KinderCaminata
April 24, 2026The mission behind KinderCaminata is to provide an introduction to the college experience that helps children and their families realize that higher education and career preparation are a possibility.
We are grateful to have over 200 Fullerton College faculty, students, staff, and administrators volunteer their time each year to make this event a success for all involved!
As kindergarten children get off their bus, they are met with welcome cheers from Fullerton College students, faculty, and staff! Student tour guides (KinderBuddies) escort each of the groups throughout campus to various career stations. Before each station, all attendees participate in the Campus Welcome session where they meet campus leadership and learn about what the day will entail. They then transition to participate in interactive workshops and demonstrations for the remainder of the day.
In the career stations, children participate in interactive learning experiences and activities. Fullerton College faculty and student clubs make learning come alive by hosting career stations such as Psychology – It’s All About the Brain, Biology – What Colors Are in My Candy? and Engineering & Technology Club – Builders of Tomorrow. A live DJ provides music and Buzzy the Mascot encourages dancing! Students in the Cosmetology Department host face-painting, Football and Soccer Teams conduct drills, the Veterans Resource Center facilitates an obstacle course, and many more activities hosted by valuable members of the campus community. Throughout the day of the event, the campus is ‘buzzing’ with the sounds of learning & excitement!
the History of KinderCaminata at Fullerton College
Since 1995, KinderCaminata has been proudly hosted by Fullerton College.
The KinderCaminata experience was founded in 1993 by educator Galal Kernahan and the community group Los Amigos of Orange County.
Other community colleges in the state host similar KinderCaminata events, including Santa Ana College and Cypress College.
Dr. Christine Lamm, Professor of Child Development and Education Studies (CDES), took charge of the KinderCaminata event in 1996 and was an active advocate for the importance of introducing children to college early in their educational journey. With the help of CDES professors Neva Root, Sharon Deleon, Thomas Chairomonte, Patti Green, Ethnic Studies professor Adela Lopez and many others, KinderCaminata transformed into what it is today. A vibrant, highly interactive and impactful event for our youth!
After the death of Dr. Lamm in 2013, Diana Kyle, professor of psychology, took over as event coordinator to ensure the event’s success and continuation for future participants. Throughout the years, the event has been organized by many departments across campus. Currently, KinderCaminata is organized & hosted by the Cadena Cultural Center.
Originally funded primarily through the Student Equity Fund and donations from staff & faculty for supplies, KinderCaminata quickly became an important yearly educational field trip for kindergarten classes in local school districts. In 2013, the KinderCaminata event was institutionalized by Fullerton College President, Dr. Rajen Vurdien. Later presidents, including our current President Dr. Cynthia Olivo, have continued their commitment to providing institutional support and continuing this important tradition at Fullerton College for many years to come.
Instilling the Importance of Education
“¡Sí, se puede!” (Yes, you can!)
“¡Sí, se puede!” (Yes, you can!) has been the guiding theme of KinderCaminata since its founding in 1995. Popularized by Dolores Huerta during the United Farm Workers movement, this powerful motto was used to motivate and inspire communities. In the same spirit, KinderCaminata seeks to plant the seeds of education and inspire children at the earliest stages of their academic journey.
Kindergartners are inquisitive, eager learners exploring many jobs and occupations needed to support their own communities. KinderCaminata helps them to visualize the future impact they can have in their communities.
It is never too early to instill the importance of a good education and staying in school to reach their dreams and goals. It is important to let students know early in their education that college can be a realistic part of their future. College is for everyone and the path to future success!
How can I Help?
Volunteer Now!
To make this event as impactful as possible for the kindergardners and guests, we need at least 200 current student, staff and faculty volunteers to help prepare materials beforehand and assist during the event. Additionally, we need at least 50 faculty, academic and student services departments and/or student clubs to host interactive ‘career’ stations.
All student volunteers (KinderBuddies & General Volunteers) must participate in a volunteer orientation and training session.
Some volunteer roles and tasks include:
- Kinder Buddy (Leading groups)
- Floater/Greeter
- Activity Station Supporter
KinderBuddy Sign Up
Volunteer Sign Up
Activity Station Sign-Up
Activity stations are used to provide students the opportunity to engage with the campus and be a college student during their visit. The stations should be set up with a STEM or “Sí Se Puede!” (“Yes, you can!”) theme that matches a hands-on activity that is related to careers, college success skills or an area of study at Fullerton College. Activity stations should last no more than 12 minutes and need to accommodate about 30 students. Activity stations must be age appropriate and accessible to all students.
Thank you for your interest!
Volunteers are positive roles models and are what makes KinderCaminata come alive for thousands of young children.