Children and Youth Programs

If making music is your passion and you enjoy technology, you could be a Garage Band Hero! Garage Band is a popular accessible app that lets you make music anywhere. It includes a full-featured recording studio that allows you to compose and play your own songs using a free sound library of instruments, loops, fills and sound packs. Garage Band Hero meets on Zoom on the second Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. 

The Saturday Art Jam is a new safe space for CNIB youth (ages 14-21) to explore their creativity. Artists and non-artists are welcome. Participants will take part in structured accessible art and craft sessions with a focus on fun. The Saturday Art Jam is also a social space and we encourage attendees to build confidence and resilience in this supportive environment. Join us on the third Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time at the CNIB GTA Community Hub

March to the beat of your own drum and join us one Saturday a month for in-person bucket drumming and drumline workshops. No prior music experience or knowledge is required! Workshops will be run by professional instructors from Bandology, a non-profit dedicated to providing more music for more kids. Saturday Brampton Beats meets every on the third Saturday of every month from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time at the CNIB Brampton Community Hub.

Fantasy fans, aspiring writers, amateur playwrights, and young actors are all welcome to join our new virtual monthly workshop…Drama and Dragons! Take that love of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson or Wings of Fire and use your imagination as a springboard to create your own worlds on paper. Each month our facilitator will provide exercises to lead you on a journey to discover your magical writing and performing talents. Drama and Dragons meets over Zoom on the third Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

The ukulele is a fun way to start your musical journey if you have never played a stringed instrument before. Learn at your own pace in this bi-weekly exploration of fundamentals that will include ukulele basics, finger positioning, playing chords, reading tabs and chord charts, strumming patterns, and performing simple songs. This is a beginner level program. Spots are very limited and parents and registrants are required to attend a short interview before acceptance. Instruments will be provided to successful applicants. 

Children of all ages across the country are welcome to participate in our live reading series Read Aloud to Me. Join us every Wednesday as experienced volunteers give life to picture books, chapter books and short stories. While stories chosen are geared to participants between the ages of 7 to 12, anyone who would enjoy listening is welcome. Every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

The Zoom Zoom Room is growing up, and is now called the Zoom Room for Kids! Children ages 6-10 and older, non-verbal participants are invited to join us as we use music to build our social skills. Each session will be all about the special things going on that month. Make sure to come regularly, because each session you will work as a team to create your own special song. Certified music therapist Melissa Murphy will also have lots of songs and stories to share that are perfect for singing and dancing along. Every Wednesday from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom. 

Calling all aspiring young writers! The 2024 Braille Creative Writing Contest is now accepting entries. Write a short story, essay, or poem on any topic or re-purpose something you've written for school this year! Show off your creative writing talents for a chance to win cash prizes. 

Put down the textbooks and join CNIB this summer for this unique all-expenses-paid opportunity! This transformational experience will provide you with an edge in your academic and job-seeking goals. Discover and explore your potential through educational and empowering activities while connecting with like-minded peers. SCORE Scholars programming helps participants build essential leadership, independence, pre-employment, and social skills. We’ll explore the city of Toronto by visiting restaurants and local attractions. Accommodations and programming will take place at the Seneca College Newnham campus near Yonge and Finch. July 13 – 27th, 2024 (in person)

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.