CNIB would like to thank Wolves United for sponsoring four Sudbury youth with sight loss to attend camp at CNIB Lake Joseph Centre (Lake Joe) next summer.
As hockey players know, physical activities and teamwork foster a sense of camaraderie that can be life changing. This sponsorship will help make memories and give these young people an opportunity to change what it is to be blind.
Research indicates youth programming reduces feelings of isolation associated with sight loss, and helps young people gain self-confidence, learn practical skills and develop social supports. In comparison to their sighted peers, people with sight loss experience lower graduation rates – only 65 per cent of youth who are blind or partially sighted graduate from high school, and less physical activity – only 26 per cent of children who are blind and partially sighted participate in sports.
Through the Wolves United Youth/Youth Mental Health grant, youth with sight loss will have an opportunity to experience the magic of summer camp at CNIB’s Lake Joe, an accessible lakefront facility in the heart of Muskoka that offers a unique blend of recreation and skills development in a safe, inclusive environment.
At Lake Joe, individuals living with sight loss and their families can enjoy the same summer pursuits as other Canadians: canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, swimming, sailing and fishing, as well as the skills training, confidence building, and support offered by a community that understands living with sight loss.
With a focus on rehabilitation through recreation, these youth will work with specialized staff to connect with their peers and others with sight loss in a safe and supportive setting. The goal of our program is to empower youth with sight loss to advocate for their needs and bring resources back to their community.
Thanks to Wolves United, youth with sight loss will experience the thrill and challenge of camp. They will make friends and enjoy belonging to the group. They will be part of a team! We invite members of Wolves United to join us next summer for a tour of the camp. Who knows, there may even be a friendly game of ball hockey.
Robert Froom
Chair, CNIB Lake Joseph Centre Advisory Board