3 day - Canoe experience - Medway Lakes

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the 3 day - Canoe experience - Medway Lakes 26 - 28 August 2025. is now open. The application deadline is 25 July 2025.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT:  
Soldier On is thrilled to partner with Whynot Adventure to offer members a memorable backcountry paddling experience that balances moderate adventure with camaraderie and personal well-being. Explore the Medway Lakes Wilderness in the Kejimkujik area, featuring small lakes, sandy beaches, and wooded campsites. Expect 4–6 hours of paddling daily, with two main portages (950 m on Day 1; 460 m on Day 3) plus a few shorter carries. Camping is wilderness-style with all equipment provided. Participants will set up their own tents on forest-floor pads or rocky ledges, use rustic backcountry facilities, and share hearty campfire-cooked meals with fellow participants. This adventure is designed to challenge and inspire while fostering connection and appreciation for the great outdoors.

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 7.

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

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Day 1 – August 26: Arrival & Paddle In
Arrival Time: 1000 hrs 
Paddle & portage (~950m) into campsite
Day 2 – August 27: Explore & Skills
Breakfast at camp
Paddle day
Day 3 – August 28: Paddle Out & Depart
Early breakfast, pack down
Paddle & portage (~460m) back to take-out
Departure Time: Approximately 1400 hrs

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: 26 Aug - lunch & dinner, 27 August - breakfast, lunch & dinner & 28 August breakfast & lunch.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
-Applicants must be able to tolerate 4 - 6 hours of moderate paced activities for 3 days in a row. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. 

-Must be comfortable participating in remote backcountry camping with no cell service or amenities (no toilets, no running water, no power). Participants must be able to maintain a positive attitude and remain adaptable in rain or shine and varying weather conditions. Participants must have the ability to follow group safety instructions and contribute to group tasks (e.g., setting up camp, cooking, cleaning).

-Participants must be able to paddle for extended periods (up to 2–3 hours at a time), sometimes in wind or light rain. -Participants must be capable of carrying personal gear and contributing to shared loads over uneven terrain (expect portages up to 950 metres). Loads may weigh up to 25–35 lbs (your pack, possibly part of a canoe). 

-Participants must be able to get in/out of a canoe unassisted, move around rugged campsites, sleep in a tent, and sit on the ground/logs. Use of cat-hole toilet practices (digging a small hole for waste), with no on-site bathrooms. -A PFD (lifejacket) must be worn at all times while on the water – this is non-negotiable.

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