letterboxing adventure

Today our Monday homeschool group ventured out for a little letterboxing.  We're new to it, but I think we're hooked.  Time outside, some art, some treasure, some running in the woods.  Good stuff.

For those of you new to letterboxing here's how it works.  (You can get lots more details here and here--be sure to check out the history of this hobby which began in England in 1854!).    Most letterboxers create their own stamp, that is unique to themselves (we did this last week using simple gum erasers and the end of a pencil-without the eraser-to carve), they also create a book in which they collect stamps they find in letterboxes.  Then you can print off from the internet a letterboxing course (we were at Wildcat Mountain State Park) that suits your likes.  Then with stamp pad, stamp and blank book in hand you set off.  The directions you print from the internet will tell you how to find the letterbox(es) along the trail.  Think "20 paces past the wooden bridge under the root ball of the fallen tree".  Once you locate the letterbox you open it to find a handmade stamp and booklet.  You add your own personal stamps and perhaps a note about where you are from to the booklet that stays in the box, then you add the stamp that lives in the box to your booklet, along with the date and place you are, if you like.  On to the next box on the trail.

Letterboxes are located all over the world, so it's a fun thing to do when you vacation to new locations and a great way to see lovely natural places.  Of course there is a code of conduct to make sure the environment and its sensitive places are protected. 

The kids loved it.  Mae was especially thrilled when all the big kids raced past one of the boxes and she was able to locate it herself.  Next week we plan to make our own boxes and create a course to share with other letterboxers.  It will be fun for the kids to check the boxes we place to see who has visited.  Designing and carving stamps, following mapping directions, and working as a team.  Kindergarten at its best!

May your week be full of new adventure too.