Camping at the San Diego 3-Day

When the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® began in 2003, each evening concluded with walkers pitching their pink tents and setting up camp alongside one another. Participants would decorate their campsite and mingle with one another before calling it a night under the stars. It was an experience unlike any other; an opportunity to soak up the Pink Bubble every second of the day. The community spirit was unending from the Opening Ceremony to the Finish Line Festival. Over time, the Komen 3-Day has evolved to moving camp inside a hotel, which comes with perks of its own, but there’s really nothing quite like the original camping experience. Luckily, the original Pink Bubble experience consisting of a sea of pink tents on the waterfront with amenities galore is still an option at the San Diego 3-Day®. While there are benefits to staying in a hotel, the pros of camping far outweigh the fears that you may have when deciding where to call it a night in San Diego.

For starters, the San Diego campsite is in a beautiful place on one of the city’s many beloved waterfront properties. In the mornings, there may be kayakers on the water or locals out for a paddle; it’s a very San Diego zen way to start your day! Plus, you can sleep for an extra 30 minutes in the mornings, waking up right where you need to be. No need to take a shuttle – you can walk over to the dining tent, enjoy breakfast and ease into your morning as the day’s hustle and bustle starts.

Ultimately, you’re located where everything is happening. After you finish walking on the route, you can eat, shower, enjoy your home-away-from-home and spend time talking with other participants. You don’t need to hurry to a shuttle line, decide if you’ll come back to camp for dinner and evening festivities, or choose between comfort and convenience. You can take your time, do some stretching, visit the Remembrance Tent, enjoy your meals, and soak in every second of the Pink Bubble spirit. Many people add their own flare by decorating their tents with twinkly lights, flags, posters, or a fun theme, turning nighttime exploration into an adventure. As the evening activities end, and the hum of conversation quiets down, you can sit under a space heater, enjoy the view of lights across the water, then tuck yourself into your own personal pink tent for the night.

You’ll have the chance to interact with many more crew members and walkers than you otherwise would. From those who serve your meals to those loading your gear bag in and out of the truck, you have the chance to get to know more people in the 3-Day community. It lends you the opportunity to connect with crew members and walkers who all have a powerful story to share – just like you! Plus, you’ll earn yourself a badge of honor for having experienced the 3-Day the way it all began.

“We strongly believe that every first-timer should experience camping at the San Diego 3-Day! The camaraderie and unique atmosphere at camp, from waiting in line for showers to making midnight visits to the porta-potties, are invaluable. The sound of chatter and laughter echoing from the dining tent adds to the sense of community and shared purpose that defines the event. It’s an integral part of the 3-Day journey, fostering connections and memories that endure long after the event is over.” —Sarah B.

Bring the 3-Day National Campout to Your Backyard

Bring a piece of the 3-Day to the comfort of your living room or backyard for the 3-Day National Campout! On October 16, 3-Day Nation participants from all over the country will be settling into their backyard camp at the same time to connect and come together virtually! From decorating your tent to 3-Day inspired activities, we have some great ways to make the experience memorable.

Camping by yourself is fun, but camping with other members of the 3-Day family can make the experience even better. Find other walkers in your area to walk with and set up camp together at the end of the day. Check out our Friend Finder or post in the 3-Day Nation Facebook group to search for walkers near you.

It’s time to set up your tent and start decorating! Take your camp to the next level with some festive décor inspiration on our Pinterest board. Whether you decide on a simple camping setup or plan to step it up a notch with a glamping experience, creating a beautiful space to come home to after walking your mileage for the day will make 3-Day Nation that much more enjoyable. String up lights, hang photos of loved ones and past 3-Day walks, and anything else that will make you feel at home in your tent.

We know you’ll be hungry after a long day of walking, so the next step is one of our favorite camping activities: eating. Make your favorite 3-Day recipes in the comfort of your backyard. Craving some decadent mac n’ cheese? Check out this recipe. For dessert, ditch the traditional s’mores for grahamwhiches! No matter what you cook, a backyard cookout is a great activity to do either by yourself or with a group.

Don’t forget to tune into the inspiring Honor Ceremony and take time to reflect on why you walk. Then, once your tent is set up, it’s time to snuggle into your sleeping bag and check in with us on Facebook Live. We might even have a special guest or two providing entertainment for the night!

What’s your favorite part of camp that you will be recreating for 3-Day Nation this year? Send us photos of your 3-Day Nation backyard camping experience at 3daynation@the3day.org or tag #3DayNation on social media. Happy camping!

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…

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 ?
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?!

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.
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!
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!
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!

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!
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.
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.
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!