BC Winter Wonderland Sports Camp

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the BC Winter Wonderland Sports Camp 20-24 January, 2025 is now open. The application deadline is 27 December 2024 @ 1200 PST.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT:  
Who said the island doesn't get snow? Come join Soldier On for a 3-day winter wonderland of snow-sport-fun! Please note that this event is a five-day commitment as travel will occur on the 20th and 24th of January. 

Soldier On will be teaming up with Mount Washington, Vancouver Island Biathlon Club, BC Wheelchair Basketball, and 19 Wing Comox PSP to provide beginners and first timers the opportunity to receive fundamental coaching on a variety of snow or winter sports! In this three-day, high paced sports camp, participants will have the opportunity to participate in Nordic skate skiing, biathlon, snowshoeing, winter fat biking, wheelchair basketball and a few more surprises along the way*. 

*subject to weather conditions

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 8.


ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from Vancouver Island and Mainland BC who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

Selected Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate. 

*NOTE FOR SERVING MEMBERS: Amidst current financial limitations and a federal directive to reduce defense spending within DND by a Billion dollars, serving members' participation in Soldier On events and activities will now be limited to within their own local region (i.e., selection for event outside of where they reside is unlikely). As a result, serving members are advised that participation beyond their local area is likely to be denied, as Soldier On cannot sponsor any temporary duty status for serving members in order to align with government guidelines for expenditure reduction. Unfortunately, serving members are not authorized to participate in Soldier On activities and events while on leave.*

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

20 January 2025
Travel date: all participants will arrive in Comox by 15001500-1530: Non-local members check-in 
1600: Non-local members depart to dinner
1630-1730: Dinner with all participants
1800-1900: Event Brief 

21-23 January 2025
0630-0730 Breakfast Routine 
0800 Depart to day's activity 
0830-1600 Activity + Lunch
1630-1730 Dinner
1800-2000 Evening activity (if applicable) 

24 January 2025 
0700-0800 Breakfast Routine 
0830 Check Out and return home

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:
Travel assistance will be provided and coordinated by the Soldier On Regional Coordinator in conjunction with Soldier On Operations. The most economical means of transportation to and from events will be prioritized and discussed with members via the event OPI or delegate.

Local to area participants will be responsible for arranging day-to-day transportation with OPI. Arrangements will be made for local area participants to meet at a rendez-vous point and then may be transported by Soldier On to the activity. However, should participants choose to drive themselves, they will not be compensated. 

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Applicants must be able to tolerate 8-10 hours of light, moderate, and high paced activities for 3 days in a row. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. 

Applicants must not be in violation of their MEL's.

Due to the variety of sport and activities involved in this camp, all applicants must possess moderate endurance, balance, core stability, leg and arm strength, motor control and the ability to withstand a fall from standing or seated position. 

We have some ability to adapt for Nordic and Biathlon needs via assistance from VISAS (Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snow Sports) --if Sit Ski is required, please indicate in assistive/mobility aids portion. 

Applicants should be prepared for long hours and eating meals 'on the road' while moving from one location to another. 

Applicants must understand that the majority of this camp will take place outdoors and therefore must be able to tolerate changing weather conditions and terrains including, but not limited to, cold, wind and snow. Dressing for the weather and bringing changes of clothing will be paramount. 

Applicants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment. Applicants are advised that some of the activity and meals for this event are located at Canadian Armed Forces bases/facilities, and thus they may be exposed to a day-to-day military environment. Applicants also acknowledge that there will be no alcohol allowed in the accommodations, and will be required to share accommodations.
 

ALL MEMBERS
Deadline for Nomination Forms
Must be received by Soldier On NLT 27 Dec 2024
Click on the Application Form link to express your interest.

SERVING MEMBERS ONLY
In order to be considered for selection, all serving members must also complete and submit a chain of command authorization form by the application deadline.
Authorization Form 

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE PREVENTION:
Soldier On, PSP and CAF TG aim to provide a safe environment for all participants and staff. To ensure everyone’s safety, applicants understand that they should aim to adopt personal practices focused on communicable disease prevention such as health awareness, staying home when sick and regular hand cleaning to help prevent the spread.