Children & Youth Programs
Upcoming Events
Young Adult Social Club
This program offers a fun, safe engaging place for youth ages 18-29 to connect and find a sense of community with each other. Programming will be guided by the interest of the participants, and activities may consist of movie and game nights, karaoke battles, dining out at restaurants and monthly excursions to local attractions. At each event, focus will be placed on fostering self-esteem and enhancing socialization skills. Last Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg (unless otherwise specified).
AATEC/CNIB Regional Youth Planning Committee (Alberta)
We are looking for Youth Leaders (14-21) in Calgary, Edmonton, or surrounding areas interested in getting involved with planning activities for their peers!
Music for Kids – Monday Session
Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly sessions on Zoom for children across the country. These interactive sessions are filled with songs, stories, and more! Get ready to make some music! This group runs on Zoom, every Monday from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
Music for Kids – Tuesday Session
Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly sessions on Zoom for children across the country. These interactive sessions are filled with songs, stories, and more! Get ready to make some music! This group runs on Zoom, every Tuesday from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. Pacific Time.
BC-Yukon Family Advocacy Group
CNIB BC-Yukon is supporting the creation of a new parent/guardian advocacy group which aims to empower and connect families across the province and territory, working to accomplish advocacy-based goals, such as equitable education for students who are blind, Deafblind or have low vision. This program is inspired by feedback from parents, guardians, and students regarding their exhaustion from continually self-advocating within the school system. The BC-Yukon Family Advocacy Group meets on the second Thursday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. PT on Zoom.
Parent Connect
Parent Connect is a warm, welcoming online space where parents of children who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision can come together, share stories, swap tips, and remind one another that they’re not alone on this journey. Whether you’re celebrating big breakthroughs, navigating everyday challenges, or just looking for a listening ear after a long day, Parent Connect brings understanding, encouragement, and real-life experience right to your screen. Come for the practical advice, stay for the laughter, empathy, and meaningful connections with parents who truly get it. Second Wednesday of every month from 12 to 1:30 p.m. NT on Zoom.
First Lego League Kids STEM Program (Edmonton)
The FIRST Lego League is a fun an exciting way to learn about Science, Technology, engineering, and Math (STEM). This program will challenge young minds to develop a Lego Spike Prime robot to complete various tasks in a competitive game. This program fosters a love of learning and promotes teamwork and having fun. First Lego League Kids STEM Program meets at CNIB Edmonton. Register for confirmed dates.
I Can…Club Newsletter
Whether you believe you can, or you believe you can’t, you are right! Join the club that believes the word “Can’t" is not allowed! The I Can Club is focused on building the attitudes and skills that lead us to think about all that is possible. Are you a child or youth (age 29 and under) who is interested in exploring the world around you and finding ways to look at all the things that are possible, instead of only the obstacle in front of you? In the I Can Club, you'll meet a group of individuals who challenge the word "Can't" with a “Yes, I can do that,“ or “How can I do that?" attitude.
Ontario Parents of Visually Impaired Children (OPVIC): WhatsApp Group
OPVIC (formally VIEWS) is a volunteer organization of parents of visually impaired children/youth focused on empowering families and advocating for our kids in Ontario. OPVIC is a friendly and supportive organization of parents, family members and guardians of children with any amount of vision loss. This group is created to connect families share reliable resources and support one another.
Manitoba Youth Adventure Club
This program offers a fun, safe engaging place for youth who are blind or have low vision, ages 13-18 (Grades 8-12), to connect and find a sense of community with each other. Programming will be guided by the interest of the participants, and activities may consist of movie and game nights, quest speakers, and excursions to local attractions. At each event, focus will be placed on fostering self-esteem and enhancing socialization skills. The Manitoba Youth Adventure Club meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg (unless otherwise specified).
Saskatchewan Parent Advocacy Group
The Saskatchewan Parent Advocacy Group is designed for parents and caregivers of children and youth who are blind, partially sighted or Deafblind to come together to establish a collective voice to advocate for the needs of children living with sight loss in Saskatchewan. Fourth Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Zoom.
Discovery Saturdays
Introducing CNIB Discovery Saturdays! Each month we will explore different skill areas to expand our horizons and connect with peers. Skills we will explore include art, technology, sports and more! This program is for younger children in grades 1 to 5. We will have a combination of days in the office as well as outings. Discovery Saturdays will now be offered 2 times monthly, typically on the first and third Saturday of the month (dependent on holidays) at CNIB Winnipeg.
Youth Fit (Winnipeg)
This drop-in program is catered to youth ages 12 to 29 with any degree of sight loss. We aim to work on many of the core components of fitness, specifically cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, muscular endurance, and muscle control. Come get active together as we walk this fitness journey as a community! Youth Fit meets on the second and fourth Thursday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg (1080 Portage Ave., Winnipeg) and other venues.
Ontario Parents of Visually Impaired Children (OPVIC) Monthly Meetup
OPVIC (formally VIEWS) is a volunteer organization of parents of visually impaired children/youth focused on empowering families and advocating for our kids in Ontario. OPVIC is a friendly and supportive organization of parents, family members and guardians of children with any amount of vision loss. The OPVIC monthly meetup group will connect families share reliable resources and support one another, as we navigate challenges and joys of raising children and youth with sight loss. Fourth Wednesday of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Tween Zoom Hangout
Join us to play games, chat, and make new friends. Please note that this program is for individuals between 10-14 years of age. Every Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Ottawa Youth Skateboarding
Ottawa Youth are invited to participate in our monthly skateboard program. This program is open to participants ages 8 and up. Boards and helmets will be provided if needed, however you may wish to purchase additional padding. There is a maximum of 8 spaces available and you must register in advance.
Kick off summer reading with the TD Summer Reading Club!
The TD Summer Reading Club is a free, accessible reading program designed to keep kids engaged in reading all summer long through activities, rewards, and celebrations of their achievements. Co-created and delivered by more than 2,200 public libraries across Canada and online, the club highlights Canadian authors and illustrators while encouraging children to discover the joy of reading. Kids and families can explore books from the recommended reads list, track their reading progress, and participate in fun activities offered both online and in-person.
Saskatoon Archery 2026
Saskatoon Archery is a fun outdoor program providing youth with sight loss the opportunity to learn and develop archery skills in a supportive and accessible environment. This program is free to attend for youth with sight loss. Tuesday's and Thursday's (July 7-August 27)
Young Adult Day Camp (Edmonton)
Join fellow young adults for a fun and welcoming day camp experience. Connect with peers, build new friendships, and explore a variety of activities, such as recreation, creative arts, games, community outings, and skill-building opportunities. This day camp offers a relaxed and supportive environment to socialize, try new things, and enjoy meaningful experiences together. Thursday, August 27. Community location TBC.
Young Adult Day Camp 18-24 (Calgary)
For CNIB participants ages 18-24 years and their siblings of the same or similar age. Join peers in a summer day camp experience! A majority of this day camp will be off-site in the community- focusing on Independence, Confidence, and Career Education. Locations TBD. Thursday, August 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary.
Writing with Feeling: Braille Writers' Retreat
CNIB is now accepting applications for our annual Writing with Feeling Retreat! Whether you're a new braille user with a passion for creative writing or crafting a poem, story, or essay for the CNIB Braille Creative Writing Contest, join CNIB’s Writer’s Retreat for kids and teens with sight loss! Connect with young writers from across Canada, get tips from professional authors, and take part in fun, braille-themed and accessible activities. August 31-September 5, 2026 at CNIB Lake Joe in Muskoka, Ontario.
Heroes Circle Martial Arts
Practice Power, Peace and Purpose. Sensei's will guide us through the one hour session and no prior experience is necessary. This program is open to children and youth ages 6-18. Please dress comfortably and bring a water bottle. Second Thursday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Community Hub.
Ottawa Teen Baking Group
Join us for some kitchen fun at the CNIB Ottawa Hub! We will create a new recipe each month and enjoy eating our baking and socializing with peers. Open to participants between the ages of 12-18 in the Ontario East region. Third Thursday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub.
Ottawa Youth Games Club
Join us at the CNIB Ottawa Hub for a monthly games group! Play games with peers and chat. We will offer a variety of games including board games, indoor axe throwing and trivia style games. This program is offered to children and youth (ages 5+) in the Ottawa area. Fourth Thursday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub.
Early Years Speaker Series – September
The Early Years Speaker Series is a virtual, monthly event where invited guests speak on a range of topics of particular interest for families with children who are blind or low vision and between the ages of 0-6. Families will have the opportunity to ask questions and connect with each other in a casual setting, facilitated by CNIB staff. On August 17, join CNIB Early Years Specialist, Christina Clarke, and Manager Special Projects Monika Borchert for a demonstration and drop in tech session about CNIB's new app, FirstTap.
Calgary First Responders Meet-n-Greet
For CNIB participants ages 0-21 years and their families. Meet Calgary's first responders in a way that’s accessible to children & youth with sight loss! Learn about their badges and uniforms, their vehicles and sirens, how they can help you, and what to expect if you ever need to give them a call. DETAILS TBC. Registered families will receive an update once the date is officially set.
London CNIB Family Fun Saturday's (Ages 3 to 17)
CNIB is inviting London area families to come and enjoy a fun monthly Saturday afternoon of connection, play, networking and community building. Meet other parents of children with blindness and partial vision in a relaxed setting, enjoy some snacks and have your children participate in a variety of engaging activities together. Kids can enjoy crafts, baking, and movies with described audio, while parents connect and share experiences. Second Saturday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time at the CNIB London Community Hub.
Accessible AI Workshops – November
AI Unleashed: Innovate, Inspire, Impact! CNIB is excited to present a national online program for youth, showcasing how artificial intelligence (AI) can empower everyone! From enhancing education and entertainment to improving security, AI's potential is limitless. Tuesday, November 24 from 4 to 5 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.