Tag Archives: camp crew

Why to Love 3-Day Camp with Coach Gayla

The 3-Day camp is an experience like no other. Imagine a slumber party with hundreds of your favorite people, complete with dance party, delicious food, games and shopping…all under the stars. It’s a fun time to say the least! Our walkers in Seattle, Dallas/Fort Worth and San Diego will get to experience that magic first-hand this year. If you’re a first-time camper, Coach Gayla is here to get you excited for that experience. There is so much to love about the 3-Day camp, and she’s breaking it all down for you…

  1. First and foremost, tent camping gives you the extra excuse to ask for a large donation as you are fundraising! You’re giving up your comfy bed for two nights. A big commitment deserves a big donation. Just remind potential donors that you’ll be showering in a semi-truck, and that should motivate them to support your goals ?
  2. The camp environment gives you a chance to do something different than what we do at home every day. I mean, other than the 3-Day, when was the last time you went camping?!

  1. At camp, you’ll have access to the dining hall, camp lounge, massages and Remembrance Tent, all within a short distance of your tent. It also makes it easy to be right on hand at the finish line to cheer other walkers in! I love this part, and it’s something my pals from Team STEPS (Hi Dana and Sheryl!) brought up when I talked with them about this, too.
  2. You can easily meet new friends as you wander around camp. Sheryl and Dana summed it up perfectly, saying, “Even a trip to the port-o-potty or shower will often provide a smiling face on the way, a high five with a 3-Day legend, an opportunity to thank a volunteer, or a special random act of kindness.” We love making those connections!
  3. Picture yourself sitting in the entry of your tent at the end of the day reading your camp mail, rehydrating, and waving and smiling as people come in from the walk route. There’s nothing like that feeling of accomplishment!
  4. The joy and inspiration of the 3-Day is heightened by having just the sounds of nature and your 3-Day family around you. No sounds of TV, or doors creating barriers between you and all the fun!

  1. In general, camaraderie is at an all-time high when hanging out with your friends in and around your tents. You can even personally check in on all your tentmates before you turn in for the night…just by giving them a holler!
  2. Then, as the night goes on, and you’re all cozy in your sleeping bag, you really will appreciate the great outdoors where you can see the stars at night and breathe in the fresh air. You become one with nature.
  3. It really helps you escape the daily grind of life and decompress – no phones, tv, radio. It will do your mind some good! As Sheryl and Dana said, “you get to unplug and be perfectly present in the moment.” It will give you time and space to truly appreciate the 3-Day in a whole new way.
  4. And then, sitting in your tent as the sun comes up and a new day begins…it’s just so exciting and inspiring. Plus, Sheryl and Dana reminded me about “waking up to the smell of coffee and bacon,” which is never a bad thing.

Bonus! Remember, it’s GLAMPING, not really CAMPING after all ?

What else do you love about the 3-Day camp experience? Tell us in the comments!

Recruiting 3-Day Crew Members with Coach Kiki

We want anyone and everyone to commit to the 3-Day in 2019. That includes, of course, our amazing 3-Day Crew! Crew members are the heart and soul of the 3-Day. They keep the walkers walking, keep all participants safe and well-fed; they make every 60-mile journey one of fun and inspiration.

How can you recruit friends and family to join you on this amazing Crew team? Coach Kiki, our Crew & Volunteer Coordinator, is sharing some of her best tips and tricks for bringing people into the welcoming arms of the 3-Day Crew. They’re a great group, so you’ll want to have all your besties by your side!

Grab a Friend

I’m trying to be as efficient as possible these days. Pay the bills! Update the family calendar! Get the kids to their activities! Feed the dog!  I’m also, trying to give myself a bit of self-care on a regular basis. That includes time with my girlfriends (who are also super busy).

Crewing the 3-Day with your BFF lets you take a few days to help an organization while you get to spend time with your favorite people. Get some quality in-person time while you help your community. It’s a win-win. If you only have a few hours, and not a few days, sign up to volunteer!

Work Gives

Many companies offer paid time off for employees who volunteer within their community. Did you know this? This is not only a great way to get out of the office cubicle, but an amazing team exercise opportunity. If you can connect with your colleagues on a more personal level (volunteering together is a great way to do that), you might find that your working relationship strengthens.

Power in Numbers

Are you a member of a church group? Book club? National or local organization? Like work, this is also a great way to break from the norm and get your group to connect and do some good…together! A person can do amazing work and making a difference. A group can move mountains.

Get the family involved

One of my favorite holiday memories is when my family made bathroom kits for the homeless. We all went out shopping for soap, shampoo, razors, and shaving cream. Your family and children truly do want to help others! They just may need a little nudge. My husband and I want to instill the value of giving to others early on with our kids. It is the greatest gift that we as humans, can give others. To help each other. Volunteer as a family. Incorporate it into your family holiday. Register to volunteer together. Connect with an organization that your family is passionate about, like the 3-Day!

Share Your Story

I’m often blown away by how social networking can connect long-lost friends and colleagues. Post a notice on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram about an upcoming volunteering opportunity you’re supporting. Share your story as to why you’re supporting this cause. You may be surprised by how many friends pop up and join the fight with you. Sharing your story along the social media lines can create huge numbers and amazing results!

View from the 3-Day Crew: Looking Back with the Michigan 3-Day Crew

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The 3-Day Crew is an integral, amazing and appreciated part of the 3-Day family. We simply could not do it without them! They work tirelessly for long hours to make sure that every step of our walkers’ 60-mile journey is a wonderful one. And they do it all with a smile on their face!

That’s why we are honored to be featuring a few members of our Michigan 3-Day Crew. These ladies are all-stars and have made such a difference in our community. As 2018 fades into the past, it’s people like these that are already getting us excited for the 2019 Michigan 3-Day!

Let’s hear it for all the Michigan 3-Day Crew!

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Monika Schmidt on Camp Support knows that her job is hard work because this group of Crew members are up very early and go to bed very late to make sure every walker can camp in comfort. But she says that being on Crew is like having a really big family, so she never minds the hours!

“I love my pink family! It can be exhausting work, but its oh so rewarding. I love to see everyone coming back to Crew year after year. We are crying together and laughing so hard. I would not miss it in the world.”

She was also a part of our Opening Ceremony in 2018 and was humbled by the honor! But she says her favorite memory every year is to see all those lovely walkers coming back to camp each day ?

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Becky Jo Beverly, a long-time Crew member, echoes that 3-Day love.

“There are so many things to love about the 3-Day – the pink bubble is legit! If the rest of the world was as strong, kind, accepting, loving and GOOD as the 3-Day world, it would be a better place.”

She has so many wonderful memories from her time on the Michigan Crew, everything from tons of grahamwiches, tutus on peoples’ heads, pink fountains, problems with air mattresses, accidental strobe lights and “so. many. dance. moves.”

Even with those laughs and fun times on her mind, Becky Jo and the Michigan Crew all take their “duty to serve and care for our walkers (yeah, I said OUR walkers … we love them that much) very seriously. For those three days, they are our whole world. We. Love. OUR. Walkers.”

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And they’re thankful for them, too!

“Thankful. That is the best word I can come up with when I think of this event. I am thankful for the people that work behind the scenes to use the funds raised to make a difference in this war we are waging. For the experiences I have had along the way (blisters, dehydration, sunburns and all) that have made me stronger. For the people I’ve met that have made me a better person. I am thankful for the pink bubble that proves again and again that this world is full of beautiful potential. I am Blessed beyond measure to be part of the pink family … and I am forever thankful.”

We are also forever thankful for Becky Jo, Monika, our 3-Day Michigan Crew….and our 3-Day Crew across the country. You motivate our steps and make our journey even more special

Michigan Crew sound off! What are some of your best 3-Day memories? What memories do you hope to make in 2019?

Remember, if you register at The3Day.org by TOMORROW 12/6, you’ll automatically get 50% off your registration fee—no special codes required! Come join us and make new amazing memories in 2019!