Shilo Soapstone Carving

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the Soapstone Carving event to be conducted on Thursday, January 23rd, 2025, in Shilo, Manitoba, is now open. The application deadline is Friday, January 10, 2025.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT:  
Soldier On, in collaboration with Spence Custom Carving, will host a one-day soapstone carving workshop in Shilo, MB. This activity will bring together both serving and retired ill/injured CAF members, allowing participants to connect through peer support and encourage a healthy and creative lifestyle. The objective of this workshop will be to provide participants the opportunity to learn the art of soapstone carving, broadening their choices of creative activities to stay active and healthy. No prior soapstone carving experience required. 

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 10.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from Shilo/Brandon area 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:

Thursday, 23 Jan 25 - 0845-1630 hrs

0845 hrs: Arrive at Shilo Country Club Banquet Room
0845- 0900 hrs: Introductions and Workshop Overview
0900-1200 hrs: Soapstone Carving
1200-1300 hrs: Lunch (Shilo Country Club)
1300-1600 hrs: Soapstone Carving
1600-1630 hrs: Clean up & Departure

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:
Participants are advised that 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 is not eligible for reimbursement for this event. Lunch will be provided to participants.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Applicants must be able to tolerate 6 hours of light-paced activities during each night of the workshop. To safely and enjoyably participate in this workshop, participants should have basic hand-eye coordination, the ability to follow instructions, and enough physical dexterity to handle hand tools. Adaptations can be made to accommodate specific needs. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the workshop. 

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 the activity and meals for this event are located at Canadian Armed Forces Base Shilo, and thus, they may be exposed to a day-to-day military 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.