For 60 years, CNIB Lake Joe has been providing enriching camp experiences for Canadians with sight loss. At CNIB Lake Joe, children are encouraged to shine, youth are empowered to thrive, and 'kids of all ages' enjoy recreational pursuits.
Did you know?
- The CNIB Lake Joe property was originally on part of the old Canadian National Railway/Steamship line.
- In 1956, CNIB Lake Joe began as a summer camp that provided a fun outdoor experience and social outlet for people with sight loss. The camp was hosted on a rented site in Ancaster, ON, for three weeks of the summer.
- The camp outgrew the rented site within three years. In 1960, CNIB collaborated with the Lions Family of Ontario and the Canadian Council of the Blind to purchase a piece of paradise on Lake Joseph in Muskoka. The CNIB Lake Joseph Adjustment-Training and Holiday Centre (CNIB Lake Joe) formally opened in 1961.
This was just the beginning! To learn more, visit our historical timeline.
While we paused 2020 in-person camp sessions due to COVID-19, we introduced our new virtual programs, CNIBLakeJoe@Home. From coffee chats to arts and crafts, trivia sessions and campfire singalongs, plus an innovative camp-in-a-box program specifically for children and youth, CNIBLakeJoe@Home programs provide opportunities to keep our community connected and experience the magic of CNIB Lake Joe from home throughout the year.
You won’t want to miss our special anniversary events and programming, including our 60th Anniversary Saturday Series. Enjoy “all-things-camp” with entertaining guest speakers, interactive activities and demonstrations, and opportunities to meet with friends, old and new! Join our Virtual Kick Off, April 17 at 1:45 p.m.