People often ask what happens at CNIB Lake Joe when everyone has packed their bags and headed home for the season. “Things must be much quieter now,” they propose.
Top row: Stela Trudeau, Facilitator, Music & Recreation, Madison Marier, Communications & Operations intern.
Second row: Taylor Gaudon, Coordinator, Virtual Programs, Sherri Helsdingen, Manager, Community Engagement.
Third row: Jessica Bailey, virtual volunteer
While CNIB Lake Joe onsite sessions and programs ran from May-September this year, our CNIBLakeJoe@Home virtual team ensures online programs are available to everyone year-round!
Long-time CNIB Lake Joe guest Bruce Roulston encourages people to try virtual programs to bridge the gap from one year to the next. “These programs are a great way to communicate in the off-season,” he explains. “Guests come to camp for a full week, have a lot of fun, and then go home. Virtual programs give you a better sense of what fellow guests are all about in their normal life. It brings you closer together.” Bruce likes attending the weekly Coffee Break session on Tuesday mornings or the monthly “The Lounge” session on Friday evenings to catch up with friends from camp.
Living in Brooks, Alberta, virtual CNIBLakeJoe@Home attendee Shannon Seaward hasn’t visited CNIB Lake Joe in-person yet. She discovered Lake Joe’s online programs when she was searching the CNIB website for ways to meet other people. “I’m by myself a lot during the day with my daughter at school and my husband at work,” Shannon shares. “The virtual programs break up my day and give me something to look forward to.
I love hearing what others are up to.” Like Bruce, she started with the Coffee Break session and then learned about other programs like “Afternoon Games” and the “Audio Book Club” which she attends regularly.
Fun facts!
- You don’t need to know anything about computers to join our virtual programs. You don’t even have to have a computer! If we have your phone number, we can call you into the program.
- We offer 20 virtual programs each year. Some are held weekly while others are monthly, and some are on special occasions! Check out our virtual calendar for full details. We also email attendees weekly program listings, so you know exactly what’s happening and when.
- Most programs are 30-60 minutes in length.
- There is no cost for CNIBLakeJoe@Home virtual programs meaning you can attend for free!
- No commitment required. You can be an occasional visitor or a frequent flyer.
For more information about the programs or to register, contact Taylor Gaudon, Virtual Program Coordinator at taylor.gaudon@cnib.ca or 705 408 0745.