Photo by Luke Melinkovich
Figuring out life in college can be tough. It can be really tough alone. The University of Wyoming offers many different clubs and organizations that can help students build community and lifelong relationships on and off campus. Campus Ventures has served Wyoming students since 1991. They are a nondenominational Christian organization that exists to walk alongside students during their college journeys. Faith and preparing for an impactful life are the goals of Campus Ventures.
Campus Director Heath Dancy has been working here since 2014, and the director since 2016. After his undergrad, Dancy felt a calling to serve in ministry, and feels at home at the University of Wyoming. The main event Campus Ventures offers is a large group meeting on Tuesday nights, in the ballroom on the second floor of the Union building.
“Ultimately our goal is we want to help college students figure out life and faith, what that looks like during these four years,” Dancy stated. “We also want to offer a group of people that can really form great community, so they can have community while they walk together.”
At these, students engage with fellow students with discussion questions, worship songs and listen to a message and teachings from the Bible. Being around other fellow students allows for growth together. Dancy emphasizes how they challenge students to show up and create a faith based group that is welcoming, and also holds each other accountable.
Campus Ventures has a full staff here in Laramie committed to helping students grow in their faith and lives. They have four associate staff members, and twelve interns. Most of them attended the University of Wyoming, and they all share a deep passion for reaching college students.
Campus Ventures intern Mazelynn Sharp found her best friends through this group. Outside of their big Tuesday night event, they offer separate group Bible studies throughout the week. “Our freshman Bible study really is where I met all of my best friends. Those are the people that I live with now,” Sharp said. “I think it really provides community in a different aspect in college.” Outside of Campus Ventures, Sharp enjoys playing spike ball and pickle ball with her groups.
Intern Zach Kingsmore has learned a lot in his time with Campus Ventures. College students are often pressed for time. Classes, work, hobbies and personal life are among the many things students balance. “One of the biggest things I’ve learned is just being intentional with my time and how I invest that,” Kingsmore said. “Balancing different responsibilities that I have and relationships and it’s given me an opportunity to lean into the students that I’m mentoring and try to be faithful in living that out.”
Campus Ventures builds their community by building relationships first, through many different methods. One staple for them is helping students with move-in day. Intern Josie Griffin got started with them because of being helped on move-in day. They also host table top events, show on the screens in the union, and can be seen helping students out often. “The best way for people to stick around is for them to feel known and loved. It’s great. All are welcome,” Dancy said. Regardless of how you get there, Campus Ventures wants to a place you can feel at home at during your time at the University of Wyoming.
