I have been asked to do a short program about letterboxing at the Bangor Public Library
(Maine) this summer for kids aged 4 through 10. I've been boxing for over 4 years now
and am a librarian myself (and have letterboxing kids) so I thought it would be fun. Any
ideas on what I should do? There is a box hidden in the library already. I was thinking of
compiling a list of clues to a few local kid-friendly boxes for everyone to take home and
maybe make up a sample trail kit for the kids to look at. I would give a brief intro into it
and then talk about all of the great skills and learning opportunities it incorporates. With
an age range of 4 to 10, however, it will be interesting to make it interesting to everyone. I
was thinking of getting permission to hide 2 temporary boxes in or around the library in
addition to the one already there so that three different age groups would have a chance
to search.
I would love thoughts and comments and ideas on this from anyone and those who have
done a program like this before.
I am certain to emphasize responsibility in the search and to the natural area around the
box, as well as gaining the proper permission to hide boxes. I will also make sure I have
plenty of spare baggies and paper towels in my trail pack to encourage the on the fly
repair aspect of it all too.
I'll include links to letterboxing.com and atlasquest too.
Thanks for your feedback!
Letterboxing Program ideas?
5 messages in this thread |
Started on 2007-05-10
Letterboxing Program ideas?
From: Lisa (Taplin) Murray (limurme@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2007-05-10 15:43:06 UTC
Re: Letterboxing Program ideas?
From: funhog1 (funhog@pacifier.com) |
Date: 2007-05-10 16:15:44 UTC
Greetings! I have taught classes for a Parks and Recreation program. These are family
programs, with parents involved. I believe an adult should always be present when
letterboxing with kids. Most young 'uns can always use supervision when learning leave no
trace ethics and with hiding letterboxes well. Stealth does not come naturally to most.
I would never distributed clues to any existing letterboxes. Most letterboxers would not
appreciated their creations being used in such a program. I have enlisted the aid of several
local boxers who hid new boxes specifically for these classes. The websites where other
clues could be found were given in the class materials so that those who had more than a
passing interest could follow through on their own.
The most important part of such a class in my book is to pass on the information found in
the LbNA and Atlas Quest educational materials. Comb those FAQs and tutorials. Including
the parents is the best way to ensure survival of any letterboxes you use in this program.
Funhog
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Lisa (Taplin) Murray" wrote:
>
> I have been asked to do a short program about letterboxing at the Bangor Public Library
> (Maine) this summer for kids aged 4 through 10. I've been boxing for over 4 years now
> and am a librarian myself (and have letterboxing kids) so I thought it would be fun. Any
> ideas on what I should do? There is a box hidden in the library already. I was thinking of
> compiling a list of clues to a few local kid-friendly boxes for everyone to take home and
> maybe make up a sample trail kit for the kids to look at. I would give a brief intro into it
> and then talk about all of the great skills and learning opportunities it incorporates. With
> an age range of 4 to 10, however, it will be interesting to make it interesting to
everyone. I
> was thinking of getting permission to hide 2 temporary boxes in or around the library in
> addition to the one already there so that three different age groups would have a chance
> to search.
>
> I would love thoughts and comments and ideas on this from anyone and those who have
> done a program like this before.
>
> I am certain to emphasize responsibility in the search and to the natural area around the
> box, as well as gaining the proper permission to hide boxes. I will also make sure I have
> plenty of spare baggies and paper towels in my trail pack to encourage the on the fly
> repair aspect of it all too.
>
> I'll include links to letterboxing.com and atlasquest too.
>
> Thanks for your feedback!
>
programs, with parents involved. I believe an adult should always be present when
letterboxing with kids. Most young 'uns can always use supervision when learning leave no
trace ethics and with hiding letterboxes well. Stealth does not come naturally to most.
I would never distributed clues to any existing letterboxes. Most letterboxers would not
appreciated their creations being used in such a program. I have enlisted the aid of several
local boxers who hid new boxes specifically for these classes. The websites where other
clues could be found were given in the class materials so that those who had more than a
passing interest could follow through on their own.
The most important part of such a class in my book is to pass on the information found in
the LbNA and Atlas Quest educational materials. Comb those FAQs and tutorials. Including
the parents is the best way to ensure survival of any letterboxes you use in this program.
Funhog
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Lisa (Taplin) Murray"
>
> I have been asked to do a short program about letterboxing at the Bangor Public Library
> (Maine) this summer for kids aged 4 through 10. I've been boxing for over 4 years now
> and am a librarian myself (and have letterboxing kids) so I thought it would be fun. Any
> ideas on what I should do? There is a box hidden in the library already. I was thinking of
> compiling a list of clues to a few local kid-friendly boxes for everyone to take home and
> maybe make up a sample trail kit for the kids to look at. I would give a brief intro into it
> and then talk about all of the great skills and learning opportunities it incorporates. With
> an age range of 4 to 10, however, it will be interesting to make it interesting to
everyone. I
> was thinking of getting permission to hide 2 temporary boxes in or around the library in
> addition to the one already there so that three different age groups would have a chance
> to search.
>
> I would love thoughts and comments and ideas on this from anyone and those who have
> done a program like this before.
>
> I am certain to emphasize responsibility in the search and to the natural area around the
> box, as well as gaining the proper permission to hide boxes. I will also make sure I have
> plenty of spare baggies and paper towels in my trail pack to encourage the on the fly
> repair aspect of it all too.
>
> I'll include links to letterboxing.com and atlasquest too.
>
> Thanks for your feedback!
>
Re: [LbNA] Letterboxing Program ideas?
From: Barefoot Lucy (barefootlucy@gmail.com) |
Date: 2007-05-10 11:31:42 UTC-05:00
My one thought about such a class is that I would not want to do it as a
drop-off class. Can you make it a parent-pal class? Kids in that age range
are likely not going to be good for remembering what we letterboxers think
is important (rehiding well, food-free hands, discretion) and it's important
that everyone understand that the adult is in charge when letterboxing.
On 5/10/07, Lisa (Taplin) Murray wrote:
>
> I have been asked to do a short program about letterboxing at the Bangor
> Public Library
> (Maine) this summer for kids aged 4 through 10. I've been boxing for over
> 4 years now
> and am a librarian myself (and have letterboxing kids) so I thought it
> would be fun. Any
> ideas on what I should do? There is a box hidden in the library already. I
> was thinking of
> compiling a list of clues to a few local kid-friendly boxes for everyone
> to take home and
> maybe make up a sample trail kit for the kids to look at. I would give a
> brief intro into it
> and then talk about all of the great skills and learning opportunities it
> incorporates. With
> an age range of 4 to 10, however, it will be interesting to make it
> interesting to everyone. I
> was thinking of getting permission to hide 2 temporary boxes in or around
> the library in
> addition to the one already there so that three different age groups would
> have a chance
> to search.
>
> I would love thoughts and comments and ideas on this from anyone and those
> who have
> done a program like this before.
>
> I am certain to emphasize responsibility in the search and to the natural
> area around the
> box, as well as gaining the proper permission to hide boxes. I will also
> make sure I have
> plenty of spare baggies and paper towels in my trail pack to encourage the
> on the fly
> repair aspect of it all too.
>
> I'll include links to letterboxing.com and atlasquest too.
>
> Thanks for your feedback!
>
>
>
--
Barefoot Lucy
"It's not about footwear, it's about philosophy"
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
drop-off class. Can you make it a parent-pal class? Kids in that age range
are likely not going to be good for remembering what we letterboxers think
is important (rehiding well, food-free hands, discretion) and it's important
that everyone understand that the adult is in charge when letterboxing.
On 5/10/07, Lisa (Taplin) Murray
>
> I have been asked to do a short program about letterboxing at the Bangor
> Public Library
> (Maine) this summer for kids aged 4 through 10. I've been boxing for over
> 4 years now
> and am a librarian myself (and have letterboxing kids) so I thought it
> would be fun. Any
> ideas on what I should do? There is a box hidden in the library already. I
> was thinking of
> compiling a list of clues to a few local kid-friendly boxes for everyone
> to take home and
> maybe make up a sample trail kit for the kids to look at. I would give a
> brief intro into it
> and then talk about all of the great skills and learning opportunities it
> incorporates. With
> an age range of 4 to 10, however, it will be interesting to make it
> interesting to everyone. I
> was thinking of getting permission to hide 2 temporary boxes in or around
> the library in
> addition to the one already there so that three different age groups would
> have a chance
> to search.
>
> I would love thoughts and comments and ideas on this from anyone and those
> who have
> done a program like this before.
>
> I am certain to emphasize responsibility in the search and to the natural
> area around the
> box, as well as gaining the proper permission to hide boxes. I will also
> make sure I have
> plenty of spare baggies and paper towels in my trail pack to encourage the
> on the fly
> repair aspect of it all too.
>
> I'll include links to letterboxing.com and atlasquest too.
>
> Thanks for your feedback!
>
>
>
--
Barefoot Lucy
"It's not about footwear, it's about philosophy"
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [LbNA] Letterboxing Program ideas?
From: Lisa (Taplin) Murray (limurme@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2007-05-11 13:12:17 UTC
Oh, it is kids AND parents for sure. My 5 year old can't remember to put his underwear on,
no less how to log on to a lb site!
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Barefoot Lucy" wrote:
>
> My one thought about such a class is that I would not want to do it as a
> drop-off class. Can you make it a parent-pal class? Kids in that age range
> are likely not going to be good for remembering what we letterboxers think
> is important (rehiding well, food-free hands, discretion) and it's important
> that everyone understand that the adult is in charge when letterboxing.
>
> On 5/10/07, Lisa (Taplin) Murray wrote:
> >
> > I have been asked to do a short program about letterboxing at the Bangor
> > Public Library
> > (Maine) this summer for kids aged 4 through 10. I've been boxing for over
> > 4 years now
> > and am a librarian myself (and have letterboxing kids) so I thought it
> > would be fun. Any
> > ideas on what I should do? There is a box hidden in the library already. I
> > was thinking of
> > compiling a list of clues to a few local kid-friendly boxes for everyone
> > to take home and
> > maybe make up a sample trail kit for the kids to look at. I would give a
> > brief intro into it
> > and then talk about all of the great skills and learning opportunities it
> > incorporates. With
> > an age range of 4 to 10, however, it will be interesting to make it
> > interesting to everyone. I
> > was thinking of getting permission to hide 2 temporary boxes in or around
> > the library in
> > addition to the one already there so that three different age groups would
> > have a chance
> > to search.
> >
> > I would love thoughts and comments and ideas on this from anyone and those
> > who have
> > done a program like this before.
> >
> > I am certain to emphasize responsibility in the search and to the natural
> > area around the
> > box, as well as gaining the proper permission to hide boxes. I will also
> > make sure I have
> > plenty of spare baggies and paper towels in my trail pack to encourage the
> > on the fly
> > repair aspect of it all too.
> >
> > I'll include links to letterboxing.com and atlasquest too.
> >
> > Thanks for your feedback!
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Barefoot Lucy
> "It's not about footwear, it's about philosophy"
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
no less how to log on to a lb site!
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Barefoot Lucy"
>
> My one thought about such a class is that I would not want to do it as a
> drop-off class. Can you make it a parent-pal class? Kids in that age range
> are likely not going to be good for remembering what we letterboxers think
> is important (rehiding well, food-free hands, discretion) and it's important
> that everyone understand that the adult is in charge when letterboxing.
>
> On 5/10/07, Lisa (Taplin) Murray
> >
> > I have been asked to do a short program about letterboxing at the Bangor
> > Public Library
> > (Maine) this summer for kids aged 4 through 10. I've been boxing for over
> > 4 years now
> > and am a librarian myself (and have letterboxing kids) so I thought it
> > would be fun. Any
> > ideas on what I should do? There is a box hidden in the library already. I
> > was thinking of
> > compiling a list of clues to a few local kid-friendly boxes for everyone
> > to take home and
> > maybe make up a sample trail kit for the kids to look at. I would give a
> > brief intro into it
> > and then talk about all of the great skills and learning opportunities it
> > incorporates. With
> > an age range of 4 to 10, however, it will be interesting to make it
> > interesting to everyone. I
> > was thinking of getting permission to hide 2 temporary boxes in or around
> > the library in
> > addition to the one already there so that three different age groups would
> > have a chance
> > to search.
> >
> > I would love thoughts and comments and ideas on this from anyone and those
> > who have
> > done a program like this before.
> >
> > I am certain to emphasize responsibility in the search and to the natural
> > area around the
> > box, as well as gaining the proper permission to hide boxes. I will also
> > make sure I have
> > plenty of spare baggies and paper towels in my trail pack to encourage the
> > on the fly
> > repair aspect of it all too.
> >
> > I'll include links to letterboxing.com and atlasquest too.
> >
> > Thanks for your feedback!
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Barefoot Lucy
> "It's not about footwear, it's about philosophy"
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
Re: [LbNA] Letterboxing Program ideas?
From: alwayschaos (alwayschaos@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2007-05-11 21:26:30 UTC
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Lisa (Taplin) Murray"
wrote:
> Oh, it is kids AND parents for sure. My 5 year old can't remember to
put his underwear on, no less how to log on to a lb site!
>
LOL--too funny!
I agree about making it a parent/child endeavor for liability issues,
but also because the 4 year old is going to need a lot of hands on help.
Does your library have a reading theme for the summer? Perhaps tying
it into that would be fun.
In creating program for kids before, one of the things I've learned is
not to pack so much into the activity that you get pressed for time.
Sometimes it's better to just whet their appetites and leave them
curious for more. Certainly this will be true with such a diverse age
group. I would also be careful to keep it at the kid level even though
parents will be there.
Good luck--sounds like fun!
> Oh, it is kids AND parents for sure. My 5 year old can't remember to
put his underwear on, no less how to log on to a lb site!
>
LOL--too funny!
I agree about making it a parent/child endeavor for liability issues,
but also because the 4 year old is going to need a lot of hands on help.
Does your library have a reading theme for the summer? Perhaps tying
it into that would be fun.
In creating program for kids before, one of the things I've learned is
not to pack so much into the activity that you get pressed for time.
Sometimes it's better to just whet their appetites and leave them
curious for more. Certainly this will be true with such a diverse age
group. I would also be careful to keep it at the kid level even though
parents will be there.
Good luck--sounds like fun!