How to Go Letterboxing with Children

Letterboxing is an exciting pastime enjoyed by both adults and children. Your kids will enjoy the hunt, and you will get some exercise too!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• notebooks for each person
• rubber stamps for each person
• hiking clothes/gear
• bug spray

1. Explain to your children what letterboxing is all about. You're going to go on an "adventure," trying to find a "secret treasure" in the woods, that somebody has hidden for you to find. You'll put on your hiking clothes and comfortable shoes or sneakers, and pack up your gear in a backpack.

2. Gather your notebooks and rubber stamps. If you are just starting out, or a casual letterboxer, purchasing a rubber stamp is acceptable. Go with your children to the craft store and let them pick out their own. This should get your children more excited about the activity.

3. Research a good spot to find a letterbox. Visit www.letterboxing.org for a comprehensive list of letterboxes all over the world. Or, do a basic Internet search. Read the information on the letterboxes carefully, to try to find one that seems simple enough for children. Avoid long, steep hikes if possible.

4. Print out your clues and pack your backpack. Be sure to pack water and snack, and maybe even a special treat for the children. When you reach the letterbox, have your children open the box and use the stamp in the box to stamp their own notebooks, and vice versa. Allow your children to flip through the letterbox notebook to check out all the interesting stamps there. Point out how long ago people visited, or if visitors came from another town or state.

5. Sit down, take a rest and eat your snack. Praise your children if they were able to find the letterbox.

Tips & Warnings

• Those who are very involved in letterboxing recommend making your own personalized rubber stamp, or having one commissioned. See the letterboxing website below for more information.
• Children as young as two-and-a-half or three can handle a short hike. If you're not sure if your toddler or preschooler will walk, put them in a sturdy backpack or be prepared to carry them.
• Use your opportunity in the woods to get a closer look at nature. Point out wildlife, bugs and interesting trees to your children.
• Some letterbox clues require a compass. You may want to avoid those with complex clues if you have young children along.

Resources