PAOLA ADVENTURER
ARCHERY · CAMPING · EXPLORE
PAOLA ADVENTURER
ARCHERY · CAMPING · EXPLORE
You've got this. Here's exactly what to do.
Wherever you're camping, check if your site has a bear box. Most established campgrounds in bear country do. Everything scented goes inside: food, trash, toothpaste, deodorant, wipes. Bears smell it long before they see it.
Don't eat or sleep in the clothes you cooked in. The smell travels with you.
No bear box or canister? The car works. Trunk is best: fully enclosed, out of sight. No trunk? Cover the food with a blanket so nothing's visible. Windows all the way up, doors locked. Truck beds, tents, and soft-top vehicles don't count. It has to be hard-sided and fully closed.
Don't run. You can't outrun a bear, they're built for it. Stand tall, pull the kids in close behind you, and make yourself loud: bang pots, clap, yell. Back away slowly, don't turn your back.
Black bears almost always leave on their own once they realize you're not backing down and there's no food to get.
Teach them this before the trip, like a little rule they can remember:
STOP. Freeze like a statue.
STAY. Get right next to a grown-up.
NO RUNNING. Not even a little.
BIG & LOUD. Arms up, big voice.
Practice it once at home like a game before you go. Kids remember what they've practiced, not just what they've been told.
California has about 60,000 black bears, and the number keeps growing (CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife).
"Black" bear doesn't mean black. They actually range from blonde to brown to jet black.
They're mostly vegetarian: berries, nuts, grass, and insects make up most of their diet.
They can run 30+ mph, faster than Usain Bolt's top speed. That's exactly why you never run.
They can climb 100 feet up a tree in about 30 seconds, so climbing away doesn't work either.
They're shy and solitary by nature. A bear near camp is almost always after food, not after you.
This is the one that actually keeps you up at night, so let's plan for it directly instead of just hoping it doesn't happen. Before your husband ever walks off, agree on a home base, like the fire ring or picnic table, and do a quick headcount out loud, every time, like a habit.
If you have more than one child, give your oldest one small job: "you're in charge of holding hands with your brother or sister on the trail." Kids rise to a role. It's not about them protecting anyone, it's about one more set of eyes.
Keep a whistle or something loud clipped to you, not packed in a bag. If you never need it, that's fine. Knowing it's there is what actually lowers the anxiety, not just being told "it'll be fine."
Being ready for bears is one thing. Actually enjoying the trip is the real goal. Here are a few small things that make a bigger difference than they sound like they would.
Pack one thing that's just for you: tea, a playlist, a book you won't read but like having. You're allowed to be a person on this trip too.
Test your easiest dinner at home first. The first night isn't the time to learn a new recipe by headlamp.
Do a slow walk-through the night before: "flashlight here, whistle here, bear box there." Sleeping on a plan feels different than sleeping on a hope.
Say hello to your camp neighbors. Most campers look out for each other. It's one more set of eyes, not a burden.
Pick one win per day, not ten. A fire that lights, a hike that happens, one good meal. That's a successful trip.
Text someone your site number and when you'll check in. One less thing to carry alone.
If the first night is hard (cold, cranky kids, nothing goes right), that's not a sign you're bad at this. That's just camping. It gets easier by night two.
Feeling nervous the night before doesn't mean you're not ready. It means you care. Go anyway.
A few easy ways to help the kids (and you) actually enjoy the woods:
Black bears live across most of Canada and a large part of the U.S.: the Rockies, the upper Midwest, Appalachia, parts of the South, and most of the West Coast. If you're not sure about your exact spot, the safest move is to assume it's bear country and follow this whole guide anyway. It costs you nothing extra, and it's never the wrong call.
This opens a search for recent bear activity near that spot. It's a starting point, not a guarantee. Always confirm with the campground office or ranger station for what's current right now.
Saved right on your phone. No signal needed once you're there.
Small cut or scrape: Rinse with water, pat dry, cover. A fun bandage fixes most tears.
Bug bite or sting: Remove the stinger if visible, apply a cold compress, watch for swelling that spreads.
Splinter: Clean tweezers, pull in the direction it went in, wash after.
Upset stomach: Small sips of water, bland food, most trip-tummy troubles pass in a few hours.
Can't stop crying: Sit down at their level, give one small next step, like "let's get your shoes off." Big feelings need a next step, not a lecture.
What if it rains the whole trip?
Pack one dry outfit per person in a sealed bag, and a tarp over the tent. A rainy afternoon playing cards under the tarp is still a good memory. It doesn't have to be sunny to count.
What if my toddler won't sleep?
They probably won't sleep like they do at home, and that's normal. Bring their usual sleep item, keep the bedtime routine the same shape, and let go of "perfect" sleep for a night or two.
What if I forget something important?
You will forget something. Everyone does. Most things are solvable with a nearby store or a neighbor's kindness. The one thing worth double-checking is food storage; everything else is a "make it work" problem, not a trip-ending one.
What if the kids get bored?
Boredom is where the good stuff happens outdoors. Let it sit a few minutes before jumping in with an activity. If you need one, the scavenger hunt and camp-job list in "Feel Ready & Enjoy" are ready to go.
What if I just don't want to go anymore?
That feeling shows up for almost every first-time camping mom, usually a day or two before. It's nerves, not a sign you're not ready. Go anyway. You can always leave early if you need to, and almost no one does.
Leave your email and I'll let you know the moment the beginner camping class opens. No spam, just one note when it's ready. And if you've already been on your trip, I'd love to hear how it went.