We are so grateful for the staff and student community of Campus House at Purdue University. This is Ethan’s church. This is the community he chose to ground himself within while living at Purdue during his undergraduate years… he was deeply connected in fellowship and bible study leadership. Therefore, we invited the Campus House community and anyone else at Purdue into the Memorial Games on the evening of Wednesday, June 7th (2023). Even though it is summer semester and campus is quieter, it was a blessing to have about 25 in attendance to enjoy a wide range of games for the evening.
We pulled out all kinds of board games and card games. The staff at Campus House know the value of game time very well. During Fall and Spring semester, they champion weekly game time for any student to join in. Having access to their collection was awesome! Here is a window into the time:
Blokus
Honestly, this was the first game I pulled out of the cabinet! Ethan and I played this game A LOT as he grew. It is a great strategy game for all ages. 2 to 4 players, though. It was fun to see it in action again!
Catan
This was a new one to me and several fans of the game came to enjoy it. There is a lot to the base game alone as well as many additions to the game that make it appealing for long term play. Lots to learn!
Dutch Blitz
This one is a FAVORITE at Campus House! During Fall and Spring semester, students are invited weekly to challenge their lightening fast speed and love for this card game. In the spirit of Solitaire, Nertz or Pounce, the Dutch Blitz card game uses a uniquely designed deck of cards. Many of the students gravitated to this one specifically and it was fun to watch them go!
Euchre
Another well loved card game in the MidWest, there were a few new faces to Euchre during our time. Some veterans shared their love of the game to teach it to those whom wanted to learn. Euchre is a team play card game employing the use of the Jacks as “Bowers” to set the suit of play each game. Ethan enjoyed playing this game with our family at just about every holiday back at home!
Minecraft
Noah brought along is Nintendo Switch and set it up on the large screen for anyone wishing to engage in video gaming. Minecraft was one of the first games Ethan had shared with his brother, Noah. It was fun to see a few of the youngest participants figuring it out for the first time!
Secret Hitler
Another new one for me, but not for the Campus House and Joshua House attendees! I found out many of them personally own the game and we could see the game circle grow quickly as it was brought out. There were well over 8 players seated around the game boards vying for one of three roles: Liberal, Fascist or Hitler! Set in pre-WWII Germany, players are German politicians attempting to hold a fragile government together. It took a few turns and a really good game mentor (thank you Four!) for me to get the flow of the game, but I eventually joined in. To play is to either bluff or investigate your way through. I loved seeing the multiple acting personalities come through in this exciting game!
Warhammer 40K
Noah challenged family friend, Jacob Chappell, to a W40K skirmish. It is no secret that our family loves the legend, lore and artistry of the model miniature game, Warhammer 40K. Ethan had actually introduced his friend Jacob to the game back in the days of high school when we lived in the Dallas TX area. It was fun for attendees to see the team models in action and learn more about the depth of the game.
During the event, we served cake and had the blessing of sharing fellowship time with many of Ethan’s friends that we have stayed in contact with during this long year. It was great to meet new faces around the game tables as well! Campus House is a community of believers whom seek to welcome all into the family of Christ. We certainly feel like a huge part of this family! It is very encouraging to us to see how the staff remember Ethan as they continue to welcome students at Purdue in the semesters to come. If you are a Boilermaker or are interested in the work and ministry of Campus House. Check out their website for more information!