Crumb to Craft - Nova Scotia

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the CRUMB TO CRAFT 25 - 28 November 2025 is now open. The application deadline is 10 November 2025.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT:  
Crumb to Craft is a creative, hands-on wellness experience designed to engage Soldier On members in the joy of crafting, cooking, and community connection. The event brings together three local partners to guide participants through a series of complementary workshops that blend creativity, skill-building, and sensory experience. 

In collaboration with Lee Valley, participants will craft their own charcuterie boards and honey dippers, learning basic woodworking and finishing techniques. Wattle.n.snood Farm will then lead a culinary session focused on baking sourdough delights to accompany the charcuterie creations. Finally, The Curd Girl will introduce participants to the art of cheesemaking, guiding them through the process of creating fresh cheese from scratch. By the end of the workshop, members will walk away with:

• A set of handcrafted items they personally created
• Practical skills in woodworking, breadmaking, and cheesemaking
• Knowledge and confidence to repeat these projects at home
• A renewed sense of connection and accomplishment through shared creative experience

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 8.

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. 

*NOTE FOR SERVING MEMBERS: The selection of serving members for activities outside their local regions for which members will be on TD will align with CAF direction on financial expenditures.

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

25 November: Wood crafting day at Lee Valley — participants will create charcuterie boards and honey dippers.

• 26 November: Culinary day — baking sourdough and preparing fresh accompaniments in the kitchen.
• 27 November: On-farm experience at Wattle.n.snood Farm with The Curd Girl — learning the art of cheesemaking.
• 28 November: Final crafting session — finishing and sealing charcuterie boards, group reflection, and departure.

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. Soldier On will only provide R&Q and travel assistance to those outside of 100km from the event location. Those that are local will be required to arrange their own travel to and from the event location. The following meals will be provided to the group during the event: Group Lunch.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Applicants must be able to tolerate approximately 6 hours of light to moderate-paced activities each day. Due to the event’s full schedule, participants should have a limited need for rest throughout the day. Participants should be comfortable engaging in light physical activities such as standing for extended periods, walking short distances, and performing fine motor tasks like shaping dough, crafting wood, or handling cheese-making tools. 

Activities will require attention to detail, following multi-step instructions, and maintaining focus for creative and technical tasks. Applicants will be joined by other ill or injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function comfortably in a social group environment. The event involves collaboration, discussion, and shared workspace use throughout each session.

Applicants are advised that the activity and meals for this event is/may be located at Canadian Armed Forces bases/facilities, and thus they may be exposed to a day-to-day military environment. Applicants also acknowledge that there will be no alcohol allowed in the accommodations, and will be required to share accommodations.