a group of children sit around a large table inside a gazebo playing games and with arts & crafts

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. 

Our Children and Youth programs are catered toward our younger guests who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. Some programs also welcome sighted siblings and friends. In 2026, thanks to the continued generosity of donors, we are excited to offer significantly subsidized rates. Please review the “Important Program Points” included in the program descriptions below and download the CNIB Lake Joe 2026 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)

As part of your registration for any children’s or youth program, you’ll be invited to a pre-camp Zoom session. It’s a great chance to meet other families, review important information, learn what to expect, and get answers to your questions. Our goal is to help you arrive at CNIB Lake Joe ready to focus on fun, family, and friends. Full details will be shared with registered participants at the start of the season.
 

PLAY (Pushing Limits for Active Youth)  

July 6-11, 2026  |  Ages 8-18  |  $160

PLAY is the perfect program for kids who love to move, explore, and try something new! From 5-a-side soccer and archery to pottery and the climbing the wall, campers will jump into a variety of adaptive sports and activities designed to build confidence and spark a lifelong love of being active.

In addition to the action and adventure, campers will take part in wellness workshops focused on healthy eating and self-care, rounding out a program that celebrates both physical fitness and overall well-being.

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

Camp Abilities

July 6-11, 2026  |  Ages 8-18  |  $160

Get ready to take your athletic skills to the next level with this goal-focused sports program designed to help young athletes build confidence, improve performance, and have fun! Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or trying a new sport for the first time, you’ll receive expert coaching and adaptive training to help you achieve your personal best.

Each morning, campers will focus on one of three specialized streams, led by skilled coaches: Intro to Blind Hockey; Junior Blind Hockey; or Watersports. The afternoons are open to a mix of recreation, teamwork, and adventure providing the perfect balance of focus and fun.

  • Intro to Blind Hockey: New to hockey? This beginner-friendly program, offered in partnership with Canadian Blind Hockey, introduces you to the fundamentals in a safe, supportive environment. You’ll build your skills step by step, from basic skating and stickhandling to shooting and game play. If you need equipment to participate, please contact Alexis Peterson, Coordinator, Office & Registration at alexis.peterson@cnib.ca.
  • Junior Blind Hockey: Designed for players with basic skating experience, this program, also in partnership with Canadian Blind Hockey, focuses on developing core hockey techniques such as skating, stickhandling, shooting, and game strategies. You’ll have opportunities to scrimmage with peers and strengthen your abilities using both blind hockey pucks and standard pucks. Participants must bring their own equipment, including pads, gloves, skates, helmet, neck guard, mouth guard, and stick.
  • Watersports: Make a splash with this thrilling program featuring waterskiing and wakeboarding! With guidance from experienced instructors, you’ll work on mastering these exciting water sports. All equipment from water skis to wakeboards is provided. Participants must have basic swimming skills and be able to lift themselves from the water. A skills assessment will be completed before hitting the water.

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

Summer Camp 

July 26-August 1, 2026  |  Ages 8-18  |  $160

Experience all the excitement and traditions of summer camp with a great balance of focused activities and camp-wide fun!

Each morning, campers take part in a specialty of their choice. Options may include swimming, archery, STEM (coding and engineering), art, canoeing, wilderness skills, and more. All specialties welcome every skill level and ability. Afternoons and evenings are packed full of fun activities so campers can experience everything Lake Joe has to offer.

Campers are grouped by age, giving them the chance to make friends, have fun, and enjoy the full camp experience together.

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

Leadership Camp

July 27-August 1, 2026  |  Ages 15-18  |  $160

Join a vibrant group of young leaders for an unforgettable week of growth, connection, and adventure! This immersive program combines leadership development, skill-building workshops, and classic camp fun to help you discover your potential and step confidently into your leadership journey.

Throughout the week, participants will explore skills like public speaking, advocacy, self-awareness, and personal branding. You’ll be encouraged to share your goals, celebrate your strengths, and build the courage to lead both at camp and beyond. When you’re not in workshops, you’ll enjoy the recreational activities that make CNIB Lake Joe so special, from team challenges to outdoor adventures, all in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment led by experienced facilitators.

Important program point: 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.
 

Counsellor-in-Training (CIT)

July 27-August 8, 2026  |  Ages 15-18  |  $160

Interested in being a camp counsellor? This two-week leadership program is designed to give participants hands-on training, real job experience, and the confidence to take on future staff roles all while having fun and being part of the CNIB Lake Joe community.

Through interactive workshops, skill development sessions, and in-service training, participants will gain practical knowledge of what it takes to lead at camp. From goal setting and teamwork, to building campfires and facilitating activities, you’ll learn the essentials of program planning, communication, and leadership in action.

By the end of the program, you’ll have built the skills, confidence, and experience needed to take on new challenges, and maybe even join the CNIB Lake Joe team as an official counsellor in the future!

Important program points:

  • This two-week program is available for people who are blind or have low vision and their sighted peers.
  • The program includes a two-night camping trip to a local provincial park where participants will take part 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, but does not guarantee employment.
     

SCORE Scholars (partner program)

August 1-16 (at Lake Joe from August 13-16)  |  Ages 16-21

CNIB's national SCORE (Skills, Confidence & Opportunities through Recreation & Education) Scholars program is a two-week summer experience that combines the joys of camp with excursions and activities geared to helping youth with sight loss learn and develop skills to pursue post-secondary education. You'll participate in an intensive leadership development component in Toronto and then visit Lake Joe to participate in fun activities like swimming, rock-wall climbing, tandem biking and water tubing. A certificate is granted upon completion.

Note: You will be required to fill out a supplementary application and participate in an interview with SCORE staff prior to being accepted into this program. For more information, please contact Rhonda Underhill-Gray at rhonda.underhill-gray@cnib.ca, or call 1-800-563-2642 or 647-535-8962.
 

CNIB Buddy Dog Camp (partner program)

August 17-22, 2026  |  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, as well as those approved for the waitlist for a 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. 
 

Braille Writing with Feeling Retreat (partner program)

August 31-September 4, 2026  |  Ages 7-16

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 Attila Mihaly, Program coordinator at attila.mihaly@cnib.ca or 437-244-2752. 
 

Applications

Applications open Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern at https://cniblakejoe.campbrainregistration.com. 

Our CNIB Lake Joe: 2026 Application Tutorial Video Series and CNIB Lake Joe Application Guide  (available in January) will help you successfully complete your 2026 online application.

We also invite you to join a live "How to Apply" session on Monday, January 12, 3-4:30pm Eastern. via Zoom. Simply click here to register.

For more information

Please download the CNIB Lake Joe 2026 In-person Camp Program Guide for full details on pricing, transportation and more.

We’re offering two virtual information sessions where you can learn about our full program lineup and get your questions answered:

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

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