Veteran-Approved Camping Tips for the San Diego 3-Day

Pink tints near the bay at the San Diego 3-Day.

Camping along Crown Point Shores at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® is part of the Pink Bubble magic. It’s where stories are shared, friendships are forged and your incredible body finally gets a well-deserved break. The pink tents lining the shore are quite the sight, and after walking up to 20 miles each day, being well prepared can make all the difference. 

To help make camp life a little more comfortable, we gathered advice from some 3-Day veterans who’ve camped here before. Here’s what they recommend: 

  1. Headlamp: Flashlights are helpful, but when you’re navigating your way to the restroom in the middle of the night, juggling a flashlight and toilet paper is no fun. Bring a headlamp to keep your hands free! 
  2. Yoga mat or air mattress: While some veterans prefer a yoga mat to sleep on because it’s simple, lightweight and easy to roll up, others prefer a thin air mattress for a bit more cushion after a long day on your feet. Blanche H. says, “If you bring a battery-operated pump, travel with the batteries separately. They wear out before you use them. I learned the hard way.”? 
  3. Tarps: San Diego nights along the bay can bring damp grass and chilly air. Place a tarp or plastic drop cloth under your tent to keep your gear dry. Shannon S. says, “I usually get a plastic drop cloth at the dollar store or Walmart.” Some walkers even bring a second tarp to cover the tent and prevent condensation from dripping inside.  
  4. Sweatpants with elastic cuffs: After a long day of walking, you want to be warm and comfortable. There’s one small detail veteran walkers know that works well.: Suzie R. says, “Sweatpants with elastic cuffs are great post-walk because they keep them off the porta-potty floor.” 
  5. Ziploc bags: Put each outfit in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. This will keep you organized and your garments dry. Jacquelyne G. also recommends putting your shoes inside your tent at night, so they don’t get damp. Speaking of shoes, veterans also suggest bringing shower shoes. 
  6. Yes, there are showers! The showers are housed in converted semi-trucks, equipped with private shower rooms that include a bench and hooks for your belongings. There are also large sinks, tables with mirrors and clean towels provided daily. 
  7. All the warm things: Toss a couple of hand warmers into your sleeping bag before bed to help stay cozy and to warm up your hands in the mornings. Veterans also recommend packing layers, fuzzy socks and mylar blankets. “I glamped in SD 2024 and felt so bad for campers because it was so cold in the morning,” Sue S. said.  
  8. Glow sticks or battery-operated lights: When the sun sets, camp gets dark. And with rows of identical pink tents, finding yours could be tricky. Veteran walker Walter H. recommends bringing glow sticks or battery-powered string lights to clip onto your tent. “Clipping glow sticks over the tent helps find yours when it’s dark,” he said. They’re also helpful to add some light inside your tent when you’re getting ready for bed or digging through your gear.”
  9. 1-inch binder clips: Seasoned 3-Day walkers swear by these! They’re perfect to clip around the cross-poles of your tent, and you can use them to secure the rain flaps open or fasten a tarp or plastic sheeting over the tent.  

We hope these tips from our long-time walkers help make camping fun and as enjoyable as possible. Don’t forget there’s also a tent decorating contest, so bring your lights, signs and decorations that showcase your story and help build the amazing 3-Day community spirit.  

We can’t wait to see you at camp in San Diego! 

Denver Milestone Award Winner: Sue T.

Sue T. at the Denver 3-Day

Sue T. was surprised with the 2025 Milestone Award at the Susan G. Komen Denver 3-Day® in August, which recognized her legendary contribution over the last two decades.  

The prestigious Milestone Award was created to honor participants like Sue who have shown extraordinary commitment to the Pink Bubble community through consistent participation and powerful fundraising impact. Sue has walked in more than 61 3-Day events and raised more than $135,000 during her 22 years of participation.  

Sue T. at the Denver 3-Day 2025 Celebration of Champions.

Sue received her award at the Denver 3-Day’s Celebration of Champions. Her friend, Ellen, spoke at the ceremony to congratulate her.  

“Sue stands up for what she believes in, and what she believes in fiercely is ending breast cancer. Her 22-year involvement with Susan G. Komen is a testament to that unwavering commitment,” Ellen said. 

Sue’s impact goes far beyond fundraising totals or how many events she’s walked. As Ellen put it: 

“Sue walks for those she’s lost, including her beloved mom, Maggi, and for those still fighting. She turns loss into purpose. She doesn’t just talk about making a difference — she lives it.” 

Sue T. at the 2025 Denver 3-Day.

Sue’s friends describe her as “the very best of the Pink Bubble,” and a devoted wife, mom, grandmother and teacher. Whether she’s walking thousands of miles, raising awareness, comforting a fellow walker, or simply sharing her trademark trivia knowledge along the route, Sue brings strength, empathy, humor and love to every step of the 3-Day. 

Congratulations, Sue! You are so deeply appreciated. 

Denver Crew Impact Award Winner: Mary M.

Mary M. honored as the recipient of the 2025 Denver 3-Day Crew Impact Award.

This year’s Susan G. Komen Denver 3-Day® was filled with unforgettable moments, one of them being the celebration of Mary M., recipient of the 2025 Crew Impact Award. 

Mary marked an incredible milestone at the Denver 3-Day in August—her 30th 3-Day! Throughout that time, Mary’s dedication hasn’t wavered for one minute and she has worn many hats: beloved sweep captain across multiple cities, pit captain, senior route captain in New England, walker and member of the Crew Advisory Board. But what makes Mary so impactful isn’t just the roles that she fills, it’s how she fills them. 

Her sister, Janet, spoke at the 3-Day’s Celebration of Champions and described Mary’s deep dedication. 

“What many people don’t see is what happens before the event even begins. Mary pours her heart into this work; attending pre-event meetings, mapping out logistics, organizing her team and making sure every detail is just right,” Janet said.  

Mary’s up before the sun and doesn’t rest until well after dark on event day. Janet said her sister is fiercely protective of her 3-Day team and the walkers and will do whatever it takes to get the job done, even bursting into song. 

A photo of Mary M. at a previous Komen 3-Day event with another crew member.

“If you’ve ever been lucky enough to ride in one of her sweep vans, you’ve probably heard her singing silly songs that turn fatigue into laughter,” Janet said. “Some of my favorite memories are writing those songs with her and hearing walkers burst into joy as we roll by.”  

Mary leads with heart, serves with humility and lifts everyone up around her year after year. The Crew Impact Award reflects the impact Mary has made in the 3-Day community and is a celebration of the joy she brings to the Pink Bubble. 

Congratulations, Mary! You are so deeply appreciated.