With winter approaching, it’s easy to let our thoughts drift to fond memories of our younger years at summer camp. That makes it the perfect time to look back on defining moments in Camp Half-Blood’s storied history. Hope you brought your bug spray!

Chiron’s First Class

The first Half-Blood summer actually took place half a world away from its current location in Long Island. In ancient Greece, Apollo sent a group of untrained demigods to Chiron, the only wise and responsible centaur he knew. Since then, Chiron has guided all the most famous demigods, from George Washington to Harriet Tubman. And Mr. D has been around to get each and every one of their names wrong.

Thalia’s Tree

One of the biggest tragedies of Camp Half-Blood is the story of Thalia Grace. This heroic daughter of Zeus sacrificed herself to an army of monsters so her friends could pass safely though the camp’s border. Thankfully, the future Hunter of Artemis was revived by the Golden Fleece. Ask anyone she has decimated in a game of Capture the Flag, and they might say they wish she were still rooted to the ground.

Nothing bonds lifelong foes like a battle for the fate of the planet.

Nico Opens Up

CHB has always had its share of difficult campers, but perhaps none as notable as Nico di Angelo. The moody son of Hades made a serious impression when he first arrived and opened a fissure to the underworld. The revelation that he was another child of the Big Three freaked us out almost as much as it did Nico himself.

Keeping Up with the Romans

Every camp has a rivalry with the one across the lake. Usually, these lead to friendly game of softball. In the case of Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter, it has meant a centuries-long series of military conflicts. Things have softened since the two warring camps teamed up to defeat Gaea. Nothing bonds lifelong foes like a battle for the fate of the planet.

Apollo Gets Held Back

Proving that the history of the gods always comes full circle, Camp Half-Blood recently welcomed a new camper: Lester Papadopolous, AKA Apollo in mortal form. The god who sent out the first wave of demigods to Chiron was seen bunking with the current generation, including his own children. In all honesty, it was pretty embarrassing. At least none of them could match his skills on the lyre, guaranteeing that he has a lock on winning this year’s talent show.

What are some of your favorite Camp Half-Blood memories? Share them with us!