Intro to Blacksmithing - St. Adolphe, MB

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the Introduction to Blacksmithing is now open. Four separate 2-day blacksmithing workshops to choose from. Workshop 1: July 8/9, Workshop 2: July 12/13, Workshop 3: August 12/13, and Workshop 4: August 16/17. The application deadline is Friday, June 25, 2025.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT: 
Are you ready to learn how to start blacksmithing? Soldier On, in collaboration with Forging Ahead Inc., located in St. Adolphe, MB, will conduct four x 2-day blacksmithing workshops, where each participant will learn the fundamental skills and safety precautions needed to forge steel and understand blacksmithing tools. You will be introduced to techniques such as tapering, upsetting, flattening, dishing, and bending of hot steel. 

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to  2 x participants for each workshop (8).

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the Winnipeg & local area 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:

Workshop #1 - Tuesday, July 8th & Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 in St, Adolphe. Time: 0800-1200 hrs.

Workshop #2 - Saturday, July 12th & Sunday, July 13th, 2025 in St, Adolphe. Time: 0800-1200 hrs.

Workshop #3 - Tuesday, August 12th & Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 in St, Adolphe. Time: 0800-1200 hrs.

Workshop #4 - Saturday, August 16th & Sunday, August 17th, 2025 in St, Adolphe. Time: 0800-1200 hrs.

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:
Participants are advised that meals and 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. Travel and meals are not eligible for reimbursement for this event.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Participants must be able to tolerate up to four (4) hours of moderate paced activities for two (2) consecutive days. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. To safely and enjoyably participate in this workshop, participants should have basic hand-eye coordination, the ability to follow instructions, and enough physical dexterity to handle tools and metal pieces. Adaptations can be made to accommodate specific needs. Participants must be able to swing a 4.5 lbs hammer without issue or being against their MELs.
  
Participants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians and therefore should be able to function in a social environment. Participants also acknowledge that there is no alcohol consumption allowed during the conduct of this event.