LEGIT Camp Changes Lives

Story by Tamyra Horst

Excitement buzzed through the Shamokin church as 74 children gathered for this year’s LEGIT (Love, Encourage, Give, Inspire, Teach) Kids’ Camp, themed “From the Pit to the Palace,” based on the story of Joseph. “Our theme verse this year was Genesis 50:20,” shares Christina Alonso, camp director. That promise—that God can use bad circumstances for good—came to life all week long, she says.

The week marked a significant milestone—registration had to be closed for the first time in years due to space limitations, available supplies and seating capacity. It was the largest attendance since before the pandemic, a powerful sign of how deeply rooted and loved the camp has become in the community.

For the first time, a local teen from the community—not an Adventist, but a faithful and enthusiastic supporter—joined the team as a coach after serving faithfully at monthly programs leading up to camp. She even gave one of the camp messages. Her involvement and influence show this program’s powerful impact, not only on the kids who attend but on the youth who help lead it.

Six local teens who were former campers returned to serve as Counselors-in-Training (CIT), including one young man who began attending when he was six. Now 16, he told The News-Item, a local newspaper, “I wanted to take charge and help the kids learn. I just want to give the kids the experience that I got.”

The community showed overwhelming support by donating drinks and snacks—many provided by local residents, including Jen, the spouse of Shamokin Mayor Michael McLaughlin. “The community loves LEGIT so much,” says Alonso, “that they’ve even said they’d try to help us find a bigger space if we need it.”

The spiritual impact of the week was evident. On Thursday, one of the coaches gave a call to accept Christ. “Most of the campers raised their hands,” says Alonso.

The week concluded with the annual Friday night program, where the church was filled with families eager to hear songs, testimonies and stories from the children and staff. One mother tearfully shared how camp had deeply impacted her daughter who struggles with emotional challenges. “She memorized every theme and shouted them out during the program,” the mother said. “She told me she wants to be a CIT.”

LEGIT Kids isn’t just a weeklong summer event. The church plans to continue hosting monthly programs with this year’s theme, “LEGIT Kids in the Bible.” Every month, kids will explore how God used young people in Scripture to do extraordinary things—and how He can use them too.

“I want these kids to see that they matter to God right now,” shares Alonso. “They don’t have to wait to grow up to be used by Him. He has a purpose for them today.”