Every day, The Royal Canadian Legion plays a positive role in the lives of many types of veterans, including women. To further veteran programs, the Legion sponsored the July 8, 2023, Stand Up Paddleboarding event; just one of many events organized by the Pepper Pod.

Transitioning from the military or RCMP to civilian life can be difficult for any veteran. The Pepper Pod specifically helps women veterans to develop and contribute to a support system, as they face challenges during and after their transition.

It was created by retired major Sandra Perron, the first female infantry officer in the Canadian military, and named after “Pepper Podding,” a military manoeuvre designed to cover one’s comrades in arms while advancing on the enemy.

Pepper Pod’s mission is rooted in the belief that women who served have a unique cultural experience that can be valuable when they share it and support other women. It is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric treatment. It is a two-day, two-night retreat of eight to 10 women and one facilitator. The aim is to provide women veterans an opportunity to mutually connect at a deep level and develop profound friendships, while sharing lessons about life, health, transition and healing. The groups become “tribes” that lean on each other during life’s challenges.

The experience includes a program to develop the tribes, Wonder Woman Wednesday, a Work Party-Party-Party, Stand Up Paddleboarding, dragon boat racing and nationally co-ordinated picnics. It can provide a short respite when life becomes overwhelming. Since 2018, more than 250 women from across Canada have graduated from the program.

To learn more about the retreat, visit https://pepperpod.ca/en/centre/.