How to Find Letterboxing Trails for Children

Letterboxing is an outdoor activity that involves hiking, treasure hunting, and rubber stamping. It is a great way to enjoy the outdoors together as a family. Kids run around searching for clues, cheering when they find small, weatherproof boxes and recording their discoveries for posterity. And everyone gets exercise (shhh...don't tell them)! With a little preparation, you can make letterboxing a fun and enjoyable experience for you and your children.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Printer
• Paper
• Sturdy walking shoes
• Snacks
• Compass (optional)

1. Decide what geographical area you want to letterbox in and research it. There are letterboxes almost everywhere in the world, so you should have little trouble finding locations anywhere you travel.
2. Search for letterboxing trails at websites like atlasquest.com (see Additional Resources). Some letterboxing websites allow you to search specifically for kid-friendly trails.
3. Letterboxes are listed by the box's name, not trail. There are often many letterboxes on one trail. When searching on a letterbox website, cross-reference the trail name to find any other letterboxes that are hidden on the same trail.
4. If a site doesn't allow a kid-friendly letterbox search, then read each box location carefully. Some trails are only accessible in certain seasons or involve treacherous terrain. Only you know what kind of hike your child is capable of handling.
5. Depending on your child's age, you'll want to find trails that aren't too far or difficult, because chances are, you'll be carrying a child on your shoulders or back, and you want to be comfortable.
6. Contact the local library in the area where you want to letterbox. Many towns and libraries have area specific letterbox challenges and activities.
7. Once you choose a kid-friendly letterboxing trail, print out the directions and take them with you. Print out at least two copies, so that your child can carry a copy and follow the directions.
8. Hit the trails! Don't forget to bring along hiking equipment, such as bug spray and hats, as well as your letterbox journal, ink pad and stamp.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid the whining--bring lots of drinks and snacks to keep kids hydrated and nourished throughout the trip.
• Allowing your child to carry the stamping supplies and stamp the letterboxing journals is an empowering experience.
• Letterboxing can be an educational activity--children can learn to read a compass, read directions, count steps and learn to follow directions. Younger children can identify trail marker shapes and colors (ex: blue triangle, orange circle).
• Don't hike any farther than you think your children can handle--remember that you have to hike back out, so determine in advance what your children are capable of.
• Don't forget to dress appropriately for the season.
• Wear protective clothing from sun and bugs when appropriate.