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! 

New England Crew Impact Award Winner: Kirstin B.

Kirstin B. at the 2025 Celebration of Champions in New England.

This year at the 2025 Susan G. Komen New England 3-Day®, we were proud to present Kirstin B. with the Crew Impact Award, honoring her for being a stellar example of dedication, compassion and leadership within the Pink Bubble community.  

Kirstin’s 3-Day journey began when she was just 15, walking in memory of her godmother who passed away from breast cancer. In 2016, she joined the medical crew as an emergency medical technician at the Philadelphia 3-Day.  

Since then, Kirstin has become a vital part of the 3-Day medical crew. Now a registered nurse, she has volunteered at all 3-Day events since 2022, except for San Diego where she walks as a participant. Kirstin has participated in 28 3-Day events and raised more than $26,000. We are overwhelmingly grateful for the love and dedication Kirstin pours into the 3-Day family.  

Meghan D., a fellow medical crew member, honored Kirstin on stage during the New England 3-Day’s Celebration of Champions. 

“Amid the chaos, she is a calm, steady presence navigating challenges, coordinating care and making sure every participant feels supported,” Meghan said. “Veterans of the 3-Day know Kirstin, not just because she’s been part of more than 25 events, but because she makes it her mission to know them. To connect. To care.” 

Whether she’s serving as team leader or medical captain, Kirstin leads with grace and compassion, and we are so grateful for all her selfless efforts.  

Congratulations, Kirstin! You are so deeply appreciated. 

2025 Denver 3-Day Top Fundraisers

The 2025 Susan G. Komen Denver 3-Day® was a bittersweet milestone of our final walk in the Mile High City. Together, 610 walkers and crew members raised nearly $1.3 million for breast cancer research, community health, patient care and advocacy.  

At our Celebration of Champions, made possible by our national presenting sponsor Bank of America, we honored the individuals and teams whose dedication went above and beyond. This year, Bank of America donated over $33,000 to help our top fundraisers kick off their 2026 3-Day fundraising efforts. 

From first-time walkers to seasoned crew, these champions brought the energy, passion and dedication that define what the 3-Day is all about. 

Valerie P. led by example and was honored as the Top Crew Fundraiser, raising more than $3,000. She is a great example of how our crew members give their all both on and off the 3-Day route. 

Val P. at the Denver 3-Day Celebration of Champions.

The Denver 3-Day Youth Corps did an incredible job fundraising and offering support to walkers throughout the 3-Day weekend. Genevieve A. was the top Youth Corps fundraiser, raising over $2,300. Chance J. earned second with more than $800 raised. Nevaan S. rounded out the top three, contributing nearly $800 to the cause. 

Denver 3-Day Youth Corps at the 2025 Celebration of Champions

The Sweep and Shuttle team, captained by Mary M., was recognized as the Top Fundraising Crew Team. Together they raised more than $13,000 and received gift cards for their efforts from Bank of America. 

The Denver 3-Day Top Fundraising Crew and Shuttle Team

First-time walker Pam W. made an unforgettable 3-Day debut, raising over $10,000 and earning the Rookie of the Year honor. What an incredible way to join the 3-Day family!  

First-time Denver 3-Day walker Pam W. at the Celebration of Champions

Our Small but Mighty Award, created for the 3-Day team with less than 10 members, proves that heart, hustle and determination matter way more than size. This year’s winning team was Alice’s Angels, led by their fearless captain, Shayne B. Together, they raised over $25,000. Way to go! 

Alice's Angels at the 2025 Denver 3-Day

Our Top Individual Fundraisers led the way in fundraising and showcased their unwavering commitment in the fight to end breast cancer by raising an extraordinary amount for Susan G. Komen® 

This year our #3 fundraiser was Pam W. who raised more than $10,000, our #2 fundraiser was Penny B. who raised nearly $16,000 and our #1 top fundraiser was Rob Imparato who raised over $25,000! 

The 2025 Denver 3-Day Rookie of the Year Rob I.

And our #1 Top Fundraising Team was Pink Soles in Motion, and their co-captains Patricia Rieder and Brooke Kincade! Together they raised an amazing $54,000!

Pink Soles in Motion team at the 2025 Denver 3-Day

We are so grateful to all our incredible fundraisers. Thank you for making the final Denver 3-Day one we’ll never forget!