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 2025, 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 2025 In-person Camp Program 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 7-12, 2025
Ages 8-18
PLAY is a program for kids eager to get active and explore new sports. From 5-a-side soccer, archery, Power Showdown to the climbing wall, participants will dive into a variety of different sports and activities that encourage a FUN and active lifestyle. Alongside these action-packed programs, there will also be 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 'intro to blind hockey', junior blind hockey and watersports
July 7-12, 2025
Ages 8-18
Get ready to take your athletic skills to the next level with this goal-oriented sports program designed to boost performance! Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, this program offers coaching and specialized sports training to help you reach your personal goals. You’ll have the chance to specialize in an Intro to Blind Hockey, Junior Blind Hockey or Watersports and focus on your chosen activity every morning. In the afternoons, you'll enjoy a variety of fun and active recreational pursuits at CNIB Lake Joe, providing the perfect balance of focus and fun. No matter which program you choose, you’ll get a perfect mix of skill-building and adventure in an inclusive and supportive environment. Whether you're on the ice, on the water, or trying something new, we’re here to help you succeed while having fun!
- NEW! Intro to Blind Hockey: This new to 2025 introductory program, in partnership with Canadian Blind Hockey, is perfect for those with little to no prior experience in hockey. You’ll start with basic skating skills and gradually learn stickhandling, shooting, and even game play in a manner that is accessible to you. Under the expert care of Canadian Blind Hockey coaches this program is created to instill the blind hockey fundamentals. This program is designed to give you a fun, safe, and supportive environment to explore the new skills of blind hockey. If you need equipment to participate and it’s a barrier, please reach out to Alexis Peterson, Coordinator, Office & Registration at alexis.peterson@cnib.ca.
- Junior Blind Hockey: In partnership with Canadian Blind Hockey, this program will help you develop essential hockey skills such as skating, stickhandling, and shooting. You'll also work on game play scenarios and have the chance to scrimmage with fellow participants. To join this program, you'll need basic skating skills and access to your own hockey equipment, including shoulder pads, hockey pants, shin guards, elbow pads, gloves, a neck guard, mouthguard, helmet, skates, and a stick. To enhance skill building we will be using both blind hockey pucks and standard pucks for drills.
- Watersports: Dive into the excitement of waterskiing and wakeboarding! Participants in this program will focus on mastering these thrilling water sports. You’ll need basic swimming skills and the ability to lift yourself out of the water and onto a platform. Before jumping into the fun, you'll undergo a skills assessment at camp. Don’t worry about bringing your own equipment. Everything you need, from water skis to wakeboards, will be provided.
Note: This program is open to children and youth who are CNIB participants, as well as sighted siblings and friends.
To register, please visit https://cniblakejoe.campbrainregistration.com
Summer Camp
July 28-August 2, 2025
Ages 8-18
Experience the excitement and traditions of summer camp in our fully accessible facility. Try new activities, learn new skills and create new friendships – all while developing confidence and independence in a safe and supportive environment.
This program includes a combination of unique, smaller group-focused activities and traditional camp-wide games and programming. There is something for everyone of all skill levels! Activities will be varied including archery, pottery, swimming, music, art making, canoeing, 5-a-side soccer, mini-golf, the climbing wall and MORE! Campers will be grouped by age, allowing them to connect with peers, have fun, and fully enjoy the camp experience.
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 28-August 2, 2025
Ages 8-18
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.
For more information about 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.
Leadership Camp
July 28-August 2, 2025
Ages 8-18
Join a vibrant group of like-minded youth on the shores of the beautiful Lake Joseph for an unforgettable week of growth, fun and leadership development! This exciting program is packed with a dynamic mix of skill-building workshops, recreational activities and social events designed to help you unlock your full potential and have the best summer ever!
Throughout the week, participants will be empowered to share their aspirations, develop personal strengths and build courage and confidence to explore key leadership skills like public speaking, advocacy, self-awareness and personal branding. In addition to enriching leadership experiences, campers will also enjoy the recreational activities that make CNIB Lake Joe so unique. Under the guidance of skilled facilitators, campers will try new things, take on challenges, and discover what it means to be a leader in a fun, safe and supportive environment.
Important program points:
- This program is designed to equip participants with valuable leadership knowledge and skills that can be applied in all areas of life. To ensure a great fit and set participants up for success, the application for the Leadership program includes additional questions that help assess the readiness for the program and leadership potential.
To register, please visit https://cniblakejoe.campbrainregistration.com
Counsellor-in-Training (CIT)
July 28-August 9, 2025
Ages 15-18
Who wants to be a camp counsellor? This exciting program is designed to give participants hands-on specific job experience and develop their leadership skills while having fun and taking an active role in camp life.
Over two weeks, you’ll take an active part in leadership workshops, skills development in various areas of camp programming and in-service training to better understand the skills required for staff roles at CNIB Lake Joe.
From learning goal setting to building campfires and facilitating activities, this program will empower participants to gain confidence and build the skills needed to potentially join the CNIB Lake Joe team as an official camp counselor.
Important program points:
- This two-week program is available for people with vision loss and their sighted peers.
- The program includes a two-night camping trip to a local provincial park where participants will engage in team-building exercises and outdoor skill development.
- Prospective participants must fill out a supplementary application and participate in an interview with program staff prior to acceptance.
- Successful completion of this program guarantees an interview for future camp staff positions, though it does not guarantee employment.
To register, please visit https://cniblakejoe.campbrainregistration.com
CNIB Buddy Dog Camp (partner program)
August 18-23, 2025
Ages: 7-16
This one-of-a-kind program is designed specifically for CNIB Buddy Dog graduates and combines Buddy Dog training with exciting camp activities. Throughout the week, participants will have the chance to strengthen their bond with their buddy dog while enjoying recreational activities that promote independence, confidence, and teamwork. In addition to traditional camp recreational fun, participants work with expert CNIB Guide Dog trainers, receiving advice and support as they continue to grow with their Buddy Dog.
Important Program Points:
- This program is exclusively for CNIB Buddy Dog graduates who are paired with their buddy dog.
- Each participant must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the program.
- The program includes Buddy Dog-specific training sessions, as well as recreational camp activities.
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.
There are more programs to explore in our Family Programs section!
Application
To apply, please visit https://cniblakejoe.campbrainregistration.com
For more information:
- Visit cniblakejoe.ca
- Download the CNIB Lake Joe 2025 In-person Camp Program Guide for full details on pricing, transportation and more.
- 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