Letter boxing is the fun of using a compass and treasure hunting in the woods. I have done this with my kids and grandkids for years. Even little ones can take a compass and follow a heading of 180 degrees.
There are several letterboxing sites along the shoreline. Some are easy and some are more difficult.
To begin, get a compass, a small notebook, pencil or pen and make an ink stamp. We use craft foam that we cut out shapes and hot glue to the bottom of a laundry soap container.
Find out what's happening in Clintonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
We start by writing down the name of the place where we are and the date. I like to use state parks first as the paths are usually clearer.
A letterbox is a plastic container - usually a food storage box - containing a logbook, an ink stamp (that was made by the owner) and ink pad, left by the owner.
Find out what's happening in Clintonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
I usually bring a small inkpad as everyone is not good about closing them and you may find them dried out.
Please remember to seal everything back up watertight and replace it back where you found it. Hidden just as it was.
To begin letterboxing, click here.
All Connecticut state forests have letterboxes hidden in them. If you visit at least five of these letterboxes, you can earn a custom designed Connecticut State Forests Centennial Patch. Proof of your visit will be verified by the stamp record you leave, as well as through your own record book. To find out about letterboxing in Connecticut state parks and foreces, click here.
Make a letterboxing bag
I used heavy paper here but you can use craft foam if you plan on doing lots of letterboxing. Start with a sheet of 8 x 12 craft foam and a sheet of 8x8 craft foam.
Picture 1 - Supplies
Fold over 4 inches of the 8 X 12 sheet of foam to make the flap of the bag.
Picture 2 - Fold
Now, using a hole punch, punch holes through both pieces of craft foam about every inch or so apart. Remember do not get to close to the corner.
Picture 3 - Hole punch
Take a piece of yarn about 14 yards long and fold it in half. String it through the first hole in both pieces of craft foam and tie a knot, leaving about 5 inches hanging for decorations.
Picture 4 - String
Now take the yarn and start threading in it from back to front down the side across the bottom and back up the side and around the edge of the flap. I like to take a piece of tape to the end of it to use it like a sewing needles.
Picture 5 - Sewing needle
Now you are back where you began. Take the needle to the other side and string it in the top hole to make your handle. Keep going back to the beginning hole and the other side (to have 3 loops of yarn). Then tie it off and leave another 5 inches hanging for decorations.
Picture 6 - Stitched bag
Now using the same tape method for the ends of the yarn, string beads onto the 5 inches left hanging. You can ink stamp your bag or glue designs on it. It will hold all your letterboxing stuff.
Picture 7 - Finished bag with letterboxing stuff
This same procedure can be used to make sit upons. They are great for camping, ball games or sporting events. Use a larger piece of craft foam or go to a fabric store and buy vinal fabric.
Punch holes on all four sides and lace three sides up. Take a zipper style plastic bag and fold up newspaper in place inside zipper bag and seal. Place the bag inside your sit upon and stitch up the last side. Now you have a cushion for your event. You can even use the same procedure to make a strap to carry it with.
