Theta Xi fraternity members Alex Charrier, left and Joe Ali helped carve more than 22 pumpkins for the annual trick-or-treat event hosted by Berkeley's Greek community. D. Lyn Hunter photo.

01 NOVEMBER 00 | A college campus isn't the most likely place to see young trick-or-treaters, but on Halloween the campus was crawling with them.

Berkeley fraternities and sororities opened their doors this Tuesday to entertain elementary school students bused to campus from area schools.

The children - costumed as Pokemon creatures, vampires and popular book character Harry Potter - were treated to haunted houses, face painting, ghost stories, pumpkin displays and candy.

"Sometimes I think we have more fun than the kids," said Dwight Hulce, a Chi Psi fraternity member.

The Chi Psi haunted house had a theme: kids were asked to help solve a mysterious kidnapping by overcoming scary obstacles throughout the house. Those who made it through the final "tunnel of terror" were treated to all the candy they wanted. The fraternity brothers made sure every child succeeded.

Just down the road, the Theta Xi house intricately carved more than 22 pumpkins, which were lighted and lined up on the front porch. One gourd sported the face of Scooby Doo while another depicted a creepy graveyard scene. The children were also treated to pumpkin pie and bread.

"The Greeks love interacting with the children," said Tom Durein, Greek adviser for the Office of Student Life. "It's a creative outlet for the Berkeley students, and watching the reactions of the children, when they see the costumes, decorations and other activities, is very rewarding

" All the chapters participated in the event, handing out candy to the nearly 250 trick-or-treaters, who were escorted by costumed fraternity and sorority members.

"In addition to being a lot of fun for everyone involved," said Durein, "it's also a good way for the kids to get exposure to the campus and our students."

Community service is one of the key missions for Berkeley fraternities and sororities, said Durein, and is a tenet most Greek organizations were founded on some 200 years ago.