EUGENE, Ore. – Connecting community, impacting youth, and having fun while doing it; Meet the Bushnell Nerf Club. This club creates opportunities for students to have fun, destress and grow in community by participating in the nostalgic activity of Nerf.
“The Nerf Club is one of our most popular student clubs on campus,” said Paul Wright, Director of Student Programs at Bushnell University. “We have partnered with them on several events both at our Friday Beacon nights and during orientation at our club rush. They also have a great reputation at churches because they have partnered with local youth groups to host their own Nerf night. This is a fun and creative way our students share their wisdom, faith, and service.”
Selected as Student Body Club of the Year in 2021-2022, the Nerf club has had a lasting impact on Bushnell’s campus. Led by club president Zach Fuller and co-vice presidents John Stephens and Brett Olmstead, the Nerf Club frequently hosts Friday Beacons Nights. These nights consist of the club members, plus many other Bushnell students coming together for an epic Nerf war. The competitive, carefree, and light-hearted attitude of this club is what the student body so greatly appreciates.
2021-22 Club of the Year (from left to right) Cameron Binaley, Zach Miller, Isaac Johnston, Paul Wright (Director of Student Programs)
The group continues to build community and make an impact off campus as well. Recently, the club has teamed up with local churches to provide youth ministries with wholesome, fun Nerf gun nights. The club partnered with Grace Community Fellowship to facilitate an event for the Annex and Tribe (the high school and middle school youth groups of Grace Community Fellowship). The group even persuaded Pastor Steve Hill, of Grace Community Fellowship, to participate in a recent youth group Nerf night. In the past they have also partnered with Christian Church and Twin Rivers Church to put on similar events.
“We worked with John Krill, the middle school and high school pastor, to coordinate an event that helped bring kids together in ministry in a very different way, added Zachary Fuller, Club President. “Our focus with the Nerf Club has always been to create a space of friendly competition where everyone can bond over the joys of shooting each other with foam ammunition. Lots of students that attend the ministry actively were able to bring friends that might not otherwise come to church. So it gives us the chance to love on them in a safe and fun environment.”
Bushnell encourages students to participate in and start a variety of student groups across campus. Recognizing student groups is designed to provide structure, support, and a sense of community. The Nerf Club is a perfect example of turning a simple hobby into a campus-known group that brings excitement and joy to Bushnell’s campus. This club has a unique way of pulling out everyone’s inner child as you forget about everyday stresses and become part of an intricate Nerf war.
2022-23 Nerf Club Officers (from left to right) John Stephens (co-VP), Brett Olmstead (co-VP), and Zach Fuller (President)
About Bushnell University
Founded in 1895 Bushnell University helps students discover and answer God’s call on their lives. Devoted to offering a Christ-centered environment, Bushnell encourages students to grow in wisdom, informed by faith, and leading to lives of service. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the University was founded by pastor-educator Eugene C. Sanderson and pioneer businessman and church leader James A. Bushnell.
Bushnell is the largest private university in Eugene’s vibrant university district. The University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees for undergraduate and graduate studies through course formats on campus, online, and hybrid formats. More information about the University is available at www.bushnell.edu.