By Kaleb Lundine 

For Students at Casper College seeking a community grounded in faith, the Campus Ventures Club offers a place for belonging. The Christian ministry, which operates as a 501c3 nonprofit, focuses on helping students grow spiritually and build connections with those on campus and in the wider Casper community. 

Tyler Owens serves as the director of Campus Ventures at CC. He described his role as a mentor, and life coach. Owens is widely available to serve students, as his role is his full-time job. Owens spends his days on campus, studying the bible, and meeting with students, often setting up what he calls a “mobile office”, where he can help students whenever they may need his assistance. Owens “mobile office” is usually set up on the third floor of the Union Building. 

“Our goal is to help college students become disciple makers of Christ for a lifetime,” Owens said. “We want them to know and love and enjoy God.” 

The organization’s primary weekly gathering take place in the Wold Physical Science (Wheeler Auditorium) Room 103 every Thursday at 7 p.m. during both the spring and fall semesters. Owens said anyone interested in joining is welcome. Owens detailed that the large, weekly gatherings feature deep teaching about the bible, allowing students to learn about the Christian faith, in a low commitment and relaxed environment. 

“You don’t have to become like a member of the club. It’s very low-key,” Owens said. “You just come hang out. We’ll sing some worship songs. We’ll have teaching from scripture and then people go and hang out,” Owens said.   

For students who seek a deeper dive, Campus Ventures offers semester long bible study commitments called “Disciple ship Groups. The groups are semester-long commitments that provide a space for individuals to explore their faith in a more intensive setting. Owens said he encourages interested students to contact him directly to join a group, as the offerings vary each semester based on student interest. 

Campus Ventures extends its reach beyond CC’s campus too. Students regularly participate in service projects, such as serving meals at the rescue mission in downtown Casper. Campus Ventures also helps with move in events and hosts an annual campus Superbowl party, a tradition maintained for 30 plus years. 

“We help facilitate a place where students can build community based on similar values where they can grow together and pursue Jesus,” Owens said. 

Connection with local churches in Casper is a cornerstone for Campus Ventures. Churches across Casper partner with the organization by supporting campus ventures financially while also providing hot, home cooked meals for attending students on Sundays. 

CC’s Ventures club is part of a larger regional network of other college campuses across Wyoming, South Dakota, Colorado, Idaho, and Montana. This broad connection allows for students at CC to participate in two annual retreats. One takes place in the Black Hills called the “fall retreat” and one other is the retreat in Colorado Springs called “life impact” Both events bring further connectivity and togetherness between campuses across the broader mountain west region. 

In sum, Campus Ventures provides students with a local, faith centered community through weekly gatherings, discipleship groups, and service opportunities. Supported by local churches and connected by a regional network, Campus Ventures aims to nurture spiritual growth and belonging. For students who are interested, Owens is available on campus and is willing to help.