Vacation and Leisure

The focus of the Vacation & Leisure Opportunities is for persons with a disability to travel, go camping, on day trips, attend concerts, festivals and more. Individuals are given a complete itinerary of their vacation in advance. Individuals are responsible for their costs only (transportation, meals, accommodation and spending money). VLO provide a fully trained Support Team to accompany individuals on their trips. All accommodations are fully accessible to meet the needs of the individuals. Costs are reasonable and dates and times are flexible.

History of the V.L.O Program:

Since its inception in 1960 in a collaborated effort with the Lakehead District School Board The Community Living Thunder Bay has offered camping experiences for persons with disabilities. There came a need for change and expansion of the program so changes began to happen. In 1982 CLTB took over sole operation of the program cabin camping and tenting became a regular summer experience.

In 1992 there was once again need for change so the program was expanded to meet the needs of the individuals. More opportunities became available for people to travel out of town, tent, cabin camp and attend Day Trips.

In 2000 there was an expression of interest from persons in the outlying district of Thunder Bay to also attend VLO programs they were welcomed wholeheartedly. New and old friendships were developed and news of the VLO program has traveled near & far.

Families of Teen’s also expressed an interest in a program specifically geared to their age group thus Teen Camp was implemented. This unique part of the program is geared to Teen’s specifically. It offers Teen’s the opportunity to go cabin camping with peers, develop new friendships and have a unique experience.

We also offer Teen Night at Arc Center during the school year, on Monday nights developed in conjunction with the COP program. This offers Teen’s a chance to get together with friends for a few hours a week to do crafts, go to the movie’s, go bowling, swimming or whatever they choose. A monthly activity calendar is compiled with suggestions from the participants and their families.

What are Vacation & Leisure Opportunities?

An opportunity for persons with a disability to Travel, go camping, on day trips attend concerts, festivals & more. Individuals are given a complete itinerary of their vacation in advance. Individuals are responsible for their costs only (transportation, meals, accommodation & spending money). VLO provide a fully trained Support Team to accompany individuals on their trips. All accommodations are fully accessible to meet the needs of the individuals. Costs are reasonable and dates and times are flexible.

Where Do You Want to Go and How Do You Want to Get There?

There are no limits to what you would like to do or where you would like to go! Participants are encouraged to DREAM. If you would like to visit Australia, Mexico or even the North Pole, our Team will help to make that Dream a reality.

Our Team will assist you with advance planning and ensure that costs are reasonable. We also have a number of travel agencies for package or Special Group discounts when available.

Previous Participants have gone to: Disney World, Florida, Mexico, Winnipeg, Sault St. Marie, Minneapolis just to name a few.

People may start to plan a trip today with a future date in mind.

For More Information on V.L.O Services

If you would like more information on the services offered by the Vacation & Leisure Program, or if you would like to be on our mailing list, please call the Vacation & Leisure Opportunities program at Community Living Thunder Bay at (807) 622-1099 ext # 2228.

An Application will be forwarded to the individual outlining the type of vacation wanted and budgetary restrictions if any, once completed the application is received it is reviewed and a member of the V.L.O team will contact the applicant for a meeting.

Individuals are encouraged to have family, support staff team or friends join in the planning of the vacation. Together with the VLO team the trip is planned.