Letterboxing

What is Letterboxing?

Letterboxing is a fun and educational hobby appropriate for both adults and children. The premise is similar to searching for buried treasure, but on a more high-tech level. Searchers visit the Letterboxing North America website for clues to their box. Clues may be riddles that must be solved, map coordinates to be worked out, or simple directions that only need to be followed. Then they set out to find it.

So, what do searchers find at their destination? The treasure consists of a waterproof box containing a logbook or journal. Searchers stamp the logbook with their own personal stamp to show that they have discovered the box. Boxes also contain their own stamp. Stamp your personal logbook with the box stamp as a souvenir of your find. Occasionally, fellow game players will also leave behind small tokens as gifts.

Benefits of Letterboxing

Most children enjoy the concept of seeking treasure. Letterboxing is an organized way to enjoy the "thrill of the chase." It is also a wonderful way to spend time together as a family. There are many other benefits, too.

Enjoy Nature

With obesity on the rise, anything that gets kids outdoors is a good thing! Many boxes are hidden outdoors, giving kids - and their parents - an ideal reason for communing with nature. The search for a box could have letterboxers hiking through the woods, crossing small streams, trekking across a field, looking under rocks, or exploring river banks.

Problem Solving

Some clues are quite cryptic, forcing kids to exercise their brains. This gives them the chance to practice problem solving in a worthwhile, real life way. Many kids learn and retain much more through hands-on activities, and searching for treasure is very hands-on.

Map Reading

Some clues involve coordinates. This is the perfect opportunity for kids to practice the skills they've learned in social studies or geography. Other clues give directional clues, allowing children to learn to use compasses and other navigational tools.

Team Work

Although this can be a solitary activity, it is even more fun in a group. In fact, this is a great project for a scout troop or homeschool group. The activity enables youngsters to practice organization, strategy-building, cooperation, and turn-taking.

Reading Practice

If you have a reluctant reader who just happens to like solving mysteries, letterboxing might be part of the solution. If a child is interested and invested in a subject, he is more motivated to read about it. Let your child visit the kids' section of the Letterboxing North America site to learn more about the hobby. Then, have your child read the clues. Don't be surprised if his interest in treasure hunting spurs him to reading success.

Getting Started

It is relatively easy and inexpensive to get started. You only need a few supplies:

• Pencil
• Personal journal or logbook
• Stamp (homemade or purchased, although most "boxers" make their own)
• Ink pad
• Map, compass, or GPS system

Then, visit the site for clues, and start searching. As you gain more experience, you many decide to hide your own boxes. The site offers tips and instructions for this.

Additional Ideas

Although letterboxing is fun on its own, there are things you can do to make it even more enjoyable for your family:

• Take a photo at each find
• Make a search-and-find scrapbook
• Combine the hobby with a unit study of explorers, pirates, or other adventurous sorts
• Pretend to be explorers or archaeologists
• Tour your state looking for boxes
• When you travel to other cities or states, be sure to check for boxes there