Prairie Region Hike-Bike-Paddle - Manitoba

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the Prairie Region Hike-Bike-Paddle event to be conducted from 17-21 June 2024 at Falcon Lake, Whiteshell Provincial Park, Manitoba, is now open. The event is open to all registered Solder On serving or retired members. For more information please visit https://www.soldieron.ca/Get-Support/Activities-and-Events. The application deadline is Sunday, 12 May 2024.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT: 
The Prairie Region Hike-Bike-Paddle 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.

It will provide an opportunity for Soldier On participants to be introduced to the sports of hiking, trail biking, canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Participants will receive introductory-level instruction on all sports and will have an opportunity to hike-bike-paddle the beautiful Whiteshell Provincial Park. 

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to eight (8).

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the Prairie Region (SK, MB, NW ON), who is a registered Soldier On member and has 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. 


DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Monday, 17 June 24: AM - Travel Day
Tuesday, 18 June 24: AM - Hiking or Biking; PM - Water Sport
Wednesday, 19 June 24: AM - Hiking or Biking; PM - Water Sport
Thursday, 20 June 24: AM - Hiking or Biking; PM - Water Sport
Friday, 21 June 24: Travel Day

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:
Travel assistance will be provided and coordinated by the Soldier On Regional Coordinator in conjunction with Soldier On Operations. The most economical means of transportation to and from events will be prioritized and discussed with members via the event OPI or delegate.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Applicants must be able to tolerate eight (8) hours of moderate to high paced activities for three (3) consecutive days. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. 

Participants are advised that this event will be held outdoors, and weather conditions can change quickly in the Whiteshell area. Participants are expected to dress accordingly for the weather conditions. Personal Floatation Devices will be used at all times while near or on the water.

Applicants will be required to share accommodations (cabins) and will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment. Applicants must also acknowledge that there will be no alcohol allowed during the daily activities or in your accommodations.
   
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.