hiking Boots 101 - What to look for and how to fit a hiking boot. Boots can make or break the enjoyment of a trip. Socks are important as well ans should supply comfort, support, and protection

Wednesday , April 13th at 6:00 pm - Clothing and Equipment - Learn how to best dress in order to ensure comfort and temperature control. Learn the meaning of the terms: UPF, windproof, breathable, water resistant, and waterproof. You'll be all set for the trail.

Thursday, April 14th at 6:00 pm - Backpacking 101 - An intro course on how to properly choose, fit, and pack your backpack in preparation for your next adventure.