SUMMER FUN — Lily Hooper, 5, took a closer look at plastic bugs during an insect-themed activity held at an abilities camp at the School of Bright Promise. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Children with developmental disabilities enjoyed an abilities camp this summer at the School of Bright Promise. Families received some respite care as well, as children 5 to 17 took part in the eight-week program.

Sessions were held in the morning and afternoon. Breakfast, lunch, a snack and transportation were provided. The camp was organized by Stanton Homes Inc., with the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities providing the facilities.

Participants had the option to attend throughout the week or on various days, while families received a short-term break. Seven area teachers served as counselors, with eight children taking part in the morning session and a dozen participating in the afternoon. Attendees were from Jefferson, Harrison and Columbiana counties.

Their day included a meal, fun in the gym, music, art and rotating activity centers in the cafeteria. Counselor Michelle O’Karma said youth worked on social-emotional skills, and fine and gross motor skills. Everyone had fun and formed friendships, she added.

“This gives kids with disabilities a chance to learn skills and about making good choices,” O’Karma stated. “The activities were geared to their ability and age group. Everything we do is hands-on through centers that include art, music and sensory activities. They used the motor gym and outdoor playground and talked about their feelings through social-emotional learning. The kids enjoyed coming here and were excited for the next activity. They couldn’t wait to come back.”

Stanton Homes provides residential and respite services, as well as adult day hab and transportation.

Officials were approached by OhioRISE for assistance. The Medicaid-managed care system provided by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center coordinates services for children having complex behavioral health and multi-system needs within an eight-county area.

Brandy Bridges, director of operations for Stanton Homes, said OhioRISE officials were seeking respite provider services.

Representatives reached out to the JCBDD for further discussion.

“We went to JCBDD and asked what needs there were in Jefferson County, and they said it was with children,” Bridges continued. “We’ve been working with Michael Zinno, superintendent of JCBDD, and Lynette Ekey, service and support administration director. Stanton Homes created the camp to use respite in a more structured way. It gave parents a break during summer, while keeping the kids engaged.”

“We agreed to open up the school,” Zinno added. “Our role was to provide the space. We assisted and helped coordinate with Stanton Homes and OhioRISE for Stanton Homes to be a certified provider in this area.”

Lindsay Brandon, director of OhioRISE, said her program was responsible for referring the children they serve to this camp.

“Anyone in the OhioRISE program is eligible for behavioral health respite and Stanton Homes has become a provider,” Brandon said. “We make the referrals to Stanton Homes.”