A Special Welcome Message for Demigods of Cabin Ten:
What’s the most powerful force in the universe?
Each cabin at Camp Half-Blood has a different answer for this question.
If you asked the brutish demigods of Cabin Five, they would likely say “war”. If you asked the members of Cabin Nine, they might say “progress and innovation.”
Cabin Three: knowledge. Cabin Seven: creativity. Cabin Twelve: . . . well, we don’t know, but it’s probably something gross.
But only the demigods of Cabin Ten know the real answer: A face card that never declines.
Er, we mean LOVE! Love is what makes the world go round. Love is the engine that powers the rise of great civilizations, as well as their fall!
And if you have recently discovered that you’re a child of the great love goddess, Aphrodite, you should prepare for a life completely defined by matters of the heart. Whether you like it or not.
While there’s nothing we can do to prepare you for the inevitable army of creepy secret admirers and the torrent of pathetic love letters you will be receiving for the rest of your days, we can at least provide you with a community of other beautiful demigods who also know the struggle of constantly being desired by losers.
So, welcome to Cabin Ten: a safe space for you to break as many hearts as you need to this summer. We’re sure you’re going to love being here as much as we’re going to love having you! And we can’t wait to meet you . . . after you finish reading the prerequisite makeup tutorials and style guides we sent you.
What’s Inside Cabin Ten:
-Permanently clean and stylish furniture
-Personal dressers
-Vanities (both kinds)
-Mirrors . . . so many mirrors
-Love notes
-Chocolates
-Gifts from other campers
-Designer bags
-“Designer” bags
What You Should Pack:
-An open heart
-Photos of your family and friends (optional)
-Posters of your favorite celebrities (mandatory)
-A really cute bedding set
-Your skincare/moisturizer regimen and an invisible, high-SPF sunscreen
-Waterproof, perspiration-proof, and battle-ready cosmetics
-High-end deodorant and seductive fragrances
-Hair products and styling tools (the prohibition against hair dryers does not apply here)
-You don’t need to pack your entire wardrobe is, but maybe something a little more fashionable than an orange T-shirt wouldn’t hurt
Meet Your Head Counselor, Piper McLean:
“Okay, listen up. The days of Cabin Ten being known as ‘the mean cabin’ are over. As long as I’m head counselor, we’re not going to have a repeat of my first year.
“Each and every new arrival at this cabin gets a fair shake, no matter what they look like. This means no snarky comments about anyone’s appearance, attitude, or ability.
“Aphrodite won’t admit this to us, but the only thing she loves as much as true romance is abject despair. For years, Aphrodite would only give favor to those children of hers who captivated some poor sap and then subsequently stomped on their heart.
“I think she just likes to see mortals suffer the effects of unrequited love. A pretty sadistic form of entertainment for a love goddess, if you ask me.
“Because real heartbreak is something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemies. No pain is comparable to forever losing the person who means the most to you . . .
“Except maybe the pain I’ll inflict upon your face if I catch you abusing your charmspeak ability on someone to get what you want.
“So, in short, you don’t have to love everyone at Camp Half-Blood, but at least treat your fellow campers and bunkmates with dignity and respect. Fall in love if you want to. Break up with someone if you need to. Just don’t do it for the sake of stroking your ego or getting a nod from Mom.
“Remember, love has the power to bring even the gods to their knees. And that’s not something to be taken lightly.
“And another important thing to remember: I’m currently the only head counselor who was able to take down Gaea in combat, so if you have a problem with any of my rules . . . all I can say is ‘good luck.’ And good night!”
Are you a child of Aphrodite? What are you bringing to Cabin Ten this summer? Be sure to let us know!