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Blacksmithing Workshop in Ottawa, ON

Soldier On will be partnering with Van’s School of Blacksmithing to host a blacksmithing workshop on the 26th of October, from 9:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Ottawa, ON. Six ill/injured serving or retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces will receive introductory instruction on blacksmithing techniques and will leave the class with a custom hand-made chef’s knife. This creative workshop will assist in the continuation of a healthy lifestyle.

This activity will bring together both serving and retired ill/injured CAF members, allowing participants to connect through peer support and encourage a creative lifestyle.  

The aim of this activity will be to be to introduce a variety of techniques to help participants learn the basics of blacksmithing while creating a chef’s knife. 

All supplies are included. No previous blacksmithing experience is required.

Participants will leave this one-day class with a finished chef’s knife ready for immediate use! 

Participants will partake in a basic heritage style culinary knife program that focuses on basic knife making skills with an additional focus on hammer control techniques, fine grinding, single bevel and burn tang handle design using a propane forge. All skill levels are welcome, but this class will move at a pace comfortable for a beginner. 

Assistance throughout the event will be provided courtesy of Vans School of Blacksmithing.

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to six.

Minimum eligibility criteria
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the National Capital 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.

*Due to the fact that the event is in the Ottawa, ON geographical area, we will not provide travel assistance.

Serving Members
Medical clearance may be required by your chain of command.

Mental & Physical Requirements
  • Participants must be able to tolerate six hours of light to moderate paced activities throughout the workshop.
  • Participants must be able to wear some protective equipment for part of the day and occasionally hold as well as raise and lower upper limbs.
  • Participants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment.
Nomination Forms must be received by Soldier On no later than the 15th of October, 2021.
Express your interest here.


COVID-19
Soldier On events are planned in accordance with municipal, provincial, territorial and federal public health measures (PHM) and regulations as well as the Canadian Armed Forces health policy and guidelines. The health and safety of Soldier On participants and staff, PSP staff, and CAF TG personnel are paramount. While specific safety precautions for each event will depend on the scope, scale and location of the event, the utmost care will be undertaken to ensure the risk associated with the spread of COVID-19 is very low.

Specific precautions, rules, regulations and observances will be communicated to selected participants for this specific camp in due course, but all applicants must be prepared to:

  • Be familiar with, and adhere to current PHM regulations and guidance;
  • Complete the respective provincial / territorial or federal government COVID-19 self-assessment tool before attending the event;
  • Refrain from participating in a Soldier On event if they have tested positive for COVID-19, have come in contact with someone that has tested positive for COVID-19 and/or are experiencing symptoms of the virus;
  • Practice physical distancing during activity, including the use of non-medical mask when appropriate;
  • Follow all safety precautions provided by Soldier On and its sport service providers;
  • Adhere to a stringent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and perform rigorous hand hygiene;
  • Inform Soldier On immediately if you are not feeling well.

Soldier On, during the conduct of this activity, shall:

  • Ensure that the event is conducted following the current PHM regulations and guidelines of the location in question;
  • Ensure that all staff and participants are using PPE properly and following necessary protocols;
  • Soldier On will cease the event if participants do not respect any of the health and safety protocols that are in place;
  • Ensure PPE, hand sanitizer and disinfectant supplies are available and are being used;
  • Continue to monitor the further provincial lifting of or changes in restrictions which may affect their operations;
  • Track physical interactions (time/date/attendees/location) on physical activity log.

Confirmation details
The event OPI will confirm in writing with the participants selected for this activity. A joining instruction will be issued prior to event; ensuring applicants are authorized to participate IAW applicable policies & eligibility criteria.

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