They announced the move for 2024 this week during the annual Clinton County Camp Cadet because, as president of the local program, Charles Shoemaker said, “We had to immediately start this program and figured there was no better way to announce it than by inviting Alyssa back.”

The camp leaders’ spontaneous decision came about after Alyssa had to drop out after the first day of camp due to the activity and environment being too rigorous and demanding for her.

Alyssa was born with segmented chromosomes, causing her to have some issues with movement and speech. This meant that it was hard for her to find opportunities to participate as any other kid would, which saddened Alyssa’s adoptive parents, Colleen Xetchakis and Gerald Lacy.

“We were trying to find more places where she could participate, not just as a special needs kid, but as a person,” said Alyssa’s mother, Colleen.

EXPRESS PHOTO Students in this year’s Clinton County Camp Cadet are all wearing a special T-shirt honoring the late Sergio “Serg” Esposito, Robert “Bob” Getz and Patricia “Patti” Kern for their gracious volunteer service with the program over the years.

Having taken Alyssa with them all over to go fishing, hunting and hiking with the family, her parents knew Alyssa had the ability to succeed, she just needed the chance to do so.

The first of these successes came about with her introduction to Soapbox Derby Racing, which quickly enamored Alyssa. She had a natural aptitude in the sport as well, with her quickly learning the ropes, already being invited to a race in Conshohocken, Pa.

Her parents still wanted their daughter to have as fulfilling a summer as possible, which is where Camp Cadet came into the equation.

Camp Cadet is a week-long summer camp held at numerous locations across Pennsylvania, meant to introduce kids to various aspects of law enforcement and public services. Demonstrations are held by local organizations.

This year, Clinton County Camp Cadet invited the Lock Haven Fire Department, Centre County Tactical Unit, Pennsylvania State University Bomb Squad, local Army reservists, state police and more.

Charles Shoemaker

This is what initially drew Alyssa’s parents to the camp, but they were unaware that the structure of the camp mimicked traditional training at a police academy.

When Alyssa got home after the first day, her parents thought that was the end of her involvement.

But they got a surprise visit from Charles Shoemaker, a retired local county detective and law enforcement veteran, to tell them the good news.

“It was so early in the morning, it hardly even registered at first,” said Xetchakis.

Shoemaker has had plans for a camp for special needs youth for a few years now, but Lacy’s struggle made the decision easy.

PHOTO PROVIDED Over the years, the Clinton County Community Foundation has provided upward of $145,000 in support of the Clinton County Camp Cadet Program, according to leader and retired law enforcement officer Charles Shoemaker. And 2023 is no exception. Presenting this year’s $7,000 grant to the program at this week’s camp are, from left, Camp Director Harold “Dutch” Rinker, Jr., boys Senior Cadet Frank Wolyniec, Allan Lugg, Jr. and Dennis Trout of the Foundation, girls Senior Cadet Catherine Lavelle and Camp Staff member Michelle Peters. To learn more about how to support the Foundation, visit its website at www.clintoncountyfoundation.org.

Special needs children are close to the heart of Shoemaker and his wife, Judy.

Their granddaughter was born with Rett syndrome, so the struggles these kids face hit home for them.

In fact, the Shoemaker’s announced they will graciously contribute $1,000 to the Lacy Day Camp in honor of their granddaughter, Carly Shoemaker, who is turning 16 this weekend.

There already is infrastructure in place at other camps in Pennsylvania for special needs kids with the Sunny Day program, so now a similar structure will be included for the Clinton County Chapter of Camp Cadet.

Alyssa actually got to make the announcement for next year’s “Lacy Days” camp this week, proudly proclaiming, “There will be a special needs camp next year.”

Committee members were then announced, including Lacy’s parents, along with Police Sgt. Frank Shoemaker, Cindy Rogers and Michelle Peters.

All of those involved in the committee have special needs children of their own, allowing them to understand the kind of work and effort it takes to make this camp succeed.

The organizers envision a one-day version of the week-long Camp Cadet for any special needs kids or adults, although activities are still to be developed.

Their goal is to make sure everyone feels included and that no special needs youth is unable to participate.

“It can be difficult because each activity has to be tailored to the individual,” said Mr. Lacy. But they are still very optimistic that the “Lacy Days camp will be a success,” especially with the involvement of such an incredible and unique kid as Alyssa.

Alyssa’s mom said she looks forward to helping to provide an activity for special needs youth — something she said is lacking in the county.

“She just moves people in a way you wouldn’t expect,” said Xetchakis. “She loves the skin that she’s in. She’s happy with who she is, so we want to get her involved in the mainstream of things.”