ICamp Titan

Disadvantaged Kids Go Camping

Philanthropic program that gives youngsters the opportunity to experience the great outdoors

March 1, 2007

By Debra Cano Ramos


“Thank you very, very much for my wonderful experience [at] Camp Titan. I loved all of it!” — Jade

“I had lots of fun. I really liked my counselors… Thank you for letting me go to camp.” — Ian

These heartfelt notes of gratitude are from past campers of Camp Titan, the Cal State Fullerton philanthropic program that gives disadvantaged youngsters the opportunity to experience the great outdoors.

“Many of these kids have never been to camp or can’t afford to go, so we give them a chance to get out of their urban environment,” said Alex Chung, Camp Titan’s co-director of camper management. “They come back with a better appreciation for nature because they learn about the environment and how to take care of it.”

Chung ought to know. As a boy, his parents sent him to summer camp and now, he wants those less fortunate to gain the many positive experiences he did as a child.

 “One of the biggest benefits is taking home the memories, which last a lifetime,“ said Chung, a radio-TV-film major.

Camp Titan is a nonprofit program, founded by students in 1969, and sponsored by Associated Students Inc. Its staff along with CSUF students, who donate their time as counselors and mentors, manage the 150 children who attend the summer camp. The youngsters, ages 7 to 14, spend one week in June at Camp Oaks near Big Bear Lake. There are no televisions or computers. Instead, nature awaits and campers participate in activities such as hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, archery and arts and crafts. Campers come from schools and shelters across Orange County.

Camp Titan is funded through student fees, donations and campus fundraisers, such as a change drive last fall that netted $3,000, Chung said.

For more information, visit www.asi.fullerton.edu/leadership/camptitan.asp.