Many people have discovered the new ‘fun’ in Geocaching, but since we did not own a GPS system, we were left searching for similar activities where we could use maps or compasses.

In my search,  I discovered Letterboxing! It’s actually a tradition that started back in the 1800’s in England. Who knew?!

Letterboxing Adventures

Letterboxing Adventures

Here’s a brief explanation of Letterboxing:

Letterboxing is an intriguing pastime combining artistic ability with “treasure-hunts” in parks, forests, and cities around the world. Participants seek out hidden letterboxes by cracking codes and following clues. The prize: a miniature piece of art known as a rubber stamp—usually a unique, hand-carved creation.

Letterboxers stamp their discoveries in a personal journal, then use their own rubber stamp, called a signature stamp, by stamping it into the logbook found with the letterbox, perhaps writing a note about the weather or their adventures in finding the letterbox.

My son is still too young to be able to read the directions and go on the hunt himself, but he thoroughly enjoys our adventures each time we go! I pack his little backpack with our water bottles, stamp pad, stamps, pen & journal and then print the directions and we head out on our adventure!

My favorite site for finding boxes is AtlasQuest. The searches are fairly easy and they even have simple symbols to explain a little more about the box. Make sure to pay attention though! One time I found a fun box, but didn’t pay attention to the symbol that told me ahead of time that it would be a 1-3 mile hike ;) Needless to say, my lesson was learned that day! LOL!!

It’s a good idea to bring gloves along with you as well because in many cases, the boxes are hidden beneath brush and dirt. In most cases, the planter of the box tries to be aware of poison ivy or other environmental hazards, but like any time you go hiking in the woods, just be careful! There is a full disclaimer found on the site that explains more.

Letterboxing

Let's see what's Inside!

Once you find the box, discretely open it up and discover what’s inside! Many of the stamps are hand-carved and just GORGEOUS! You then stamp the letterbox stamp into your journal, and stamp YOUR stamp inside the letterbox log. It’s that easy and really is FUN!

Check it out! You never know what you will discover while you are out on your adventure!!

This post was written by Gabby, a homeschool mom and LessonPathways team member.  Learn more about by clicking the “Our People” tab above.