Welcome!

I am a recent convert as well--thanks to that same article. I usually
search with my 6yo, 4.5 yo and 16 m o, so I know what you are experiencing.

Here are a few thigns that have been really helpful to me: Some may seem
obvious, or maybe not.


FInd a friendly boxer in your area--they will happily tell you about the
accessibility fo the trails, status of the boxes etc. I had one fellow
boxer who even went out and checked the boxes the day before I planned on
hunting them. How helpful is that?? (Thank you Scoutdogs!!)

Another adult is very helpful when you have a litle one. My dh usually
watches the babe whielthe older two and I retreive the boxes. Haven't lsot
her over a cliff yet, but it has been clsoe a few times, lol. I also
invested in a Kelty backpack which is fantastic! Much easier than a
stroller, especiallyif your 4yo will dig under the rocks for the boxes. It
is also nice becasue I can send my hubby ahead iwth the fussy ones and
finish up the last box or two with the troopers (or jsut by myself)

Keep trips short--I try to do one trail or two-three boxes per outing, then
reward with a visit to the playground or beach or whatever happens to be
featured at the park. Ice Cream is also very motivating

Water of ocurse. Be careful about snacks however, becasue hte scent of food
can transfer from your hands to the box. Same for baby wipes.

Carry a spiderweb stick.

My older two take turns retreiving and hiding the boxes. They love
this--and are quite good at it.

I have a personal stamp (again, thank you Scoutdogs) and a commercial stamp
for the two older children. They also have their own log book. My 6yo
records the name of each stamp as well. I also take a picture or two of the
outing and scrapbook them in my logbook. When the youngest is old enough to
ask for and use a stamp, she will get her own.

My biggest problem has been scalign back to the interest level of a 4yo. I
tend to get focused on collectign all the stmaps in one fell swoop and
forget to enjoy and relax.

I envy the mouse-hunt! If you ever pass through SW Ohio, we have quite a
few great boxes here

Mama Stork
aka Pam in Cinci
F14

When you go letterboxing as a family,
does everyone have their own stamp, or do you have one family stamp?


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