UHMC Nerf Wars

University of Hawaii Maui College provides an environment for young adults to learn, explore, and grow. It may seem from a distance that this campus is solely focused on fostering strong academic growth, but if one takes a closer look at “campus life” it would be revealed that UHMC has much more to offer than academics alone. One of the many extracurricular activities available on campus is the Nerf Club, which was created in 2011. The Nerf Club began in the student lounge with a group of friends who were disgruntled by the lack of recreational options on campus. The idea was proposed to start a nerf war, and from there a tradition was born. Each week on the same day, students and friends gathered in the student longue for fun and fellowship.

Eventually it was decided to officially make their group a campus club.
The Nerf Club currently meets in the student lounge Wednesdays from 7 p.m.
until pau and Fridays from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

After many students began requesting permission to bring their children, it was decided that Friday nights would be open to the community, including children ages 6 and up. The idea behind allowing Maui’s youth to participate in a weekly nerf war on campus, according to Nerf Club President Jordan Leong, is to offer an alternative to drug use or other risky behavior. Leong, the last original member from the Nerf Club, grew up on Maui and therefore knows the lack of activities Maui has to offer its youth on a Friday night. By participating in the nerf wars, Maui youth are also sharpening their communication skills, practicing positive sportsmanship, and thinking critically while working as a team.

Club officers set up obstacles prior to a game and the group is divided into two teams, each team sporting different colored bandanas. To purchase a bandana, players must pay a one-time fee of $20 to cover costs of production. This is the only fee to play or be part of the Nerf Club and carries on from one semester to the next. Members are welcome to bring their own blasters and ammunition as desired, but the club does provide. The large group of friends have even played a “real life version of Fortnite,” which is a video game popular among young adults and adolescents.

As the club grew in popularity, the officers created a Facebook page under the name UHMC Nerf. Special events, cancellations, or any changes to the schedule will be posted to this page. Messages related to any questions or concerns can be sent through this page. Meetings are held monthly by the club officers. Any individuals interested in becoming an officer should send a message through the Facebook page and await an interview. With a weekly turnout of over 100 people, there’s no doubt that “Nerf Night” is fun. Each person who joins plays a part in providing a fun and safe alternative for Maui’s youth. Don’t waste any time: mark your calendars and get your blasters ready!