Brigham Young University has over 300 clubs devoted to students’ special interests and talents.
While the bustle of student life declines in the spring, many clubs continue to meet throughout the summer.
Many students find that participating in clubs during the spring and summer creates a closer sense of community.
John Patten, president of the BYU ping-pong club, said he has been a member of the club for the past year.
Patten said that having the club available in the spring and summer helps strengthen their community.
“I played growing up, and when I got here, I just wanted to find my niche, and I found it here,” Patten said. “I feel like in the fall and winter you have tons of people coming in and out, and now it’s more of the regulars."
BYU has clubs for athletics and recreation, service, culture, special interests and more.
BYU student Laurel Rolfs attends the art beat club. She says it’s a relaxing environment where she can create art.
“There are a bunch of free art supplies, which makes it fun,” Rolfs said. “You’re literally just making art to make art, which is fun.”
Rolfs shared that artistic talent is not necessary to be a part of the club. The club aims to have a welcoming environment open to everyone.
“You’re not showing the art to anybody...There's no pressure,” Rolfs said. “
Nathan Ames, a BYU student and member of the fencing club, shared how he has developed multiple skills through the club.
“I think fencing is a unique sport because it pairs intellect with agility,” Ames said. “You don’t have to be the strongest or the biggest or the fastest. You can train and you can get faster. You can learn and it’s never boring.”
BYU student and fencing club member Grace Bodily shared why more people should join.
“It’s a good little community and friend group,” Bodily said. “If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then you can get your fix here.”
The Brigham Young University Student Association oversees the creation and participation of all clubs at BYU.
Celeste Moscoso Vilchez, an area assistant for clubs at BYUSA, said there are many resources available to support ongoing and new clubs.
“We help volunteers organize the events and communicate with the clubs to see if they are interested in participating with our events,” Vilchez said. “Basically our events are for the clubs to be able to engage with the student body.”
BYUSA also plays a role in advertising the clubs and encouraging new people to join.
“We make sure that they’re following guidelines, that they’re following social media policies, that their activities are available to everyone and that people get to know about them,” Vilchez said.
There is a place for every student at Brigham Young University to find their niche. From ping-pong, to art, to fencing, there are countless activities for students to explore.
For information on how to start a club, visit the BYUSA office at 3400 WSC.