Thoughts are only worth a penny, despite the fact that they are often about cupcakes, which in today's economy are worth at least $1.95 each. Explore the value of your ruminations on sweet treats with today’s Groupon to Cupcake Camp OC on September 11 in Irvine. Choose from the following options:

For $25, you get two regular tickets (a $15 value each) and 18 cupcakes from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. (a $50 total value).

For $25, you get two regular tickets (a $15 value each) and 18 cupcakes from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (a $50 total value).

For $39, you get two VIP tickets (a $30 value each) and 20 cupcakes from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. (an $80 total value).

For $39, you get two VIP tickets (a $30 value each) and 20 cupcakes from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (an $80 total value).

The volunteer-operated Cupcake Camp OC presents a smorgasbord of miniature cakes frosted by professional bakers and amateurs alike to raise money for the Children of the Night nonprofit. Pairs of VIP passholders walk past lines and collect goody bags and lick the frosting off of 20 cupcakes from local bakers such as Rooney Girl BakeShop, Baby Boy Bakery, and Sweet September Cupcakes. Tables groan with the weight of hundreds of decorated desserts that may compete in both amateur and professional contests for prizes such as Most Unique/Exotic Flavor or Ingredient or Most Likely to Win in Hand-to-Hand Combat with a Pie. A purple yam-and-coconut concoction won the former in the 2010 dabblers’ division, and the chocolate-sundae-smile cupcakes claimed last year’s professional title of Most Childhood-Inspired treat. Sugar-consuming companions can join the organized eating contest or compete with each other to see who can juggle the most petite cakes while standing on a pyramid of muffin tins. Cupcake Camp OC donates proceeds to Children of the Night, a private nonprofit committed to helping children aged 11–17 who are forced to prostitute in the United States.