The John's Hopkins' Center for Talented Youth is one of many 'nerd camps' in America, and it attracts students from all over the globe every summer. Students pour into its campuses in Lancaster, Carlisle, Los Angeles, and Baltimore, effectively stranding themselves in the middle of nowhere to take college level classes for seven hours a day, every day, for three weeks. It sounds like utter hell to some, but for us it was a paradise. Free from parents and restrictions, kids could finally be themselves among those with similar interests. When attending nerd camp, there are a few types of people you are bound to meet
1. The Emo Nerd With A Tumblr Addiction
This type of nerd is heavily overrepresented by thirteen year old girls and often feels a strong sense of dedication to their Tumblr url and their five different fandoms. They wear Doctor Who themed earrings and argue with you about whether or not Snape was actually a bad guy, and they probably have an inferiority complex the size of Mount Everest. You may see this nerd jamming out to Fall Out Boy or Panic! At The Disco 24/7, and though they may remind you of your adolescent self quite a bit (I was one myself in my early camp years), we all know they're gonna look back on this five years from now and have some regrets. I sure did.
2. The Nerd Stereotype
Let's face it, every nerd is, to some degree, a stereotype, but not all of them are The Stereotype. This nerd is a new level of smart. They're probably more into STEM than the humanities (though they can name every British monarch in order for you if you ask), and they're just really into prime numbers. Catch them on the quad fangirling over modular arithmetic or engaging in a heated argument with a fellow Nerd Stereotype over the grammatical value of the Oxford comma.
3. The Theatre Nerd
Guys, theatre kids are intense, and they're twenty times more intense at nerd camp. These guys are all over the place, and they're also way more noticeable than any other type of nerd. They tend to have really distinct senses of style (corsets and 50s style dresses, anyone?) and no filter. Theatre nerds love improv and Broadway, and they're not afraid to let you know. Sometimes they can be a little over-dramatic, but you love them anyway because they've got a killer sense of humor.
4. The Nerd Everyone Loves And Idealizes
There are a couple subcategories of this nerd. First, there's the hot nerd guy that's simultaneously outgoing, funny, and attractive, so everyone absolutely fawns over him. He's probably in MUN back at home and may or may not play the guitar. Every thirteen year old girl at camp has a crush on him, but he doesn't notice (or, more likely, doesn't care). Popularity is different at nerd camp than it is in school, but in this particular instance, this particular person is at the top of the food chain no matter where he goes. The other type of beloved nerd is far less sexualized than the first subcategory. This nerd is an absolute angel, and everyone thinks so. They're pure and cinnamon roll-esque, and friends with nearly every single person on campus. At home, this nerd is awkward and shy, but at nerd camp, they have a goal to be outgoing and open. Since they are naturally introverted, they're probably overwhelmed by the extroverted exterior they take on and need a break every once in a while. Don't idealize either of these nerds too much, since they likely both have flaws.
5. The Nerd Who Didn't Want To Be Here
Man is this guy a downer. This is the nerd with the helicopter parents that made them go, and we all know it. They hate nerd camp because everyone is weird, and they desperately wish they could go home where things are normal and they're the smartest kid in the class again. This person is honestly kind of depressing to be around and probably in desperate need of a hug.
6. The Nerd Who Plays Like 10 Different Instruments
This guy plays piano, guitar, saxophone, flute, and even the harmonica. They love what they do, and you admire them for it because you can barely play one instrument. Oftentimes you'll see them on the quad with their ukulele and a crowd gathered around them singing "All of Me" by John Legend. Good for them. Odds are, they've got perfect pitch too.
7. The Nerd You Would Never Expect To Be A Nerd
Finally, my favorite type of nerd. Let's face it, some nerds are just really obviously nerds, and some aren't. These dudes are wild, and generally the opposite of the Stereotype Nerd at first glance. They party hard, say stupid things, and make terrible decisions on all fronts. You would never think that they're a nerd, but just you wait. They giggle over logic puzzles and get off on cool proofs just as much as any other person at nerd camp. Oh, and they may or may not end up at Harvard. You never know with these guys, and that's what makes them awesome.
