For many campers who are Deafblind, CNIB Lake Joe is more than a summer getaway; it’s a place where belonging begins and continues long after camp ends.
While Deafblind participants are welcome to join any of our summer programs, last year we were proud to partner with our colleagues at Deafblind Community Services (DBCS) to offer a dedicated Deafblind Adult Week – a program designed specifically with this community in mind.
We know how powerful it is to spend time with peers who share similar lived experiences, and this week provided everything needed for participants to fully relax, connect, and engage in all that Lake Joe has to offer.
We’re excited to share some reflections from a participant and an intervenor who joined us last summer. Their experiences capture the impact of this program and the unforgettable moments that unfold when the right supports, environment, and community come together.
John’s Story
When John arrived at CNIB Lake Joe in August, he was returning to familiar ground. A former Lions Club president, he had visited Lake Joe 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,” said John. “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,” said John. “So, when my interveners come, I look forward to that conversation. Going for coffee or seeing store lights again, that change of scenery means everything to me.”
At CNIB 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 Quebec.
“It was wonderful company,” said John. “Everyone was there for the same reason. We all learned something from each other.”
His favourite moment? "Archery. I didn’t hit the bullseye,” he laughed, “but I got the rear end!”
Sarah’s Story
For Sarah, an intervener with DBCS, CNIB 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.,” said Sarah. “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 intervener 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,” said Sarah. “I wanted to do something about it.”
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 at CNIB Lake Joe brought breakthroughs.
“We had five Deafblind people out kayaking, paddle boating, and paddle boarding, all on their own,” said Sarah. “Interveners 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,” said Sarah. “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.”
If you are a DBCS client and want to learn more about the DBCS Adult Week, please contact Sheena Hill, Manager, Client Engagement, Deafblind Community Services at sheena.hill@deafblindservices.ca or 905-528-8555 ext. 5344. Otherwise, please contact lakejoe@cnib.ca or 705-375-2630.