Local summer program caters to kids with mental health, behavioral diagnoses

MAUMEE, Ohio (WTVG) – Vital Health in Maumee is currently enrolling students into its summer program, but it’s not your traditional summer camp.

It’s focusing on kids in our community who may need special attention this summer.

“Every student, patient that comes into our building receives a diagnostic assessment,” said Jacob Spellis, co-owner of Vital Health and a licensed social worker. ‘During that assessment we find something that maybe needs work — maybe it’s emotional, social skills, cognitive functioning, all of that. Anyone who has a DSM-5 diagnosis qualifies for our program.”

Nicole Spellis, co-owner of Vital Health, says she and her husband started offering a summer camp after witnessing some children not be able to participate in traditional camps because of their behavior.

“When my kids have got to summer camps, there’s some kids that get booted. You know whether it’s for behaviors, talking back, not being able to socialize with other kids, being withdrawn or not being able to take social cues, or when they’re angry they go hit,” said Nicole Spellis.

This three-week camp is tailored to at-risk youth in our area, ages 7 to 17-years-old.

“We’re just a little more hands-on when it comes to their behavioral health to their mental health, kind of touching base on those social skills and since sometimes those kids might regress during the summer,” said Nicole Spellis.

Nicole says one of her favorite parts of running the camp is watching these kids grow and develop their life skills, especially in areas where they may have been delayed when they arrived.

“She came in very withdrawn very kept to herself and as she’s continued with us through our programs, I’ve seen her personality completely come out and she’s socializing with other kids, she’s kind of picked her peer group,” said Nicole.

Families interested in the program can learn more and sign up at the link here.

Latest Local News | First Alert Weather | Crime | National | 13abc Originals

Copyright 2024 WTVG. All rights reserved.