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Learn to Fly Fish in Calgary, AB

Soldier On, in collaboration with Fly Fishing Bow River, will host an Introduction to Fly Fishing event in Calgary, AB. This will take place on the 1st of September from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Bow River. Applicants selected to attend must already possess or be willing to acquire their own Alberta freshwater fishing license prior to the event.

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.

The event will provide an opportunity for Soldier On participants to learn or improve their fly-fishing skills.

Participants will be provided with all fishing equipment and will learn about the steps and techniques for fly-fishing and tips on optimal fishing conditions. The river has Class 1 and 2 rapids, however you will have a guide in a three-person drift boat.

There is no cost to attend, however participants selected to attend must already possess or obtain their own an Alberta Provincial Freshwater Fishing License prior to the event dates.

Selected participants will not be reimbursed the cost of fishing licenses. Sport fishing licenses can be obtained online here or in-person at any Canadian Tire, Bass Pro Shop or Cabelas. You will also need at Wildlife Identification Number in order to obtain a fishing Licence.  A sport fishing license will cost $28 and a WIN card will cost $8 + GST.

Costs related to travel and meals will not be reimbursed for this event.

Participants will learn the basics on how to effectively fish out of a drift boat. Participants will meet the guides at a designated location, you will be transported in the guide’s vehicles to the boat ramp. We will fish for six hours and lunches, snacks and drinks will be supplied. At the end of the trip we will disembark at your vehicles location.

Assistance throughout the event will be provided courtesy of Fly Fishing Bow River.

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to nine.

Minimum eligibility criteria
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from within 60 minutes of Calgary, AB 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.

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

Mental & Physical Requirements
  • Participants must be able to tolerate seven hours of light paced activities for a day.
  • 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 August 16, 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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