2nd annual Nerd Con event draws over 200 visitors at Palmer High School

PALMER — Palmer High School's second Annual Nerd Con event drew a sizable crowd Saturday, April 6.

This event was hosted by the Palmer High School Dungeons and Dragons Club. The club advisor and school resource officer Keith Barkwood said that he was happy with how everything went this year.

“I thought overall, it was amazing," Barkwood said. “It's a fun time.”

The Palmer High School Nerd Con event featured numerous activities such as role playing board game sessions with Dungeons and Dragons, Star Wars and other genres. It also included a variety of vendors offering “nerd” related items and services such as clothing, collector items, toys, and trading cards.

“I want Nerd Con to be more than D&D. I want it to be a celebration of all things nerdy," Barkwood said. “It's just a way to bring the community of ‘nerdery’ together.”

According to Barkwood, the first Nerd Con event featured 16 vendor tables with about 181 attendees. This year, the total number of vendors grew to 36 and the overall number of attendees grew to about 230. He said this event serves as an annual fundraiser and proceeds help maintain the school club to pay for supplies, field trips, and general operations. He said that he’s planning to take the club to the 2024 Arctic Comic Con later this month and the funds raised from their event will help offset the logistical costs.

“This whole thing is for them," Barkwood said.

Barkwood established the Palmer High School Dungeons and Dragons Club several years ago with the intention of offering a outlet for students to feel comfortable being themselves in a relaxing and social atmosphere that promotes personal growth. He said there’s currently over 35 students enrolled in the club. He said that he started the club after hearing some advise: “whatever you're passionate about, no matter what it is, start a club.”

“It worked. I did it and they flocked to it," Barkwood said. “It feels great. These are some of the best kids in the school district. They're super kind and super smart.”

Barkwood said this is his fourth year at PHS. He said that it’s been very rewarding to have so many positive interactions with the students over the years.

“It’s been a powerful experience watching those kids grow up,” Barkwood said.

The PHS D&D Club meets weekly after school. Barkwood said that any high school aged student is eligible to join, not just PHS students.

“They're more than welcome," Barkwood said.

Barkwood said there’s a $20 enrollment fee that includes a free t-shirt. He said this is designed to help participating students take ownership of their club activities.

“My intention is for them to get buy-in in the club" Barkwood said.

Barkwood said that he started playing D&D when he was in middle school. He said it’s a fun and unique activity for youth that helps them exercise different parts of their brains while expressing their unique personalities in a safe and social environment.

“Where else can you shoot fireballs out of your hands?" Barkwood said with a laugh. “The game itself is evolving but it still takes imagination and you're sitting down and collaborating… I think that’s a big part of the appeal.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com