At CNIB Lake Joe, the white picket fence doesn’t just hum with the rhythm of the waves, it resonates with stories of laughter, courage, and rediscovery. For many campers who are Deafblind, Lake Joe is more than a summer getaway; it’s a place where belonging begins and continues long after camp ends.
In 2025, through a special partnership with CNIB Deafblind Community Services (DBCS), we were thrilled to host a dedicated Adult Deafblind Week August 25–30.
This summer, two stories, John’s and Sarah’s, captured just how life-changing that sense of connection can be.
John’s Story: A New Chapter by the Lake
When John (on left in the photo above) arrived at CNIB Lake Joe this August, he was returning to familiar ground. A former Lions Club president, he had visited decades ago when there were only “a couple of green and white buildings.”
“Now there are beautiful stone buildings with names of people and organizations who helped build this place,” he said. “It’s peaceful, quiet, and so different. I’ll never forget it.”
Back home in his care facility, John explained how life can get monotonous and really quiet. “People here are on oxygen or can’t really talk,” John shared. “So when my intervenors come, I look forward to that conversation. Going for coffee or seeing store lights again, that change of scenery means everything to me.”
At Lake Joe, that sense of isolation quickly faded away. Surrounded by others who shared similar experiences, John found connection and joy in simple things — archery, laughter by the lake, and friendships that stretched from Vancouver to Ottawa.
“It was wonderful company,” he said. “Everyone was there for the same reason. We all learned something from each other.”
His favourite moment? Archery — despite arthritis in his wrist. “I didn’t hit the bullseye,” he laughed, “but I got the rear end!”
Sarah’s Story: Seeing Camp Through a New Lens
For Sarah, an intervenor with CNIB Deafblind Community Services (DBCS), Lake Joe showed her something unforgettable — independence in action.
“I remember going for a walk one night and seeing clients out together at 10 p.m.,” she recalled. “They didn’t need anyone guiding them. They were just walking, chatting, and being independent. That level of freedom is rare, and it’s amazing.”
Sarah’s path to becoming an intervenor began 25 years ago, inspired by her deaf brother. Over time, she saw many of her Deaf friends develop vision loss, and with it, growing isolation. “It broke my heart,” she said. “I wanted to do something about it.”
At Lake Joe, she found that purpose in full bloom. From a camper rediscovering his love for tie-dye (“I did this in the ’60s!” he beamed) to another trying tandem biking for the first time, every day brought breakthroughs.
“We had five Deafblind people out kayaking, paddle boating, and paddle boarding, all on their own,” Sarah said. “Intervenors were just there to relay safety messages or share a laugh. That’s what makes this place different.”
The inclusivity at camp also stood out to her. “I’ve never been at a camp where I could sign freely all week. Everyone wanted to learn ASL. It was such a supportive, open environment.”
Rediscovering Confidence and Community
Many campers arrive uncertain, hesitant to try new things or believing they can’t. But as the week goes on, those doubts fade.
“It’s like watching someone remember who they used to be,” Sarah said. “They start asking, ‘Can we do this?’ instead of saying, ‘I can’t.’ You see confidence coming back.”
For John, that confidence looked like laughter, new friendships, and the courage to keep trying. “I’d recommend this camp to everyone,” he said with a grin. “Next year, I want to try tandem biking and meet even more people.”
A Place That Changes Lives
What happens at CNIB Lake Joe is more than recreation, it’s transformation. It’s the freedom to explore, the joy of connection, and the power of being understood.
As Sarah put it best, “You see people doing things that even doctors say they can’t — playing soccer, climbing walls, water skiing. And they’re doing it. That’s what Lake Joe is about — showing people, and the world, what’s truly possible.”