Intro to Blacksmithing - Coles Island, NB

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the Intro to Blacksmithing on October 24 or 25th is now open. The application deadline is 7 October 2024.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT: 
Soldier On will partner with Longdog Smithy to offer an Intro to Blacksmith course. The day will be spent covering the fundamentals of safe forge use and tool control. Participants will make a selection of items such as hooks, bottle openers and outdoor cooking/grilling tools. Each item is selected to cover and introduce new skill sets while giving them something fun and useful to take home. 

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 4 participants each day for a total of 8 participants.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from within an hour of the facility in Coles Island 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:

23rd or 24th October

• 0850hrs-Arrival
• 0900hrs-1200hrs Safety Brief and Skills Introduction
• 1200hrs-1230hrs Lunch Break (Participant Packed Lunch)
• 1200hrs-1600hrs Skill and complete projects
• 1600hrs-Closing Remarks and Departure

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:
Participants are advised that meals and transportation will not be provided by Soldier On for this event. Participants will be required to arrange their own travel to and from the event location, travel and meals are not eligible for reimbursement for this event. Participants are asked to bring a packed lunch.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Applicants must be able to tolerate 9 hours of moderate paced activity for a full day. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. 

The ability to stand for 45 mins at a time. Reasonable mobility and strength for upper body is required. Accommodations for disabilities may be possible with enough notice. The course will require concentration for extended periods due to the dangerous nature. There will also be loud and sometimes sudden noises. 

Applicants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment. 
  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.