NCR Intro to Gardening - Ottawa, On

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the NCR INTRODUCTION TO GARDENING PROGRAM on MAY 8, JUN 5, JUL 10, AUG 7, SEPT 11, OCT 9 2025 is now open. The application deadline is April 20, 2025.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT: 
A total of 6 selected participants will participate in a season-long, private Intro to Gardening program hosted by the team at Pick Pack Prune. 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 active lifestyle. These six sessions will run from 0900-1400hrs and will encompass a range of activities including workshops, and hands-on experiences to engage individuals of all ages and backgrounds in learning about the seasonal gardening cycle. Activities include weeding, harvesting, planting, info sessions, and guided tours of the farm focusing on Permaculture. This program is designed to enhance the operations of the Abundance Garden, contributing to the Food Bank, and giving ill and injured military members a place to learn about growing vegetables and sustainability.

Gardening has so many benefits including: spending outside in the outdoors, connecting with nature while reducing stress and increasing mindfulness, getting in some exercise, providing a sense of purpose, and increasing resilience. No matter where you live, gardening can be incorporated into anyone’s routine in a relatively affordable manner – pots on an apartment balcony, raised beds in a townhome yard, or even joining a community gardening group. Although there may be slight differences in materials and approaches, whether taking on a pollinator-friendly flower garden or learning about growing your own herbs and vegetables, many of the core strategies apply.

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 6

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the NCR Region 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. 

Language of Instruction: English

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
MAY 8, JUN 5, JUL 10, AUG 7, SEPT 11, OCT 9 2025, Fiat Farm – 757 Route 400, Russel, ON

• 9:00 am: Arrival and Welcome Briefing
• 9:30 am: In-class session in greenhouse
• 10:30 am: Practical session
• 12:00 pm: Lunch
• 12:30 pm: Farm tour and practical session
• 14:00 pm: Conclusion of daily activities and cleanup

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. 

The following meals will be provided during the event: lunches on event days.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Participants must be able to tolerate standing, kneeling, and bending in order to tend to ground-level garden beds. Minimal lifting may be required (under 20lbs)

The event takes place on natural surfaces, including mulched pathways and uneven, undulating terrain, which may be challenging for those with reduced mobility/some mobility devices. We encourage participants to assess whether this environment meets their accessibility needs, as the terrain may not be suitable for all.

Participants must be able to tolerate 5 hours of light/medium paced activities. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day.

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