It was a long time coming but worth the wait!
Myra Rodriguez, President of CCB Rocks, a Toronto chapter of the Canadian Council of the Blind, first heard about the new Climbing Tower at CNIB Lake Joe when she joined the CNIB Lake Joe alum group.
A long-time alumnus, Myra participated in a National Rehabilitation Teachers Conference in 1961 held at Lake Joe before it officially opened!
“I was still a teenager and in training. Being at the new Lake Joe holiday centre for those special days was an experience I’ll always treasure,” says Myra.
When Myra visited Lake Joe in the summer of 2021, the climbing tower was unfortunately not in use. But it gave Myra an idea: why not bring the CCB Rocks members to CNIB Lake Joe to climb? A year later, Myra & Tammy Adams, CCB Rocks Secretary, did just that. In September, CNIB Lake Joe Joe welcomed thirteen members from CCB Rocks for the first-ever climbing program specifically focused on scaling the tower.
For many, it was their first time at camp, and for others, it was their first time climbing. Having the tower outside and very controlled made it an excellent way for novices to start climbing.
“The first time I did outdoor climbing, I felt a tremendous urge to share the experience with other folks. It is a wonderful tactile sport and can be enjoyed by folks of all ages,” says Myra. “When you get above 15-20’ feet, the air currents are different, and the sounds are different with people below you and birds beside you. It’s an awesome experience being up there on your own with the air blowing around your face. It’s very special and gives me a sense of freedom every time.”
Myra says the climbing community is very supportive of one another, and every climb is an adventure and a learning experience.
“Everybody tried climbing this weekend and loved cheering the others on. Some didn’t think they would be able to handle it, but they did,” says Myra. “We don’t know what we can do until we try.”