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!

2014 Boy Scout Camporee

Fontana Sports employees, Dylan and Brint attended the Boy Scout Camporee in Cazenovia, WI a few weekends back.  We've been attending the event for 7 or 8 years now at least.  Time just goes so quickly it's hard to keep track!  The guys gave presentations to the Scouts on camping hard goods (tents, sleeping bags, packs, etc) and soft goods (apparel, footwear, accessories).  They both reported back that they had a great time and the Scouts seemed to really enjoy themselves.  We're happy we could attend!  We'll see you again next year!

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.

Token Creek Conservancy Work Day

Below is a letter sent to Jutith Hutchinson. Thanks to Judith and and to Troup 333 for your hard work in keeping Token Creek beautiful and healthy!

Despite the weather, off and on light rain, many boys and parents, and 1 sister, from Troop 333 participated in today's conservation workday held at the Elmer and Edna Culver Conservancy grounds off Egre road.

The volunteers began their work around 9:00 am today and vigorously pruned numerous tag elders and buckhorn tree shoots. The work safely accomplished today by the volunteers will help the conservancy continue their ongoing work next spring on the natural prairie grounds section of the conservancy.

Upon completing our task, we enjoyed some donuts and a tour of the conservancy grounds and viewed up-close the springs on the property. This tour was lead by the passionate Judith Hutchinson, Token Creek Conservancy Chair and work coordinator for today's project. We learned about the importance of Token Creek to:
Maintaining clean and high quality water,
Supplying a large volume of water to the Madison chain of lakes,
Wildlife such as birds, fish, deer, foxes, and other mammals,
Establishing for the conservancy for people to enjoy the outdoors.
Finally, a big THANK YOU to Judith Hutchinson. I know you took precious time away from your husband and your business, Fontana Sports Specialties, to be there for the scouts today. Thank you for sharing your love for scouting, nature, and the conservancy with us all-you clearly have a passion for all three. Also, thank you for taking the time to help bring today's event together. THANK YOU again.

Please enjoy the photos and I hope we can do this again next year.

Terry Pursifull
Assistant Scoutmaster Troop 333.