Running Solo? Get MORE Out of Your Time in Borden
Once known as the SOLO program (Social Opportunities, Lasting Outcomes), PSP’s MORE (Military Outings Recreation and Entertainment) program provides members on course or posted to Canadian Forces Base Borden with an opportunity to build relationships outside of the classroom and office by offering trips across Ontario to various attractions, activities and events, all with transportation included!
CFB Borden is not just a pivotal training ground for Canada’s military personnel; it’s also a place where the bonds of camaraderie and community are strengthened through MORE program. The program, designed to enrich the lives of service members through diverse social and recreational outings, has become a vital part of the CFB Borden experience.
Sign up with your friends or join on your own for discounted price points and travel accommodations to events you’ll love. You also have the freedom to stay the night in the city or get a ride home on the same day as there’s no planning required. All you have to do is hop on the shuttle bus.
A Fresh Start with MORE
Aviator Ethen Rice, a recent addition to CFB Borden, shared his journey of discovering the MORE program. Originally from Nova Scotia, Avr Rice found himself far from home, previously stationed at Cold Lake. His transition to Borden was made smoother by the welcoming nature of his friends and the MORE program.
“The first time I heard about the program was from the PSP staff at the Base. It was as simple as asking about it, and before I knew it, I was signed up for trips to Niagara Falls and Blue Mountain,” Avr Rice explained.
His enthusiasm for the program shone through as he recounts his experiences, highlighting trips that ranged from adrenaline-pumping adventures at Canada’s Wonderland to serene hikes in local beauty spots.
For Avr Rice, the program has been more than just about exploring Ontario. It’s been a gateway to forming lasting friendships and integrating into the Borden community.
“Meeting new friends, connecting with fellow military members, and even running into an old friend from basic training on a bus trip to Niagara Falls were highlights of my experiences with MORE,” he said.
Getting Out Again
Master Warrant Officer Tom Germann has been in the CAF since 1989 and joined the 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (3CRPG) on CFB Borden in 2018.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, MWO Germann traveled home on the weekends to see his family in Missisauga, Ont. and back to Borden during the work week. He described the state of his unit upon returning to work post pandemic and how the sense of community had been lost due to the prolonged lack of social interaction.
“Originally at my unit, I was trying to get things going because everyone’s now used to eating at their desk,” MWO Germann explained. “There’s a weird shift. You don’t do things together and it wasn’t really a unit anymore. It wasn’t that coherent body.”
Thanks to the MORE program and the many outings that MWO Germann could attend, he found a renewed sense of togetherness and sociability.
“I’m a workaholic, unfortunately, and I spend a lot of time at work which means not a lot of interaction, especially at this rank with the junior ranks and so on,” MWO Germann said. “It was nice just to go as a group with people that weren’t necessarily from my peer group and just sort of getting out and enjoying the experience. That was for me one of the nicer parts of it.”
MWO Germann recommends that any member or student who is in Borden for more than two weeks should take advantage of what the Base has to offer like the Circled Pine Bowling Centre, Terra Theatre, the Messes, Base Museum and especially the MORE program which brings you closer to your peers and can provide you brand new experiences.
The MORE program has loads of events planned throughout the year with the upcoming trips being a Toronto Blue Jays Game on 27 April, The Roller Skating Place on 4 May and Canada’s Wonderland on 1 June. Sign up by visiting CFMWS.ca.
By: Caleb Hooper
