Letterboxing Guide

If you are like we are you are hearing more and more buzz about letterboxing. The local library is doing it; 4H is doing it, so now we are going to give it a try! Abigail and Emma are quite excited about this new potential for summer adventure. It is a wonderful way to have some family fun outside this summer

The first thing we had to find out is what exactly is letterboxing? Here is what we have learned so far…

Letterboxing is an exhilarating treasure hunt which involves stamping, maps and compasses. Individuals write the clues and maps to their letterboxes. Each letter box has at least a stamp and a logbook. I hear that some even have special treasures.

What do you need to go Letterboxing?

What you need is quite simple and cheap! You need a logbook. I was thinking that we would decorate ours. I figure that this will excite the girl that much more. Some diamonds always make thinks more fun! You also need a stamp and stamp pad. This is the mark you will leave once you reach your treasure. Some people recommend buying stamps but we are going to make our own. This will mean that no one else will have the same one. Making a stamp is also a great way to entertain the kids for an hour or so this summer. Some letterboxing hunts require a compass.

How do you find letterboxing clues?

Visit Letterboxing.org to find clues in America, Central America and Canada. Once you find the state and area in which you want to go letterboxing you simply click on a clue. You then print the clue and pack it for your adventure. Follow the instructions to the letterbox.

What do you do once you reach the letterbox?

Once you reach the letterbox you will want to make sure that no one else is around. You do not want to spoil it for others! Next you will open the box and inside you will find a logbook, a stamp and perhaps even a treasure. You will stamp you logbook with the stamp in the letterbox. This shows that you have been to this location. You may want to write the title of the hunt under the stamp. Once you have stamped your book you will then use your stamp to stamp the book. This is your mark that you made it to that letterbox. Some people also write a message. Once you are done place the logbook and stamp back into the letterbox and assure that it is sealed up. Hide it again so that the next person can have as much fun as you did!

How do you make a letterbox?

Putting together a letterbox can be fun for the whole family. You will need a waterproof box. I noticed that many people use disposable storage containers such as GladWare®. Make a stamp for your box and buy a logbook. Then hide your letterbox well. You can be as tricky or simple in your clues as you want. Go ahead and be creative. You then can post your clue on letterboxing.org and visit your letterbox to see who has stopped by to see it!