Letterboxing ~ By Dionna Sanchez

I read an article over a year ago about "Letterboxing." It's a family activity that gets your children outdoors enjoying nature - combined with a fun scavenger hunt.  I had wanted to try it with our family but didn't get the chance to until we visited my parents in Oregon.  We were trying to come up with something to do together and I suggested trying to on a letterbox walk.

We went to http://www.letterboxing.org and looked under our state and county.  Then you just find the area and walk you want to try.  We found one not too far away and printed out the letterbox scavenger hunt directions to take with us.  We drove to our destination and got out to begin our walk.

We had a total blast.  We were led to a path that we didn't know was there and found numerous points along the way that brought up discussions or cause for laughter.  We brought along our camera and took pictures next to beautiful old trees, cool little bridges, and more.

Our walk took a couple of hours until we found the box hidden in its spot.  Our biggest mistake was that we forgot to bring our water bottles with us so we were all extremely thirsty by the end of our walk. But we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

I highly recommend "Letterboxing." It is a great family experience to get everyone outside in nature and it's free!  The kids especially like uncovering the box and signing it or stamping it.  And I guarantee that your family will create a great memory together.

Give it a try and discover a whole new fun family activity - just as we did.

~ Dionna Sanchez loves to find new fun and free activities for her family to do.  You can visit her page of ideas at: http://emphasisonmoms.com/new_page_6.htm