a group of campers stand in front of the waterfront with their bathing suits on. They are throwing their hands up in the air and have big smiles. Two lifeguards stand beside them.

Children & Youth Programs

We are excited to offer a wide range of CNIB Lake Joe camp programs PLUS “Partner Programs” in collaboration with staff teams from CNIB, Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada, DeafBlind Community Services, and INCA Quebec.

These programs are open to children and youth who are blind or partially sighted. Some programs also welcome sighted siblings and friends. In 2024, thanks to the incredible generosity of donors, we are able to offer deeply discounted rates including ground transportation from specific hubs in Ontario. Please review the “Important Program Points” included in the program descriptions below and download the CNIB Lake Joe 2024 In-person Camp Programs Guide for full details on pricing, transportation and more.

Welcome to CNIB Lake Joe’s Children & Youth Camp Programs (virtual orientation session)

Included in the registration fee for all children & youth programs, this Zoom meeting is your chance to meet others in advance, review housekeeping details, and get answers to your questions so you can spend ALL of your time at CNIB Lake Joe focused on fun, family and friends. Full details will be provided to registrants at the beginning of the season.

PLAY (Pushing Limits for Active Youth)

July 1-6, 2024
Ages 8-18

PLAY is a program for kids who are interested in getting active and trying out new sports. From 5-a-side soccer to archery, Power Showdown to the climbing wall, participants will try their hand at a variety of different sports and activities that encourage a healthy and active lifestyle. In addition to active programs, there will be health and wellness workshops including healthy eating and self-care to complement this adaptive sports component.

Note: This program is open to children and youth who are CNIB clients as well as their siblings and friends.

To apply to register, please visit https://cniblakejoe.campbrainregistration.com

Camp Abilities featuring blind hockey, 5-a-side soccer and swimming

July 1-6, 2024
Ages 8-18

This goal-based active program is aimed at athletic development. Participants will receive coaching from instructors who will help guide athletes to achieve their performance goals through specialized sports programs. Participants will have the opportunity to choose from hockey, soccer or water sports as their discipline, and will participate in their chosen specialty every morning. During the remainder of the day, they will participate in other fun recreational programs at CNIB Lake Joe.

Note: This program is open to children and youth who are CNIB participants as well as their sighted siblings and friends.

Important program points:

  • Blind Hockey registrants: This is an introduction program for blind hockey. The focus will be on skill development with less emphasis on game play. Participants in the blind hockey program are expected to possess basic skating skills and have the necessary hockey equipment, including protective gear such as chest, pants, and shin guards, elbow pads, gloves, a neck guard, mouthguard, helmet, as well as skates and a stick. If equipment is a concern and would limit the ability to participate in the program, please reach out to Emily Harrison, Lead, Guest Experience at emily.harrison@cnib.ca.
  • Watersports registrants: The watersports program will be focused on waterskiing and wakeboarding. Participants are required to have basic swimming skills and must be able to lift their own body weight out of the water and onto a platform. Participants are not required to bring their own water ski or wakeboard equipment. All equipment will be provided.

To register, please visit https://cniblakejoe.campbrainregistration.com

Summer Camp

July 15–20, 2024
Ages 8-18

Experience the excitement and tradition of summer camp in our accessible facility. Learn new skills, try new activities and create new friendships, all while developing confidence and independence in a safe and supportive environment.

This program includes a combination of activities and scheduled programs where everyone gets involved, such as archery, pottery, swimming, music, art, canoeing, 5-a-side soccer, mini-golf and the climbing wall! Campers will also be divided into groups based on their age and will be able to explore friendships and experience all the joys of camp with their peers.

Note: This program is open to children and youth who are participants of CNIB as well as sighted siblings and friends.

To register, please visit https://cniblakejoe.campbrainregistration.com

English as a Second Language (ESL) Immersion (partner program)

July 15–20, 2024

French-speaking children who are blind or have low vision will be joining the Summer Camp program to have fun and make friends while practicing and perfecting their English language skills. Bonjour et bienvenue!

For more information about the ESL component of this program and to apply, please contact Salma Moudrika, Program Lead, Children and Youth at salma.moudrika@inca.ca or 1-800-465-4622 ext. 236.

Canadian Leadership Development Program (CLDP)

July 29 - August 3, 2024
Ages 15-29

Join a group of like-minded young adults on the shores of beautiful Lake Joseph for a chance to relax, learn, become a better leader, and have the best summer ever! This exciting week will be filled with a combination of workshops, recreational activities and social events.

Learn about public speaking, advocacy, self-awareness and personal brand, all in addition to the traditional activities that make CNIB Lake Joe so special. Working with skilled facilitators, participants will have the opportunity to try new things in this fun, safe and supportive environment, and further explore leadership.

Important program point: This program aims to provide participants with leadership knowledge and skills that can be applied in various spaces. The application for the CLDP program will have additional questions that are to be completed by the applicant to gauge the participants’ fit for this program and ensure their success.

To register, please visit https://cniblakejoe.campbrainregistration.com

Counsellor-in-Training (CIT)

July 29 - August 10, 2024
Ages 15-19

Gain job skills and experience while having fun at our program designed to develop leadership skills and empower youth to take an active role in camp life.

This two-week program is devoted to leadership workshops and skills development in all areas of camp and will include shadowing CNIB Lake Joe staff members to further understand what skills are required and what the staff roles entail at camp.

From learning about goal setting to building campfires and facilitating activities, this program is designed to help participants gain confidence and build the necessary skills to potentially become an active member of the CNIB Lake Joe team.

Important program points:

  • This two-week program is available for people with sight loss and their sighted peers.
  • Prospective participants will be required to fill out a supplementary application and participate in an interview with program staff prior to being accepted into this program.
  • Successful completion of this program will ensure participants receive an interview for future camp staff positions but does not guarantee employment.

To register, please visit https://cniblakejoe.campbrainregistration.com

CNIB Buddy Dogs (partner program)

August 19-24, 2024
Ages: 7-16

CNIB Buddy Dog graduates and those waiting or applying for their CNIB Buddy Dog are invited to enjoy summer camp at CNIB Lake Joe along with a parent/guardian! 

This program combines CNIB Buddy Dog training sessions with fun camp activities, giving participants plenty of opportunities to form lifelong friendships, develop independence, and make cherished memories. Children already paired with Buddy Dogs will deepen their bonds with their dogs while children and families on the CNIB Buddy Dog waiting list can familiarize themselves with Buddy Dogs and the responsibilities of having one.

Important program points:

  • Participants in this partner program must be a CNIB Buddy Dog graduate or applicant on the waiting list.
  • Participants in this program must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

To find out more about the CNIB Buddy Dog Camp or the CNIB Buddy Dog Program contact Miriam Mas, Program Lead, Buddy and Ambassador Dog Training at miriam.mas@cnib.ca or 343-997-2498.

Writing With Feeling: Braille Writers’ Retreat (partner program)

August 12-15, 2023
Ages: 6-19

If you love writing, this action-packed writer’s retreat for CNIB kids and teens is perfect for you. Participants will meet other young writers with sight loss from across Canada and get tips and feedback from professional writers. All participants will enjoy braille-themed and accessible activities.

Important program points:

  • Prospective participants will be required to apply. Priority will be given to applicants who have entered or are planning to enter the annual CNIB Braille Creative Writing Contest.
  • Participants in this program must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For more information and to apply, please contact Karen Brophey, Program Lead, Literacy at karen.brophey@cnib.ca or 647-302-4047.

There are more programs to explore in our Family Programs and Holiday Weeks sections!

Application

To apply, please visit https://cniblakejoe.campbrainregistration.com

For more information:

  1. Visit cniblakejoe.ca
  2. Download the CNIB Lake Joe 2024 In-person Camp Programs Guide for full details on pricing, transportation and more.
  3. Contact us:
    • Email: LakeJoe@cnib.ca
    • Toll Free: 1-877-748-4028
    • Phone: 705-375-2630
    • Address: CNIB Lake Joe, 4 Joe Finley Way, MacTier, ON P0C 1H0