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Guided Hike at Griffiths Uplands in the NCR

Soldier On will be hosting a guided hike in partnership with Girl Gone Good® and Ottawa Adventurer on 26 September at 9 a.m. Participants will enjoy a guided hike of Griffiths Uplands with discussions surrounding hiking safety, required gear for hiking and tips and tricks about hiking and responsible/ sustainable recreation all while witnessing the region’s beautiful fall colours.

This event is open to anyone in the National Capital Regional geographical area.

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.

GirlGoneGood® and Ottawa Adventurer will provide a guided hike through the trails at Griffiths Uplands. This hike will be through a loop trail roughly 8.5 km in length, with approximately 280 meters of elevation gain, some stream crossings and some highly rewarding viewpoints.

Victoria Walsh (Girl Gone Good®) is a military veteran who had a successful career in communications within the CAF and is now an adventurist and advocate for the prioritization of wellness while exploring the wilderness. Girl Gone Good® will facilitate discussions throughout the hike surrounding hiking safety, what to bring on day hikes, gear, hiking hacks, and will provide further hiking resources to participating Soldier On members.

A total of 10 selected participants will take part the group hike.

This activity will include up to four hours of guided walking/hiking by our service provider.  

Participants should arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the activity.

Assistance and instruction throughout the event will be provided courtesy of the Girl Gone Good® and Ottawa Adventurer.

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 10.

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 NCR geographical area, travel assistance will not be provided.

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

Mental & Physical Requirements
  • Participants must be able to tolerate four hours of moderate paced activities throughout the session. Participants must be able to carry a light day pack.
  • These sessions will require a variety of physical movements and be held outdoors, therefore participants need to dress appropriately.
    • Should there be unfavourable weather conditions for participants and instructors travel, Soldier On will endeavour to reschedule sessions.
  • 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 September 17, 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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