Family Fun by the Letter

Imagine an alternative to a summer filled with video games and I’m bored waiting for your family in hidden messages that spark the exploration of some of the most scenic and eclectic locations. Now imagine this activity also promotes your family stretching their legs and minds at the same time. It's time to stop dreaming and starting exploring, because we’ve got a great hobby your whole family is sure to enjoy.

A relatively new activity that combines navigational skills, rubber stamp artistry and the thrill of exploring a variety of terrains, letterboxing is quickly becoming a family favorite pastime in the Kansas City area, and all across the country.

Letterboxing uses clues provided by individuals, who have carefully selected a location surrounded by flora and fauna to tuck a letterbox, or journal, along a path, near a rock, or under a tree. It requires minimal supplies and, other than checking the weather forecast and possibly packing a picnic lunch, virtually no advance preparation. Unlike geo-caching and similar activities, letterboxing does not require a global positioning system, maps or previous knowledge of the terrain.

Setting out on an adventure is as easy as downloading a few clues, packing the kids in the car and heading over to the first clue marker. Each person brings a stamp and ink pad or colored pen to sign the journal and then you just go on a treasure hunt, says veteran letterboxer, nine year old Danny Bridge.

Cuing in on clues

Clues to locate the hidden letterbox treasures located throughout the Kansas City area, as well as the rest of the state or country can easily be downloaded for free at Letterboxing.org, and range in difficulty from easy to expert. They usually include a brief overview of the area where the letterbox is located. Although some of the clues are in the form of riddles and prose, most are relatively easy for kids to help decipher.

Most clues also include driving directions, and occasionally, have information on navigating the terrain. The clue to locate the letterbox tucked away at Shawnee Mission Park says, At the entrance to the park take the road which heads south, toward the Walnut Grove Trail and the softball diamonds. At these landmarks, park in one of the lots, walk to the eastern-most ball diamond and stand behind the backstop. If there’s a game in progress, try to be inconspicuous!

Some clues are more challenging and are cleverly phrased such as this one, which leads to a letterbox located in Johnson County near Overland Park:

The tomahawk is wider now at this place in the deeper woods. There are large pens with exotic animals nearby that were not here when the Black Bob band hunted along this stream. From the hard black ribbon look towards the tomahawk to see a pile of small logs not far away. The Damsel Fly rests under these logs. The hard black path goes under the rock bridge 800 feet towards the rising sun from this point at the Switzer path...

Letterboxes are typically tucked in areas that do not require digging, traveling off established paths and trails, or entering dangerous or private locations. They might be found under the bough of a distinct tree, near a large boulder, or within sight of a rolling waterfall.

Arriving at the spot

After you’ve decoded the clues and arrived at the letterbox's location, your family’s creativity can direct the style of your signature. Some families opt for using the same color ink, while others choose themed stamps. After we sign them, we take pictures of the places we’ve found the letterboxes for our scrap book, says Bridge.

Once the journal is signed, you simply reseal it in the waterproof container, replace it in its location and continue on the quest to the next letterbox. Or, you and your family can revel in the thrill of finding the treasure as you soak up the atmosphere of the surrounding scenery.

With over 200 letterboxes in the area and 5000 letterbox locations throughout the country, your family can chart its own course of fun based on the ages of your children and your family’s interests. Happy hunting!

Supplies needed:

Hiking boots or comfortable shoes

Pen or marker

Rubber stamp & ink pad

Preparing to go:

Apply sunscreen and bug repellant