Need more reasons to sign up your child for camp this summer? Here are 10 reasons children and youth belong at CNIB Lake Joe:
- We make dreams come true! We have exciting programs for children and youth this year like “Camp Abilities” which features one-on-one coaching in swimming, blind hockey and blind soccer.
- Special features and activities: Check out our brand new waterski boat, 32’ climbing tower, five-a-side blind soccer pitch, mini-golf course, multi-sport court, outdoor pizza oven…and more!
- There are five overnight CNIB Lake Joe programs specifically for children & youth plus partner programs. Some programs focus on sport/athletics while others have a leadership focus. All encourage fun, friendship, learning, creativity and self-discovery.
“My son Ezra had his first time at CNIB camp Joe, and he came home feeling so excited! He met people he could relate to and really impacted his confidence, and we are so happy for him. It was so incredible for him, and he gained some new experiences and made new connections.” -Jade Johnson, mom
- Children’s age range is 8-18, youth programs are for those 15-29 years of age. In many cases sighted siblings/friends are invited to register/participate at the same low fee.
- Programs are offered from June to September with free virtual programs year-round at CNIBLakeJoe@Home! Download the CNIB Lake Joe 2023 Program Guide that lists all programs, pricing, and scheduling.
- CNIB Lake Joe is the only fully accessible camp for people with sight loss in Canada, providing a unique blend of recreation and skills development in a safe, inclusive environment. It is also accessible for persons using mobility aids and people who are Deafblind.
“We met so many incredible people. My daughter has not been around many people who have low vision or are blind and at camp she truly felt like she belonged. She made wonderful friends and gained so much confidence.” -Jennifer Avery, mom
- CNIB Lake Joe is an accredited member of the Ontario Camps Association (OCA), meeting or exceeding industry standards with the utmost safety and care of our guests in mind. We have a great staff to camper ratio that far exceeds OCA’s standards.
- We are an affiliate member of the Lifesaving Society, Canada’s lifeguarding expert and a registered organization with HIGHFIVE, Canada’s quality standard for recreation and leisure programs.
- All program staff are certified first aiders. We have a registered nurse onsite throughout the season, and nursing students as part of our Wellness Team.
“I enjoyed the ability to spend late nights with friends in the Gazebo, meet different people, and connect with the staff. It was extremely enjoyable having staff the same age as us / in the same age range that we could hang out with and connect with in a true friendship. The experience at Lake Joe was incredible and went by way too fast.” -Curtis Ruttle, 17-year-old camper
- Some parents wish to experience camp with their children. We welcome families to join us in our Family Week and Holiday Week.
To apply for in-person programs, visit: cnibLakeJoe.CampbrainRegistration.com. Waiting lists are available when programs are full. For more information, contact Emily Harrison, Lead, Guest Experience at LakeJoe@cnib.ca, 705-375-2630 or toll free: 1-877-748-4028.